Membrane vesicles and horizontal gene transfer in prokaryotes

Membrane vesicles (MVs) are released from all living cells. MVs are lumen-containing spheres of lipid-bilayers derived from the cell surface. MVs are biologically active and contain various components, including genetic material. Both chromosomal and plasmid DNA, as well as different types of RNA have been detected in MVs. Vesicle-mediated transfer of genes coding for antibiotic resistance, virulence and metabolic traits has been reported in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and in Archaea. MVs can persist over time in natural environments. Here we review the characteristics of and the role of MVs in horizontal gene transfer (HGT) processes in prokaryotes.