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Enterococcus faecalis hemolysin-bacteriocin plasmids belong to the same incompatibility group
Abstract:
Plasmid pair coexistence was studied both among nine Enterococcus faecalis hemolysin-bacteriocin (Hly-Bcn) plasmids, including pJH2, pAD1, pAM gamma 1, and pIP964, and between pIP964 and five R plasmids. Some of the Hly-Bcn plasmids used were derivatives encoding resistance to erythromycin or tetracycline. The Hly-Bcn plasmids were incompatible with each other; 40 to 100% displacement was observed bilaterally for eight pairs and unilaterally for one pair. In contrast, pIP964 stably coexisted with each of the R plasmids. Entry exclusion was associated with incompatibility for most of the Hly-Bcn plasmids. The nine Hly-Bcn plasmids harbored by E. faecalis form a distinct incompatibility (Inc) group, designated IncHly.
Insights
Nine Enterococcus faecalis hemolysin-bacteriocin plasmids were found to be incompatible with each other, forming a new incompatibility group, IncHly. However, one plasmid, pIP964, stably coexisted with R plasmids.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Plasmids are crucial genetic elements in bacteria, influencing traits like antibiotic resistance and virulence.
- Understanding plasmid interactions, such as coexistence and incompatibility, is vital for bacterial genetics and evolution.
- Enterococcus faecalis harbors various plasmids, including those encoding hemolysin-bacteriocin (Hly-Bcn) functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coexistence patterns among nine Enterococcus faecalis hemolysin-bacteriocin (Hly-Bcn) plasmids.
- To determine the compatibility of the Hly-Bcn plasmid pIP964 with five R plasmids.
- To identify and designate a new plasmid incompatibility (Inc) group.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid coexistence assays were performed using Enterococcus faecalis strains harboring different Hly-Bcn and R plasmids.
- Displacement percentages were quantified to assess plasmid compatibility.
- Entry exclusion was monitored to understand the mechanisms of incompatibility.
Main Results:
- The nine Hly-Bcn plasmids exhibited significant incompatibility with each other, with displacement rates ranging from 40% to 100%.
- One Hly-Bcn plasmid, pIP964, demonstrated stable coexistence with all five tested R plasmids.
- Incompatibility among the Hly-Bcn plasmids was frequently associated with entry exclusion.
Conclusions:
- The nine studied Hly-Bcn plasmids constitute a distinct incompatibility group, designated IncHly.
- Plasmid pIP964 represents a unique case of stable coexistence with R plasmids within E. faecalis.
- The IncHly group exhibits characteristic incompatibility and entry exclusion mechanisms.