[Mobile gene cassettes and DNA integration elements ].
Integrons are unique natural systems for capturing and spreading the antibiotic resistance genes among Gram-negative bacteria. Gene transfer into small genomes and into plasmids is via site-specific recombination. Integrons act as receptors of antibiotic resistance cassettes. There are known more than 50 cassettes conferring resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, and other antibiotics. The structure of integrons and of gene cassettes are described and the mechanisms of capture, mobilization, and expression of cassettes considered.
Kovalevskaia
N P
NP
Institute of Microbial Ecology and Genetics, Ural Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, 614081 Russia. nina_kov@mail.ru
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial / Q000235:genetics*; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D009876:Operon; D011995:Recombination, Genetic
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents