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Detection of Horizontal Gene Transfer Mediated by Natural Conjugative Plasmids in E. coli
Published on: March 24, 2023
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Networking in microbes: conjugative elements and plasmids in the genus Alteromonas
Mario López-Pérez1, Nieves Ramon-Marco1, Francisco Rodriguez-Valera2
1Evolutionary Genomics Group, Departamento de Producción Vegetal y Microbiología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Apartado 18, San Juan, 03550, Alicante, Spain.
BMC Genomics
|January 7, 2017
Summary
Conjugative elements (CEs) in Alteromonas bacteria facilitate gene transfer, driving microbial evolution and diversity. These elements, including plasmids and integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), enable genetic exchange within and across species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Evolutionary models for free-living Alteromonas bacteria require understanding genetic exchange drivers.
- Conjugative elements (CEs) have not been previously detailed in Alteromonas genus evolution.
- This study analyzes CEs in Alteromonas genomes to elucidate their evolutionary role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize conjugative elements (CEs) in Alteromonas genomes.
- To investigate the role of CEs in the genetic exchange and evolution of Alteromonas.
- To explore the potential for inter-species and inter-genus gene transfer mediated by CEs.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing and analysis of multiple Alteromonas isolates.
- Identification and characterization of plasmids and integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs).
- Comparative genomics to establish gene similarity networks and identify cargo genes.
Main Results:
- Nine plasmids (85-600 Kb) were identified, with some forming networks with Shewanella plasmids.
- Two large plasmids (ca. 600 Kb), classified as chromids, were described, potentially acting as vectors for genomic islands.
- Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) were prevalent, showing gene exchange across genus and family barriers, including a shared ICE between Alteromonas and Vibrio.
Conclusions:
- Conjugative elements (CEs) act as vectors for transferring gene cassettes within Alteromonas and across broader phylogenetic distances.
- CE-mediated genetic exchange contributes to species origin, maintenance, and genetic diversity in prokaryotes.
- The study highlights CEs as key drivers of evolutionary adaptation and diversification in Alteromonas and related bacteria.
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