鸭疫里默氏杆菌自然转化的发现及机制研究进展

Advances in discovery and mechanism of natural transformation in Riemerella anatipestifer

摘要:

自然转化(natural transformation)是微生物水平基因转移的一种重要机制，其在遗传多样性的产生或修复DNA损伤等方面发挥着重要作用，并且与耐药基因、毒力因子的扩散息息相关。鸭疫里默氏杆菌(Riemerella anatipestifer, RA)是威克斯菌科中第一个被发现可以发生自然转化的细菌，本文作者利用此特点建立了多种基因编辑的方法，促进了对其遗传多样性和致病机理的研究进程。通过系统性地研究影响鸭疫里默氏杆菌自然转化的因素，鉴定出了参与该菌自然转化的营养物质；通过筛选转座子插入突变体文库，鉴定出了参与该过程的必需基因；最终，在该菌发现了一种新型的自然转化系统。本文结合其他细菌自然转化研究进展，针对以上研究结果进行综述，以期对该菌的自然转化机制有更深入的理解，也为更进一步探明该菌的耐药和毒力基因获得机制提供参考。

Abstract:

Natural transformation, a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer, plays an important role in the generation of genetic diversity, the repair of DNA damage, and the spread of drug resistance genes and virulence genes. Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) is the first bacterium of Weeksellaceae found to be able to undergo natural transformation. We established a variety of gene editing methods based on this property, which accelerated the research on the genetic diversity and pathogenic mechanism of RA. In addition, we identified the essential nutrients for natural transformation of RA through systematically screening the factors affecting the natural transformation. Subsequently, we identified the essential genes involved in natural transformation by screening the mutant library. Finally, we discovered a unique system of natural transformation in RA. Reviewing the studies of natural transformation in other bacteria, we introduced the research progress in the natural transformation of RA, aiming to deeply understand the natural transformation mechanism of this bacterium and provide references for further deciphering the mechanisms of drug resistance and virulence gene acquisition of this bacterium.