MIX and match: mobile T6SS MIX effectors enhance bacterial fitness
ABSTRACT Protein secretion systems that mediate interbacterial competition secret a wide repertoire of antibacterial toxins. A major player in these competitions is the newly discovered bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) We recently found that a subset of polymorphic MIX effectors, which are a widespread class of effectors secreted by T6SSs, are horizontally shared between marine bacteria and are used to diversify their T6SS effector repertoires, thus enhancing their environmental fitness. In this commentary, I expand on the ideas that were introduced in the previous report, and further speculate on the possible mobility of other MIX effectors. In addition, I discuss the possible role of horizontal gene transfer in the dissemination of MIX effectors through bacterial genomes, as well as its possible role in diversifying the T6SS effector repertoire.
Mobile genetic elements