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Integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) of microorganisms

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Abstract

Integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) are a large group of mobile elements found in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These genetic elements are replicated by incorporation into the host chromosome, but retain the capability of excision and conjugative transfer. A set of genes in ICEs enables conjugative transfer and control of element removal and integration into the host chromosome. These features indicate that ICEs are directly involved in processes of horizontal transfer of genetic determinants, which increase the adaptive potential of bacterial species, and can also function as universal mobilizing factors for other genetic elements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Volgograd Anti-Plaque Research Institute, Federal Service for Monitoring of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, Volgograd, 400131, Russia

    I. B. Zakharova & D. V. Viktorov

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  1. I. B. Zakharova
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  2. D. V. Viktorov
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Correspondence to D. V. Viktorov.

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Original Russian Text © I.B. Zakharova, D.V. Viktorov, 2015, published in Molekulyarnaya Genetika, Mikrobiologiya i Virusologiya, 2015, No. 3, pp. 9–16.

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Zakharova, I.B., Viktorov, D.V. Integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) of microorganisms. Mol. Genet. Microbiol. Virol. 30, 114–123 (2015). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0891416815030076

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