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Starvation induces phenotypic diversification and convergent evolution in Vibrio vulnificus
1Department of Life Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan ; Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
Plos One
|February 20, 2014
Summary
Bacteria subjected to starvation rapidly diversify into specialized variants. These starvation-induced diversification (SID) variants exhibit enhanced survival and fitness, aiding adaptation in natural environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Physiology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Starvation is a critical environmental stress for bacteria.
- Bacterial adaptation and survival are crucial for population persistence.
- Understanding stress response mechanisms is vital in microbial ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate starvation-induced diversification (SID) in *Vibrio vulnificus*.
- To determine the factors influencing SID and the characteristics of phenotypic variants (PVs).
- To assess the ecological relevance of SID in natural environments.
Main Methods:
- Conducted starvation experiments using *V. vulnificus* 93U204 in buffered saline and natural seawater.
- Monitored population dynamics, cell density, and survival rates during starvation.
- Analyzed phenotypic changes and competitive fitness of starved populations and PVs.
Main Results:
- A small fraction of *V. vulnificus* survived starvation, entering a long-term stationary phase.
- Starvation-induced diversification (SID) occurred within 8 days, with PVs emerging in a specific order (motility, proteolytic, hemolytic reduction).
- PVs demonstrated growth advantages and increased fitness in stationary phase and co-culture experiments, indicating adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Cell density significantly impacts the extent of SID.
- SID is a mechanism for bacterial adaptation to nutrient-limited conditions.
- This adaptive strategy is relevant for bacterial survival and evolution in natural marine environments.
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