Work

Gene Transfer Potential of Outer Membrane Vesicles of Gram-Negative Bacteria

Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: The increasing spread of multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria is one of the major threats to public health worldwide. Bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance and virulence genes through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). A novel horizontal gene transfer mechanism mediated by outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) has been recently identified. OMVs are rounded nanostructures released during their growth by Gram-negative bacteria. Biologically active toxins and virulence factors are often entrapped within these vesicles that behave as molecular carriers. Recently, OMVs have been reported to contain DNA molecules, but little is known about the vesicle packaging, release, and transfer mechanisms. The present review highlights the role of OMVs in HGT processes in Gram-negative bacteria.
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,160
OpenAlex ID: W3167521189
FWCI: 7.285
Cites: 90
Cited by: 107
Related to: 10