Department of Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan.
Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan.
Microb Biotechnol. 2024 Jan;17(1):e14408. doi: 10.1111/1751-7915.14408. Epub 2024 Jan 16.
Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are crucial for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in bacteria and facilitate their rapid evolution and adaptation. MGEs include plasmids, integrative and conjugative elements, transposons, insertion sequences and bacteriophages. Notably, the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), which poses a serious threat to public health, is primarily attributable to HGT through MGEs. This mini-review aims to provide an overview of the mechanisms by which MGEs mediate HGT in microbes. Specifically, the behaviour of conjugative plasmids in different environments and conditions was discussed, and recent methodologies for tracing the dynamics of MGEs were summarised. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying HGT and the role of MGEs in bacterial evolution and adaptation is important to develop strategies to combat the spread of ARGs.
移动遗传元件（MGEs）是细菌水平基因转移（HGT）的关键因素，促进了它们的快速进化和适应。MGEs 包括质粒、整合和共轭元件、转座子、插入序列和噬菌体。值得注意的是，抗菌药物耐药基因（ARGs）的传播对公共卫生构成了严重威胁，主要归因于 MGEs 介导的 HGT。本篇综述旨在概述 MGEs 在微生物中介导 HGT 的机制。具体来说，讨论了不同环境和条件下的可移动质粒的行为，并总结了用于追踪 MGEs 动态的最新方法。深入了解 HGT 的机制以及 MGEs 在细菌进化和适应中的作用对于制定策略来对抗 ARGs 的传播至关重要。
