Investigating the function and expression of frequently transferred genes in bacterial genomes

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Integrons are genetic elements discovered through their prominent role in the emergence and dissemination of multiple antibiotic resistances in the environment. They are rapidly-evolving "hot-spots" in genomes, allowing bacteria to gain and loose genes very rapidly. This project aims at understanding what functions are performed by genes associated with integrons and what triggers their activity. For that purpose, we use the integrons of Vibrio as a model system. Vibrio are abundant bacteria in the marine environment, playing a significant role in natural ecosystems and a devastating role in pathogenesis of humans and marine animals. Among the most notable is Vibrio cholerae, perhaps one of the worst pathogens in human history, responsible for numerous pandemics causing hundreds of thousands of death. Vibrios also cause disease in fish and prawns, resulting in significant economic loss for the aquaculture sector and bleaching of some corals - threatening one of the richest ecosystems on earth. Understanding how the most variable part of their genome contributes to their adaptability is critical to managing and containing these organisms.