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Quantification of Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in an Experimental Evolution Approach
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An evolutionary perspective on plasmid lifestyle modes.

Nils Hülter1, Judith Ilhan1, Tanita Wein1

  • 1Genomic Microbiology Group, Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.

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|May 25, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Plasmids are genetic elements that transition between lifestyles like invasion and adaptation. Their evolution is driven by traits and host interactions, sometimes leading to integration into host chromosomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Plasmids are extra-chromosomal genetic elements crucial to microbial ecology and evolution.
  • Their lifestyle is shaped by their genetic makeup and host interactions.
  • Understanding plasmid transitions is key to comprehending microbial evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the events driving transitions in plasmid lifestyle modes.
  • To examine plasmid persistence, adaptation, host range, and invasion from a plasmid-centric view.
  • To elucidate the interplay between plasmid traits and host biology in lifestyle transitions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of plasmid ecology and evolution.
  • Analysis of factors influencing plasmid lifestyle transitions.
  • Examination of plasmid traits such as mobility, stability, and indispensability.

Main Results:

  • Plasmid lifestyle transitions are influenced by mobility, stability, and indispensability.
  • Plasmid ecology is significantly impacted by mobility and indispensability.
  • Plasmid stability is critical for long-term evolutionary trajectories.
  • Integration into host chromosomes signifies a loss of plasmid independence.

Conclusions:

  • Plasmid evolution is a dynamic process influenced by host-plasmid interactions.
  • Plasmids can evolve independently of their host prokaryotic chromosomes.
  • Transitions between plasmid lifestyles are complex and multifactorial.