Phage-inducible chromosomal islands promote genetic variability by blocking phage reproduction and protecting transductants from phage lysis.

ABSTRACT: Phage-inducible chromosomal islands (PICIs) are a widespread family of highly mobile genetic elements that disseminate virulence and toxin genes among bacterial populations. Since their life cycle involves induction by helper phages, they are important players in phage evolution and ecology. PICIs can interfere with the lifecycle of their helper phages at different stages resulting frequently in reduced phage production after infection of a PICI-containing strain. Since phage defense systems have been recently shown to be beneficial for the acquisition of exogenous DNA via horizontal gene transfer, we hypothesized that PICIs could provide a similar benefit to their hosts and tested the impact of PICIs in recipient strains on host cell viability, phage propagation and transfer of genetic ma

SUBMITTER: Ibarra-Chavez R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8989297 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature