Into the Thermus Mobilome: Presence, Diversity and Recent Activities of Insertion Sequences Across Thermus spp.
Author: Blesa Esteban, Alba; Sánchez, Mercedes; Sacristán-Horcajada, Eva; González-de la Fuente, Sandra; Peiró, Ramón; Berenguer, José
Abstract: : A high level of transposon-mediated genome rearrangement is a common trait among
microorganisms isolated from thermal environments, probably contributing to the extraordinary
genomic plasticity and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) observed in these habitats. In this work,
active and inactive insertion sequences (ISs) spanning the sequenced members of the genus Thermus
were characterized, with special emphasis on three T. thermophilus strains: HB27, HB8, and NAR1.
A large number of full ISs and fragments derived from different IS families were found, concentrating
within megaplasmids present in most isolates. Potentially active ISs were identified through analysis
of transposase integrity, and domestication-related transposition events of ISTth7 were identified
in laboratory-adapted HB27 derivatives. Many partial copies of ISs appeared throughout the
genome, which may serve as specific targets for homologous recombination contributing to genome
rearrangement. Moreover, recruitment of IS1000 32 bp segments as spacers for CRISPR sequence
was identified, pointing to the adaptability of these elements in the biology of these thermophiles.
Further knowledge about the activity and functional diversity of ISs in this genus may contribute to
the generation of engineered transposons as new genetic tools, and enrich our understanding of the
outstanding plasticity shown by these thermophiles.
Universal identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10641/1970
Date: 2019
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