Wilfried J.J. Meijer - Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM) - Instituto de Biología Molecular "Eladio Viñuela" (CSIC)

Cuándo

Información de contacto

Nombre de contacto

Inma Hernández

Correo electrónico

ihernandez@cells.es

Página web

https://indico.cells.es/event/66/

Abstract

Numerous bacteria contain plasmids, which are extrachromosomal, autonomously replicating units. Many plasmids encode transfer function allowing them to be transferred into plasmid-free bacteria by a process named conjugation. Besides these genes and those that are necessary for replication and maintenance, conjugative plasmids often carry antibiotic resistance genes. Consequently, conjugative plasmids can spread antibiotic resistance genes to other cells. In fact, conjugation is the major mechanism in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Currently, antibiotic resistance is a serious problem, and strategies to combat this threat are urgently needed. Due its importance in spreading antibiotic resistance several conjugative plasmids have been studied in considerable detail. However, most information is limited to conjugative elements present in Gram negative bacteria. In our laboratory we study the native conjugative plasmid pLS20 of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Here our progress in the understanding of various aspects of this plasmid will be presented, with a specific focus on transcriptional regulation of the conjugation genes.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Inma Hernández (ihernandez@cells.es) with your Identity Card number and name to obtain the ALBA access.