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Co-evolution with lytic phage selects for the mucoid phenotype of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25

Pauline Deirdre Scanlan1, Angus Buckling

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. pauline.scanlan@zoo.ox.ac.uk

The ISME Journal
|December 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial mucoid phenotype evolves as a defense against phage predation, particularly in specific environments. This adaptation, though costly, offers protection and impacts bacterial evolution and potential therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Bacteriophage Research

Background:

  • Co-evolution between bacteria and lytic phages can influence bacterial traits.
  • The mucoid phenotype, characterized by alginate overproduction, is a significant virulence factor in Pseudomonas infections, especially in cystic fibrosis.
  • The evolutionary impact of phage predation on bacterial virulence factors is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolution of the mucoid phenotype in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 during co-evolution with the lytic phage phi2.
  • To determine the influence of abiotic conditions on the adaptive evolution of this phenotype.
  • To explore the implications of this mucoid phenotype evolution for bacterial virulence and phage therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Co-evolution experiments involving Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 and lytic phage phi2.
  • Assessment of the mucoid phenotype incidence under varying spatial structures and nutrient replacement rates.
  • Analysis of bacterial traits including motility and reversion rates.
  • Comparison of genetic mechanisms with known mucoid conversion loci.

Main Results:

  • The mucoid phenotype evolved as an adaptive response to phage predation in P. fluorescens SBW25.
  • Specific abiotic conditions, including homogenous spatial structure and high nutrient replacement, favored mucoid phenotype evolution.
  • Mucoid bacteria exhibited reduced motility and a high reversion rate, similar to clinical isolates.
  • The genetic basis for mucoid conversion was not found at commonly reported loci like mucA and algU.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial mucoid phenotype evolution can be driven by phage predation, influenced by environmental factors.
  • This adaptation has implications for bacterial virulence and the ecology of bacterial populations.
  • Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective phage-based therapeutic strategies.

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