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Competence and natural transformation in vibrios
Author(s) -
Sun Yan,
Bernardy Eryn E.,
Hammer Brian K.,
Miyashiro Tim
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1111/mmi.12307
Subject(s) - biology , competence (human resources) , transformation (genetics) , genetics , gene , social psychology , psychology
Summary Natural transformation is a major mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria. By incorporating exogenous DNA elements into chromosomes, bacteria are able to acquire new traits that can enhance their fitness in different environments. Within the past decade, numerous studies have revealed that natural transformation is prevalent among members of the V ibrionaceae , including the pathogen V ibrio cholerae . Four environmental factors: (i) nutrient limitation, (ii) availability of extracellular nucleosides, (iii) high cell density and (iv) the presence of chitin, promote genetic competence and natural transformation in V ibrio cholerae by co‐ordinating expression of the regulators CRP , CytR , HapR and TfoX respectively. Studies of other V ibrionaceae members highlight the general importance of natural transformation within this bacterial family.