ICEberg cis-integrative and mobilizable element

ICEs have also been reported capable to mobilize other genetic elements, such as the chromosome-borne integrative and mobilizable elements (IMEs), cis-mobilizable elements (CIMEs), plasmids and etc. IMEs and CIMEs are also important vehicles for the spread of antiobiotic resistances and virulence factors. However, unlike ICE, IMEs and CIMEs are commonly devoid of conjugal apparatus, thus have to hijack the machinery of other conjugative elements.