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Self-transmissibility of the integrative and conjugative element ICEPm1 between clinical isolates requires a

Erika L Flannery1, Samantha M Antczak, Harry L T Mobley

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, 5641 Medical Science Building II, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.

Journal of Bacteriology
|June 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) like ICEPm1 can move between bacteria. This study shows ICEPm1, found in UTI-causing Proteus mirabilis, can excise, move, and integrate into new bacterial genes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are mobile genetic elements found on bacterial chromosomes.
  • Proteus mirabilis is a significant cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Genomic islands with ICE properties are increasingly recognized for their role in bacterial adaptation and spread.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a novel integrative and conjugative element (ICEPm1) identified in Proteus mirabilis.
  • To investigate the mobility, integration, and transfer mechanisms of ICEPm1.
  • To assess the prevalence and significance of ICEPm1 in clinical UTI isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Identification and annotation of ICEPm1 in Proteus mirabilis.
  • Analysis of ICEPm1 excision and integration using molecular techniques.
  • Plate mating assays to quantify ICEPm1 transfer frequency between bacterial strains.
  • Mutational analysis of key genes (integrase, relaxase) to determine their role in ICEPm1 mobility.

Main Results:

  • ICEpM1 actively and integrase-dependently excises from the P. mirabilis chromosome.
  • ICEpM1 integrates into either the pheV or pheU phenylalanine tRNA genes.
  • Transfer frequency of ICEPm1 was determined to be 1.35 × 10⁻⁵ transconjugants/donor.
  • Disruption of integrase or relaxase genes significantly impaired or abolished ICEPm1 transfer, confirming self-transmissibility.

Conclusions:

  • ICEpM1 is a self-transmissible integrative and conjugative element in Proteus mirabilis.
  • ICEpM1 possesses a functional conjugation machinery enabling its transfer between bacteria.
  • The mobility and integration flexibility of ICEPm1 may contribute to the dissemination of virulence factors in UTI pathogens.

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