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10:39
Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: March 10, 2017
Evidence for particle-induced horizontal gene transfer and serial transduction between bacteria
Hiroshi Xavier Chiura1, Kazuhiro Kogure, Sylvia Hagemann
1Marine Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Marine Ecosystems Dynamics, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|March 3, 2011
Summary
Marine particles facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in bacteria. These particles, acting like vesicles, carry DNA between Escherichia coli cells, enabling serial transduction and revealing a novel HGT mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is crucial for bacterial adaptation and evolution.
- Oligotrophic environments harbor diverse microbial communities with potential for novel gene transfer mechanisms.
- Understanding HGT mediated by environmental particles is key to microbial ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of <0.2-μm particles from oligotrophic environments in mediating horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in Escherichia coli.
- To characterize the nature of gene transfer and the properties of the involved particles.
- To explore the potential for serial transduction mediated by these particles.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of amino acid-deficient Escherichia coli AB1157 with environmental particles.
- Analysis of revertant cells to determine gene transfer frequencies and mechanisms (generalized transduction).
- Electron microscopy to examine particle structure and serial transduction experiments.
- Biased sinusoidal field gel electrophoresis to estimate particle DNA content.
Main Results:
- Particles from oligotrophic environments mediated HGT in E. coli, restoring genetic deficiencies with high frequencies.
- Gene transfer was consistent with generalized transduction, with no preferential marker transfer.
- Revertant cells produced new infectious particles, demonstrating serial transduction.
- Particles exhibited structural features of membrane vesicles but contained a higher DNA content (370 kbp) than typical vesicles.
Conclusions:
- A novel HGT mechanism exists where mobilizable DNA is trafficked via <0.2-μm particles.
- These particles, potentially a distinct class of extracellular vesicles, are efficient vectors for bacterial genetic exchange in marine environments.
- The findings highlight the significant role of particle-associated DNA in microbial evolution and adaptation.
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