Publication Date

3-21-2023

Journal

Journal of Bacteriology

DOI

10.1128/jb.00438-22

PMID

36847532

PMCID

PMC10029717

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

2-27-2023

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

Plasmids, Type IV Secretion Systems, Conjugation, Genetic, Gene Transfer, Horizontal, Bacterial Proteins, commensalism, conjugation, horizontal gene transfer, plasmids, bacterial immunity, cell envelope

Abstract

Bacterial conjugation, a form of horizontal gene transfer, relies on a type 4 secretion system (T4SS) and a set of nonstructural genes that are closely linked. These nonstructural genes aid in the mobile lifestyle of conjugative elements but are not part of the T4SS apparatus for conjugative transfer, such as the membrane pore and relaxosome, or the plasmid maintenance and replication machineries. While these nonstructural genes are not essential for conjugation, they assist in core conjugative functions and mitigate the cellular burden on the host. This review compiles and categorizes known functions of nonstructural genes by the stage of conjugation they modulate: dormancy, transfer, and new host establishment. Themes include establishing a commensalistic relationship with the host, manipulating the host for efficient T4SS assembly and function and assisting in conjugative evasion of recipient cell immune functions. These genes, taken in a broad ecological context, play important roles in ensuring proper propagation of the conjugation system in a natural environment.

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