Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Published on: December 23, 2022
Comparative genomics and transcriptomics analysis of experimentally evolved Escherichia coli MC1000 in complex
Pilar Eliana Puentes-Téllez1, Ákos T Kovács, Oscar P Kuipers
1Department of Microbial Ecology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, AG 9747, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Investigating bacterial evolution in complex environments, this study reveals how genomic changes and ecological conditions drive adaptive responses in Escherichia coli. Fluctuating selection increased diversity more than constant forces.
Area of Science:
- Microbial evolution
- Bacterial adaptation
- Genomics and transcriptomics
Background:
- Studying bacterial evolutionary changes in defined media is feasible.
- Assessing adaptive changes in complex environments remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe bacterial responses in complex environments.
- To unravel transcriptional and genetic profiles of Escherichia coli during evolution.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomics and transcriptomics approaches.
- Evolution experiments with 19 Escherichia coli strains over 1000 generations.
- Analysis under three different oxygen regimes in Luria Bertani medium.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation between gene expression upregulation and mutation count was observed.
- Phenotypic polymorphisms linked to regulatory mutations and diversifying selection were identified.
- Transcriptome diversity showed parallel responses influenced by genomic background; fluctuating selection yielded higher phenotypic diversity.
Conclusions:
- Phenotypic innovations depend on the interplay between genomic alterations and local ecological conditions.
- Comparative genomics and transcriptomics elucidate adaptive responses in complex environments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes
Evolution of Microbial Genome
Stringent Response in E. coli
Modern Molecular Taxonomy

