Unveiling the Secret Life of Jumping Genes in Bacteria

**Cornell University researchers** have discovered new mechanisms of how *transposons*, or 'jumping genes', operate within bacteria exhibiting linear DNA. Traditionally known for their ability to move across genetic material, these genes are pivotal in bacterial evolution and their resistance to antibiotics. The study, published in *Science*, outlines how these transposons target telomeres—the ends of linear chromosomes—in bacteria, using unique mechanisms. This activity allows transposons to avoid disrupting essential genes located in the middle of chromosomes, ultimately helping them survive and propagate within their bacterial hosts. **In Streptomyces, a key bacterium in antibiotic production,** a third of chromosomes are regulated by transposons, providing significant evolutionary advantage. Moreover, the research found that some transposon subfamilies co-opt CRISPR systems to enhance their ability to target chromosome ends. This has implications for biotechnology, particularly in drug development and gene-editing technologies, offering a potential method to insert larger DNA sections compared to current CRISPR-Cas systems. The study shines light on transposons' role in bacterial adaptation and antibiotic resistance, suggesting future pathways in controlling bacterial evolution for therapeutic benefits.