Hello,
We have come across/developed a method which allows the direct transfer of
DNA sequences from invasive intracellular prokaryotes to animal cells. Our
interest has been in delivering functional eukaryotic expression cassettes
(aka polynucleotide vaccines) but obviously there are far reaching
consequences if such transfer is also occuring naturally. We have every
reason that it could well occur albeit at a very low level (we have
introduced attenuations to increase the efficancy to 1-5% of animal cells).
What I wondered was if there is any evidence (theoretical or otherwise) to
suggest that there has been/is horizontal DNA transfer between
prokaryotes and animals. I am aware of examples such as Agrobacterium and
Rhizobium in the plant kingdom but of no examples from animals/higher
eukaryotes.
If anyone can provide me with any pointers/info I would really appreciate
it.
Thanks, Rob Powell
PS, As my access to newsgroups is somewhat flakey at times could you
please cc any replies to my email address also.
---------------------------------------------
Rob Powell
School of Medicine
University of Maryland at Baltimore
Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
ph: +1(410)706-5328 fax: +1(410)706-6205 rpowell at umabnet.ab.umd.edu
