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Conjugative Mating Assays for Sequence-specific Analysis of Transfer Proteins Involved in Bacterial Conjugation
Published on: January 4, 2017
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Transfer of DNA from Bacteria to Eukaryotes
Benoît Lacroix1, Vitaly Citovsky2
1Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York, USA benoit.lacroix@stonybrook.edu.
Mbio
|July 14, 2016
Summary
Bacterial DNA transfer to eukaryotic cells, once thought unique to Agrobacterium, is more common than previously believed. This horizontal gene transfer, mediated by type IV secretion systems (T4SSs), has significant evolutionary implications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Historically, Agrobacterium was considered the sole bacterium capable of natural DNA transfer to eukaryotic hosts.
- Emerging evidence indicates a broader range of bacteria can genetically transform eukaryotic cells.
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacteria to eukaryotes is increasingly recognized as a key evolutionary force.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for widespread bacterial DNA transfer to eukaryotic cells.
- To explore the mechanisms, evolutionary significance, and potential applications of this inter-kingdom genetic exchange.
- To highlight bacteria beyond Agrobacterium capable of host cell transformation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing genomic data and scientific literature.
- Analysis of reported cases of bacterial transformation of eukaryotic cells.
- Focus on the role of type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) in mediating DNA transfer.
Main Results:
- Genomic data reveal instances of HGT from bacteria to eukaryotes.
- Bacteria such as Bartonella henselae, Rhizobium etli, and Escherichia coli demonstrate host cell transformation capabilities in laboratory settings.
- Type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are identified as the primary molecular machinery for this DNA transfer.
Conclusions:
- The ability to transfer genetic material to eukaryotes is not exclusive to Agrobacterium.
- Bacterial transformation of eukaryotic cells is a more prevalent phenomenon with significant evolutionary consequences.
- Understanding these mechanisms opens avenues for novel biotechnological applications.
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