Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICEs): What They Do and How They Work

What is it about?

Bacteria are able to exchange genes between peers, allowing the rapid evolution of new traits. This capability is frequently mediated by biological entities called mobile genetic elements. This work reviews what is known about Integrative and Conjugative Elements, a particular class of mobile genetic element that enables contact-dependent transfer of DNA between bacteria.

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Why is it important?

Integrative and conjugative elements can transfer genes that allow bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics or cause diseases in people and animals. These same capabilities can also be harnessed to engineer bacteria with new, beneficial capabilities. We review the discovery of this type of mobile genetic element and what is know about how they function.