PURPOSE
The main purposes of the Mobile Genetic Elements SIG are:
To serve as a focal point for the study and advancement of mobile genetic element research within Australia, in a one health context.
To establish a supportive, and inclusive network of mobile genetic element researchers across all segments of the Australian microbiology community.
To foster participation and discourse on mobile genetic element research through the organisation of workshops, seminars, and symposia. To ensure that new voices and ideas are heard within these events.
To advocate for and promote the research of mobile genetic elements to government, funding bodies, media, and the broader community.
SCOPE
Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are segments of DNA that move within and between bacterial, archaeal and fungal genomes. The horizontal transfer of MGEs is an important mechanism of microbial evolution and has played a significant role in the evolution of pathogenesis, virulence, symbiosis and other adaptations. Importantly, they are also a major contributor to the rise of multi-drug resistant organisms. MGEs are relevant in human and animal health, and in the environment, and an understanding of the dissemination and ecology of these elements is only now being realised. Research on MGEs has driven advances in many areas, including genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology and medicine, and their impact on society is far reaching. All MGEs fall within the scope of this SIG, and examples include but are not limited to conjugative and non-conjugative plasmids, integrative and conjugative genetic elements (ICEs), transposons and insertion sequences, bacteriophages, and mobile gene cassettes.
The focus of this SIG is to serve as a central point for the discussion, collaboration, and promotion of research on MGE elements within Australia. Owing to recent advances in technology, there has been renewed interest in understanding MGEs, and applying them to solve societal problems including antibiotic resistance, and climate change. This SIG will play an important role in fostering the research of MGEs within the Australian microbiology community.