Filamentous prophage Pf4 promotes genetic exchange in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Tong-Tong Pei1,2, Han Luo1, Yuanyuan Wang3
1State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
Abstract:
Filamentous prophages are widespread among bacteria and play crucial functions in virulence, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm structures. The filamentous Pf4 particles, extruded by an important pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can protect producing cells from adverse conditions. Contrary to the conventional belief that the Pf4-encoding cells resist reinfection, we herein report that the Pf4 prophage is reciprocally and commonly exchanged within P. aeruginosa colonies, which can repair defective Pf4 within the community. By labeling the Pf4 locus with antibiotic resistance and fluorescence markers, we demonstrate that the Pf4 locus is frequently exchanged within colony biofilms, in artificial sputum media, and in infected mouse lungs. We further show that Pf4 trafficking is a rapid process and capable of rescuing Pf4-defective mutants. The Pf4 phage is highly adaptable and can package additional DNA doubling its genome size. We also report that two clinical P. aeruginosa isolates are susceptible to the Pf4-mediated exchange, and the Pf5 prophage can be exchanged between cells as well. These findings suggest that the genetic exchanging interactions by filamentous prophages may facilitate defect rescue and the sharing of prophage-dependent benefits and costs within the P. aeruginosa community.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria commonly exchange filamentous Pf4 prophages within colonies, enabling defect repair and community benefits. This genetic exchange occurs rapidly in biofilms and even in infected lungs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Virology
Background:
- Filamentous prophages are common in bacteria, influencing virulence, antibiotic resistance, and biofilms.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa's Pf4 prophage protects producing cells but was thought to prevent reinfection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the exchange dynamics of the Pf4 prophage within Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations.
- To determine if Pf4 prophage exchange contributes to community resilience and defect repair.
Main Methods:
- Labeling the Pf4 prophage locus with antibiotic resistance and fluorescence markers.
- Tracking Pf4 locus exchange in colony biofilms, artificial sputum media, and infected mouse lungs.
- Assessing the capacity of Pf4 trafficking to rescue defective mutants.
Main Results:
- Pf4 prophage DNA is frequently and reciprocally exchanged within P. aeruginosa colonies, biofilms, and in vivo.
- Pf4 trafficking is a rapid process that can rescue Pf4-defective mutants.
- The Pf4 phage can package additional DNA, doubling its genome size, and Pf5 prophage exchange was also observed.
Conclusions:
- Filamentous prophages like Pf4 are actively exchanged within P. aeruginosa communities, challenging previous notions of reinfection resistance.
- This genetic exchange facilitates the rescue of defective prophages and the sharing of prophage-dependent traits, enhancing community adaptability.
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