Horizontal transfer of dehalogenase genes involved in the catalysis of chlorinated compounds: Evidence and ecological role

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of dehalogenase genes is considered an important mechanism of genomic evolution, the metabolic resilience of biotopes, and microbial community adaptation in chlorinated compound-contaminated ecosystems. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for the HGT of dehalogenase genes involved in the catalysis of various chlorinated compounds, such as chlorinated alkanes and alkanoic acids, chlorinated ethenes, chlorinated herbicide, and chlorinated aromatics. We also highlight the ecological role of HGT as it relates to the contribution to the diversification of dehalogenating microorganisms and the resulting facilitation of rapid microbial community adaptation to ecosystem contaminated with chlorinated compounds.