Tracking and characterization of a novel conjugative transposon identified by shotgun transposon mutagenesis.

ABSTRACT: The horizontal transfer of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) is an essential process determining the functional and genomic diversity of bacterial populations. MGEs facilitate the exchange of fitness determinant genes like antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. Various computational methods exist to identify potential MGEs, but confirming their ability to transfer requires additional experimental approaches. Here, we apply a transposon (Tn) mutagenesis technique for confirming mobilization without the need for targeted mutations. Using this method, we identified two MGEs, including a previously known conjugative transposon (CTn) called BoCTn found in Bacteroides ovatus and a novel CTn, PvCTn, identified in Phocaeicola vulgatus. In addition, Tn mutagenesis and

SUBMITTER: Ortanez J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11005914 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature