The effect of site-specific recombinases XerCD on the removal of over-replicated chromosomal DNA through outer membrane vesicles in bacteria.

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are universally produced by Gram-negative bacteria and play important roles in symbiotic and pathogenic interactions. The DNA from the lumen of OMVs from the Alphaproteobacterium was previously shown to be enriched for the region around the terminus of replication and specifically for the recognition sequence of the two site-specific recombinases XerCD. These enzymes are highly conserved in bacteria and play an important role in the last phase of cell division.

Shared properties of gene transfer agent and core genes revealed by comparative genomics of Alphaproteobacteria.

Gene transfer agents (GTAs) are phage-like particles that transfer pieces of cellular genomic DNA to other cells. Homologues of the GTA (RcGTA) structural genes are widely distributed in the Alphaproteobacteria and particularly well conserved in the order Rhodobacterales. Possible reasons for their widespread conservation are still being discussed.

The Sixth Element: a 102-kb RepABC Plasmid of Xenologous Origin Modulates Chromosomal Gene Expression in Dinoroseobacter shibae.

The model organism Dinoroseobacter shibae and many other marine (, ) are characterized by a multipartite genome organization. Here, we show that the original isolate (Dshi-6) contained six extrachromosomal replicons (ECRs), whereas the strain deposited at the DSMZ (Dshi-5) lacked a 102-kb plasmid. To determine the role of the sixth plasmid, we investigated the genomic and physiological differences between the two strains.

Fatal affairs - conjugational transfer of a dinoflagellate-killing plasmid between marine .

The roseobacter group of marine bacteria is characterized by a mosaic distribution of ecologically important phenotypes. These are often encoded on mobile extrachromosomal replicons. So far, conjugation had only been experimentally proven between the two model organisms and .