Life history analysis of integrative and conjugative element activation in growing microcolonies of Pseudomonas.

ABSTRACT: Integrative and conjugative elements (ICE) are in some ways parasitic mobile DNA that propagate vertically through replication with the bacterial host chromosome but at low frequencies can excise and invade new recipient cells through conjugation and reintegration (horizontal propagation). The factors that contribute to successful horizontal propagation are not very well understood. Here, we study the influence of host cell life history on the initiation of transfer of a model ICE named ICEclc in bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas. We use time-lapse microscopy of growing and stationary-phase microcolonies of ICEclc bearing cells in combination with physiological staining and gene reporter analysis in stationary-phase suspended cells. We provide evidence that cell age and cell lineage are un

SUBMITTER: Reinhard F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3993348 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature