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Migration Rates on Swim Plates Vary between Escherichia coli Soil Isolates: Differences Are Associated with Variants
Birgit M Prüß1, Shelley M Horne1, Erika Shay Bauer1
1Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|January 25, 2023
Summary
Escherichia coli soil isolates exhibit diverse migration abilities, influenced by genetic variations in metabolic and chemotaxis genes. This phenotypic heterogeneity in soil environments may enhance bacterial survival and host interactions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a versatile bacterium found in various environments, including soil, with the capacity for motility.
- Understanding E. coli's adaptation to soil ecosystems is crucial due to its potential interactions with hosts.
- Phenotypic diversity within bacterial populations can influence survival and ecological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the range of migration phenotypes in Escherichia coli soil isolates from the Buffalo River basin.
- To identify genetic factors associated with observed migration rates using genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
- To explore the growth characteristics of E. coli isolates on various substrates relevant to soil environments.
Main Methods:
- Collected and characterized 265 Escherichia coli soil isolates for migration rates on semisolid swim plates.
- Performed genome-wide association study (GWAS) to correlate migration phenotypes with genetic variants.
- Utilized minimal medium swim plates and Biolog EcoPlates to validate GWAS findings and assess growth phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Observed a wide spectrum of migration rates, from nonmotile to significantly exceeding the reference strain.
- Identified specific metabolic gene variants (rygD-serA, metR-metE) associated with chemotaxis and migration.
- Found differential growth patterns on d-malic acid, putrescine, and d-xylose, indicating metabolic adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Soil environments promote significant phenotypic heterogeneity in E. coli migration.
- Genetic variations in metabolic and chemotaxis-related genes are key drivers of E. coli motility.
- This observed heterogeneity is vital for E. coli's adaptation to diverse soil niches and potential host interactions.
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