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The Phage-Inducible Chromosomal Islands: A Family of Highly Evolved Molecular Parasites

José R Penadés1, Gail E Christie2

  • 1Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Glasgow, United Kingdom;

Annual Review of Virology
|March 10, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Phage-inducible chromosomal islands (PICIs) are mobile genetic elements that spread via temperate phages. These elements manipulate phage life cycles, aiding bacterial adaptation and virulence while hindering phage reproduction.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Phage-inducible chromosomal islands (PICIs) are mobile genetic elements found in gram-positive bacteria.
  • They are known to contribute to horizontal gene transfer, host adaptation, and virulence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the genetics and life cycle of PICIs.
  • To emphasize PICI interactions with helper phages.
  • To analyze the role of PICIs in bacterial and viral evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PICI genetics and life cycles.
  • Analysis of PICI-mediated manipulation of helper phage machinery.
  • Discussion of PICI's role in bacterial and viral evolution.

Main Results:

  • PICIs are molecular parasites that exploit temperate phages for their own propagation.
  • PICI mechanisms interfere with helper phage reproduction, benefiting the bacterial population.
  • PICIs significantly influence bacterial and viral evolutionary trajectories.

Conclusions:

  • PICIs are key drivers of horizontal gene transfer and bacterial adaptation.
  • The interplay between PICIs and phages shapes microbial evolution.
  • Understanding PICI-phage interactions is crucial for comprehending bacterial and viral evolution.
Keywords:
bacteriophageevolutionhorizontal gene transfermolecular piracypathogenicity islandvirulence

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