Advances in discovery and mechanism of natural transformation in Riemerella anatipestifer

Abstract:

Natural transformation, a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer, plays an important role in the generation of genetic diversity, the repair of DNA damage, and the spread of drug resistance genes and virulence genes. Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) is the first bacterium of Weeksellaceae found to be able to undergo natural transformation. We established a variety of gene editing methods based on this property, which accelerated the research on the genetic diversity and pathogenic mechanism of RA. In addition, we identified the essential nutrients for natural transformation of RA through systematically screening the factors affecting the natural transformation. Subsequently, we identified the essential genes involved in natural transformation by screening the mutant library. Finally, we discovered a unique system of natural transformation in RA. Reviewing the studies of natural transformation in other bacteria, we introduced the research progress in the natural transformation of RA, aiming to deeply understand the natural transformation mechanism of this bacterium and provide references for further deciphering the mechanisms of drug resistance and virulence gene acquisition of this bacterium.