Microbial biofilms on macroalgae harbour diverse integron gene cassettes
Stefano Freddi1, Vaheesan Rajabal1,2, Sasha G Tetu1,2
1School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|March 15, 2024
Summary
Integrons in marine algae biofilms capture specific gene cassettes, not random ones. This suggests bacteria in biofilms gain adaptive advantages from these selected genes, benefiting both microbes and algae.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Marine Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Integrons are genetic platforms that capture mobile gene cassettes, often conferring antibiotic resistance.
- The functions of most integron gene cassettes are unknown, but many may be involved in cell interactions.
- Cell interactions are crucial for biofilm stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To sequence gene cassettes from biofilms on marine macroalgae Ulva australis and Sargassum linearifolium.
- To investigate the functions of integron gene cassettes in algal biofilms.
- To understand the acquisition and distribution patterns of gene cassettes in these biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of gene cassettes from biofilms on Ulva australis and Sargassum linearifolium.
- Comparison of gene cassettes from algal biofilms with those in surrounding seawater.
- Analysis of the spatial distribution of integron gene cassettes within biofilms.
Main Results:
- Integrons in microbial biofilms selectively sampled specific gene cassettes, not randomly from seawater.
- Gene cassettes encoded functions potentially providing adaptive advantages to bacterial cells and their macroalgal hosts.
- Integron gene cassettes exhibited a defined spatial distribution within biofilms.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial biofilms on marine algae selectively acquire and retain specific integron gene cassettes.
- This selective process suggests functional adaptations benefiting both the bacterial community and the algal host.
- Findings reveal filtering mechanisms in gene cassette acquisition and retention within distinct algal biofilms.
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