Diversity and Evolution of Integrative and Conjugative Elements Involved in Bacterial Aromatic Compound Degradation and Their Utility in Environmental Remediation

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are mobile DNA molecules that can be transferred through excision, conjugation, and integration into chromosomes. They contribute to the horizontal transfer of genomic islands across bacterial species. ICEs carrying genes encoding aromatic compound degradation pathways are of interest because of their contribution to environmental remediation. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology have increased the number of newly discovered ICEs in bacterial genomes and have enabled comparative analysis of their evolution. The two different families of ICEs carry various aromatic compound degradation pathway genes. ICEclc and its related ICEs contain a number of members with diverse catabolic capabilities. In addition, the Tn4371 family, which includes ICEs that carry the chlorinated biphenyl catabolic pathway, has been identified. It is apparent that they underwent evolution through the acquisition, deletion, or exchange of modules to adapt to an environmental niche. ICEs have the property of both stability and mobility in the chromosome. Perspectives on the use of ICEs in environmental remediation are also discussed.