Cornell researchers have unveiled a new mechanism by which transposons, or "jumping genes", survive and proliferate in bacteria with linear DNA. Their study published in Science demonstrates that these transposons can insert themselves at the telomeres of chromosomes, which is particularly significant in Streptomyces, a major contributor to antibiotic development. By targeting telomeres, transposons minimize the risk of disrupting essential cellular functions, aiding in their propagation while enhancing antibiotic resistance. This discovery opens avenues for biotechnology advancements and drug development, showcasing the dynamic nature of bacterial genetics.
Transposons, or 'jumping genes', play a crucial role in bacterial evolution and antibiotic resistance, as they can move within bacterial genomes.
Researchers have discovered that transposons target telomeres in linear chromosomes, significantly influencing the biology of bacteria like Streptomyces.
The study reveals that inserting at telomeres helps transposons avoid disrupting essential genes, enhancing their survival and propagation in bacterial hosts.
Bacteria, seen as 'little tinkerers', constantly collect mobile DNA, with transposons being key players in the development of new functions.
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