Small extracellular particles with big potential for horizontal gene transfer: membrane vesicles and gene transfer agents | Zendy

Marc P. Grüll | Zendy; Martin E. Mulligan | Zendy; Andrew S. Lang | Zendy

Open Access

Small extracellular particles with big potential for horizontal gene transfer: membrane vesicles and gene transfer agents

Author(s) -

Marc P. Grüll,

Martin E. Mulligan,

Andrew S. Lang

Publication year - 2018

Publication title -

fems microbiology letters

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899

H-Index - 151

eISSN - 1574-6968

pISSN - 0378-1097

DOI - 10.1093/femsle/fny192

Subject(s) - horizontal gene transfer , biogenesis , extracellular , gene transfer , extracellular vesicles , gene , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , vesicle , biology , chemistry , membrane , biophysics , genetics , genome

Bacteria are known to release different types of particles that serve various purposes such as the processing of metabolites, communication, and the transfer of genetic material. One of the most interesting aspects of the production of such particles is the biogenesis and trafficking of complex particles that can carry DNA, RNA, proteins or toxins into the surrounding environment to aid in bacterial survival or lead to gene transfer. Two important bacterial extracellular complexes are membrane vesicles and gene transfer agents. In this review, we will discuss the production, contents and functions of these two types of particles as related to their abilities to facilitate horizontal gene transfer.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.

Having issues? You can contact us here

Accelerating Research