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Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: March 10, 2017
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Membrane vesicles and horizontal gene transfer in prokaryotes.
Sara Domingues1, Kaare M Nielsen2
1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|April 26, 2017
Summary
Membrane vesicles (MVs) facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in prokaryotes. These cell-derived vesicles carry genetic material, enabling trait dissemination across diverse microbial domains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Membrane vesicles (MVs) are released by all living cells, originating from the cell surface.
- These vesicles are lipid bilayers enclosing cellular components, including genetic material like DNA and RNA.
- MVs are known to be biologically active and can persist in natural environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of membrane vesicles (MVs) in prokaryotes.
- To elucidate the role of MVs in mediating horizontal gene transfer (HGT) processes.
- To highlight the significance of MVs in the dissemination of genetic traits.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on membrane vesicles and horizontal gene transfer.
- Analysis of reported findings on the composition and function of MVs.
- Synthesis of information regarding vesicle-mediated gene transfer in prokaryotes.
Main Results:
- MVs contain both chromosomal and plasmid DNA, as well as various RNA types.
- Vesicle-mediated transfer of genes conferring antibiotic resistance, virulence, and metabolic traits has been documented.
- Gene transfer via MVs occurs across Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and Archaea.
Conclusions:
- Membrane vesicles are significant mediators of horizontal gene transfer in prokaryotes.
- The ability of MVs to carry and transfer diverse genetic material underscores their role in microbial evolution and adaptation.
- MVs represent a crucial mechanism for genetic exchange and trait dissemination in microbial communities.
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