Bacterial conjugation: a potential tool for genomic engineering

Matxalen Llosa; Fernando de la Cruz

doi:10.1016/j.resmic.2004.07.008

Bacterial conjugation: a potential tool for genomic engineering

Res Microbiol. 2005 Jan-Feb;156(1):1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.resmic.2004.07.008.

Authors

Matxalen Llosa¹, Fernando de la Cruz

Affiliation

¹ Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad de Cantabria, C. Herrera Oria s/n, 39011 Santander, Spain. [email protected]

PMID: 15636742
DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2004.07.008

Abstract

Bacterial conjugation is a mechanism for horizontal DNA transfer with potential for universal DNA delivery. The conjugal machinery can be separated into three functional modules: the relaxosome, the coupling protein, and a type IV protein secretion system. Module interchangeability among different conjugative systems opens up the possibility of "a la carte" engineering of DNA delivery into virtually any cell type.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Bacteria / genetics*
Conjugation, Genetic*
DNA, Bacterial / genetics
DNA, Bacterial / metabolism
Gene Transfer, Horizontal*
Genetic Engineering / methods*

Substances

DNA, Bacterial