To what extent are functional traits in microbes successfully acquired and propagated through horizontal gene transfer?

Abstract

This study explores the extent to which functional traits in microbes are acquired and propagated through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). A systematic review was conducted, utilizing advanced search tools such as Rayyan, Connected Papers, ChatGPT 4.0, and Covidence across multiple databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The initial search yielded 22,300 studies, which were screened and filtered, ultimately resulting in 37 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were reviewed to examine the frequency of HGT events, the types of functional traits transferred, and the contextual factors influencing successful gene transfer. The results reveal that HGT plays a significant role in microbial evolution, facilitating the acquisition of traits such as antibiotic resistance, metabolic functions, and environmental adaptability. Despite some limitations, such as potential publication bias and variability in study designs, this review synthesizes current evidence on HGT and highlights its impact on microbial fitness, ecological dynamics, and public health. The findings underscore the importance of understanding HGT mechanisms to inform strategies for mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance and harnessing microbial traits for biotechnological applications.