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Mycelia as a focal point for horizontal gene transfer among soil bacteria

Tom Berthold1, Florian Centler1, Thomas Hübschmann1

  • 1Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Environmental Microbiology, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.

Scientific Reports
|November 5, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Fungal mycelial networks facilitate bacterial horizontal gene transfer (HGT) by creating continuous water films. This promotes bacterial migration and genetic adaptation in soil environments.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Soil Science
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a primary driver of bacterial evolution, enabling acquisition of new genetic traits.
  • HGT, particularly via conjugation, necessitates close bacterial cell proximity, often facilitated by movement in water films.
  • Discontinuous water films in natural environments like soil can limit HGT efficiency between spatially separated bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of fungal mycelial networks in facilitating bacterial HGT.
  • To determine the extent to which mycelia promote contact and gene transfer between bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized laboratory microcosms with a bacterial reporter system.
  • Employed flow cytometry to quantify HGT events.
  • Conducted individual-based simulations to model bacterial behavior and HGT.

Main Results:

  • Mycelial network structures provide continuous liquid films, enhancing bacterial migration and cell-cell contacts.
  • Bacterial HGT rates were significantly promoted along these mycelial networks.
  • Simulations confirmed that bacteria concentrating in hyphal water films are crucial for increased HGT.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal mycelia act as conduits, significantly enhancing HGT between bacteria in soil.
  • Mycelial networks facilitate genetic adaptation in soil ecosystems by promoting gene flow.
  • Hyphae serve as focal points for bacterial interactions and evolution in soil.

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