The function of integron-associated gene cassettes in Vibrio species: the tip of the iceberg

摘要: The integron is a genetic element that incorporates mobile genes termed gene cassettes into reserved site via site-specific recombination. It best known for its role in antibiotic resistance with one type of integron, the class 1 major player dissemination across Gram negative pathogens and commensals. However, integrons are ancient structures over 100 classes (including 1) present bacteria from broader environment. While, only example an being mobilised clinical environment, it by far most successful. Unlike which largely found on plasmids, other chromosomes carry diverse indicating non-antibiotic role(s). there very limited knowledge what these alternative roles are. This particularly relevant to Vibrio species where make up approximately 1-3% their entire genome. In this review, we discuss how emphasis research has resulted understanding wider community capacity be counterproductive solving or improving problem future. Furthermore, still significant lack drive adaptation evolution. From V. rotiferianus DAT722, new insight affect cellular physiology offers cassette resource. At least subset involved host surface polysaccharide modification suggesting may important processes such as bacteriophage resistance, adhesion/biofilm formation, protection grazers bacterial aggregation.