Publications by authors named "Sarah Werner Lass"
Bacterial cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), the function of which is a matter of intense investigation. Here, we show that the EVs secreted by the human pathogen (pneumococcus) are associated with bacterial DNA on their surface and can deliver this DNA to the transformation machinery of competent cells. These findings suggest that EVs contribute to gene transfer in Gram-positive bacteria and, in doing so, may promote the spread of drug resistance genes in the population.
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- Bacterial cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are being actively studied for their functions.
- The study reveals that EVs from the human pathogen pneumococcus carry bacterial DNA on their surface and can transfer this DNA to other bacterial cells capable of taking it up.
- This process may enhance gene transfer among Gram-positive bacteria, potentially facilitating the spread of drug resistance genes.