IslandPath

IslandPath detects genomic islands in prokaryotic genomes to identify gene clusters likely acquired by horizontal gene transfer that are associated with traits such as antibiotic resistance, virulence, and metal resistance.

Key Features:

• Integration of multiple DNA signals: Combines various sequence-derived features associated with genomic islands into a single analytical framework.
• Detection of gene clusters: Identifies clusters of genes in prokaryotic genomes that are indicative of genomic islands and horizontal gene transfer.
• Use of genome annotation features: Leverages annotations related to mobility genes and other genomic markers to enhance island detection.

Scientific Applications:

• Antibiotic resistance: Identifies genomic islands carrying antibiotic resistance genes to study their dissemination and evolution.
• Pathogen virulence: Locates islands containing virulence factors to analyze determinants of pathogenicity.
• Environmental and metal resistance: Detects islands associated with metal resistance and other environmental adaptations.
• Horizontal gene transfer and microbial adaptation: Supports studies of HGT events and the genetic basis of microbial adaptation.

Methodology:

Integrates multiple sequence-derived signals and genome annotation features, including mobility gene annotations, to predict genomic islands.