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Factors influencing horizontal gene transfer in the intestine

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 April 2018

Ximin Zeng  and
Jun Lin
Ximin Zeng
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-4574, USA
Jun Lin*
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-4574, USA
*
*Corresponding author. E-mail: jlin6@utk.edu
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Abstract

Antibiotic resistance (AR) is ancient. Use of antibiotics is a selective driving force that enriches AR genes and promotes the emergence of resistant pathogens. It also has been widely accepted that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) occurs everywhere and plays a critical role in the transmission of AR genes among bacteria. However, our understanding of HGT processes primarily build on extensive in vitro studies; to date, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding in situ HGT events as well as the factors that influence HGT in different ecological niches. This review is focused on the HGT process in the intestinal tract, a ‘melting pot’ for gene exchange. Several factors that potentially influence in vivo HGT efficiency in the intestine are identified and summarized, which include SOS-inducing agents, stress hormones, microbiota and microbiota-derived factors. We highlight recent discoveries demonstrating that certain antibiotics, which are widely used in animal industry, can enhance HGT in the intestine by serving as DNA-damaging, SOS-inducing agents. Despite recent progress, research on in vivo HGT events is still in its infancy. A better understanding of the factors influencing HGT in the intestine is highly warranted for developing effective strategies to mitigate AR in animal production as well as in future agricultural ecosystems.

Keywords

horizontal gene transferantibiotic resistancegut microbiotaSOS responserisk factors
Type
Review Article
Information
Animal Health Research Reviews , Volume 18 , Special Issue 2: Antimicrobial resistance: from basic science to translational innovation , December 2017 , pp. 153 - 159
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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