Mobile genetic elements (MGEs), also called transposable elements (TEs), represent universal components of most genomes and are intimately involved in nearly all aspects of genome organization, function and evolution. However, there is currently a gap between the fast pace of TE discovery in silico, driven by the exponential growth of comparative genomic studies, and a limited number of experim...

An earlier perspective on the diversity of conjugative elements in microbes [1] attempted to provide a broad audience with an introductory overview of the arcane biology of mobile genetic elements and their terminologies. It might well have been entitled ‘‘Plasmids, ICEs, IMEs, and Other Mobile Elements for Dummies,’’ but common sense prevailed. This perspective introduces two related articles ...

Mobile elements make up large portions of most eukaryotic genomes. They create genetic instability, not only through insertional mutation but also by contributing recombination substrates, both during and long after their insertion. The combination of whole-genome sequences and the development of innovative new assays to test the function of mobile elements have increased our understanding of h...

Marine bacteria are possible reservoirs of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) originating not only from clinical and terrestrial hot spots but also the marine environment. We report here for first time a higher rate sulfonamide-resistance gene sul4 in bacterial isolates compared with other sul genes. Among four ( sul1 , sul2 sul3 ), was most abundant (45%) 74 sulfonamide-resistant by PCR screen...