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How do interactions between mobile genetic elements affect horizontal gene transfer?

Tanya Horne1, Victoria T Orr1, James Pj Hall1

  • 1Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom.

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|March 2, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) drive bacterial adaptation through horizontal gene transfer. Their interactions, including collaborations and conflicts, significantly influence trait flow and evolution within microbiomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a key mechanism for bacterial adaptation.
  • Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are the primary drivers of HGT.
  • Interactions between MGEs are increasingly recognized as crucial for trait dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent studies on MGE-MGE interactions.
  • To highlight the role of genome defense systems in mediating these interactions.
  • To outline the evolutionary consequences of MGE interplay.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on MGEs and HGT.
  • Analysis of MGE-MGE collaborations and conflicts.
  • Examination of genome defense mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • MGE-MGE interactions profoundly affect the acquisition and maintenance of genetic material.
  • Collaborations and conflicts between MGEs can promote or inhibit HGT.
  • Genome defense systems play a critical role in regulating MGE-MGE conflicts.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding MGE-MGE interplay is essential for comprehending bacterial evolution.
  • These interactions shape the flow of adaptive traits at molecular, microbiome, and ecosystem levels.
  • Further research into MGE dynamics is crucial for evolutionary and microbiome science.

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