Salmonella Genomic Island 1 requires a self‐encoded small RNA for mobilization

What is it about?

The SGI1-family mobilizable genomic islands and the IncA- and IncC-family plasmids that specifically mobilize the SGI1-like elements are major distributors of antibiotic resistance among enteric bacteria. The sophisticated interactions between SGI1 and its helper plasmid guarantee the efficient horizontal transfer and stability of SGI1 in the host cell. Interestingly, the basic mobilization module of SGI1, including oriT and two mobilization proteins, is unrelated to that of IncC plasmids. Here we report an additional, essential transfer factor encoded by SGI1, which is a small RNA. The mobilization module of SGI1 appears unique due to its atypical relaxase and the newly identified sRNA involved in the horizontal transfer of the island.

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