Competence-mediated DNA uptake diversifies Vibrio cholerae sedentary chromosomal integrons - PubMed
6 hours ago
- #horizontal gene transfer
- #antiviral defense
- #bacterial evolution
- Vibrio cholerae has a sedentary chromosomal integron (SCI) with gene cassettes, some of which provide antiviral defense.
- While stress-induced shuffling of cassettes was thought to occur, the SCI in pandemic strains has remained unchanged for over 60 years.
- SCI diversification actually happens through horizontal transfer: DNA from lysed cells is taken up by naturally competent vibrios.
- This acquired DNA integrates into the first position of the SCI array, enabling strong expression and conferring resistance to phages and other threats.