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E622, a miniature, virulence-associated mobile element

John Stavrinides1, Morgan W B Kirzinger, Federico C Beasley

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. john.stavrinides@gmail.com

Journal of Bacteriology
|November 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Miniature inverted terminal repeat elements (MITEs) are mobile DNA sequences impacting bacterial evolution. Researchers found a MITE, E622, can move genes, including antibiotic resistance, and is widespread in pathogenic bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Genetics
  • Molecular Evolution

Background:

  • Miniature inverted terminal repeat elements (MITEs) are nonautonomous mobile genetic elements.
  • MITEs significantly influence bacterial genome evolution and adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the virulence-associated MITE E622 from Pseudomonas syringae.
  • To investigate the mobility and evolutionary significance of E622 and its parent transposon TnE622.

Main Methods:

  • Antibiotic coupling assay to assess MITE transposition.
  • Genome-level survey to identify homologous inverted repeats in various bacterial species.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of predicted parent transposon structure and gene content.

Main Results:

  • E622 is a 611-bp MITE with nearly perfect 168-bp inverted repeats.
  • E622 demonstrated transposable activity, mobilizing an adjacent antibiotic resistance gene.
  • The parent transposon, TnE622, possesses a typical structure with resolvase, integrase, and exeA-like genes.
  • Homologous inverted repeats were found across diverse genera including Pseudomonas, Salmonella, and cyanobacteria.
  • These elements frequently co-localize with known bacterial virulence genes.

Conclusions:

  • The E622/TnE622 mobile element family is actively transposable and capable of gene mobilization.
  • This mobile element family has played a significant role in the evolution of agriculturally and clinically important pathogenic bacteria.
  • The association of E622/TnE622 with virulence determinants highlights its importance in bacterial pathogenicity and adaptation.

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