Dynamics of the SetCD-regulated integration and excision of genomic islands mobilized by integrating conjugative elements of the SXT/R391 family.

ABSTRACT: Mobilizable genomic islands (MGIs) are small genomic islands that are mobilizable by SXT/R391 integrating conjugative elements (ICEs) due to similar origins of transfer. Their site-specific integration and excision are catalyzed by the integrase that they encode, but their conjugative transfer entirely depends upon the conjugative machinery of SXT/R391 ICEs. In this study, we report the mechanisms that control the excision and integration processes of MGIs. We found that while the MGI-encoded integrase Int(MGI) is sufficient to promote MGI integration, efficient excision from the host chromosome requires the combined action of Int(MGI) and of a novel recombination directionality factor, RdfM. We determined that the genes encoding these proteins are activated by SetCD, the main transcriptio

SUBMITTER: Daccord A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3486078 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature