Pneumococcal extracellular vesicles mediate horizontal gene transfer via the transformation machinery

Abstract excerpt

ABSTRACT Bacterial cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), the function of which is a matter of intense investigation. Here, we show that the EVs secreted by the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) are associated with bacterial DNA on their surface and can deliver this DNA to the transformation machinery of competent cells. These findings suggest that EVs contribute to gene transfer in...

Topics

Share this publication in a Topic to start or enrich a Post.

• Share to Bacterial Infections and Vaccines
• Share to Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management
• Share to Legionella and Acanthamoeba research