超嗜热古菌整合性遗传元件的研究进展

Advances in studies on the integrative genetic elements of hyperthermophilic archaea

摘要:

细菌中整合性遗传元件与DNA修饰和防御、毒力因子传播以及次级代谢等生理功能存在关联，而相关研究在超嗜热古菌中尚处于起步阶段。本文综述了超嗜热古菌中整合性病毒、质粒及基因组岛等整合性遗传元件的分类、整合及维持机制。展示了整合性遗传元件参与的水平基因转移过程在超嗜热古菌基因组演化中扮演的重要角色。整合性遗传元件相关功能基因组学研究为理解超嗜热古菌的多样性及其环境适应性机制提供了新的视角。

Abstract:

The integrative genetic elements involved in the spreading of virulence factors, defense and DNA modification, and secondary metabolism have been characterized in bacteria, but similar investigations on the function of the hyperthermophilic archaeal counterparts are still very rare. This review summarizes the reported groups of integrative genetic elements, the mechanism of integration and maintenance of such genetic elements in hyperthermophilic archaea. The horizontal gene transfer processes mediated by integrative genetic elements play important roles in the genome evolution of hyperthermophilic archaea. Functional genomic studies of integrative genetic elements provide a new perspective for understanding the diversity and environmental adaptability of hyperthermophilic archaea.