Abstract

Horizontal genomics is a new field in prokaryotic biology that is focused on the analysis of DNA sequences in prokaryotic chromosomes that seem to have originated from other prokaryotes or eukaryotes. However, it is equally important to understand the agents that effect DNA movement: plasmids, bacteriophages and transposons. Although these agents occur in all prokaryotes, comprehensive genomics of the prokaryotic mobile gene pool or 'mobilome' lags behind other genomics initiatives owing to challenges that are distinct from cellular chromosomal analysis. Recent work shows promise of improved mobile genetic element (MGE) genomics and consequent opportunities to take advantage — and avoid the dangers — of these 'natural genetic engineers'. This review describes MGEs, their properties that are important in horizontal gene transfer, and current opportunities to advance MGE genomics.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences Centre, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.
2. Service de Conformation de Macromolécules Biologiques et de Bioinformatique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium.
3. Department of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Building, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-2605, USA.

Correspondence to: Anne O. Summers³ Email: summers@uga.edu

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