Comprehensive profiling of integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) in Mollicutes: distinct catalysts of gene flow and...

Mollicutes, known as the simplest bacteria with streamlined genomes, were traditionally thought to evolve mainly through gene loss. Recent studies have highlighted their rapid evolutionary capabilities and genetic exchange within individual genomes; however, their evolutionary trajectory remains elusive. By comprehensive screening 1433 available Mollicutes genomes, we revealed widespread horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in 83.9% of investigated species. These genes involve type IV secretion systems and DNA integration, inferring the unique role of integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) or integrative and mobilizable elements (IMEs) as self-transmissible genetic elements. We systematically identified 263 ICEs/IMEs across most Mollicutes genera, being intact or fragmented, showing a strong correlation with HGT frequency (cor 0.573, P = .002). Their transfer tendency was highlighted across species sharing ecological niches, notably in livestock-associated mycoplasmas and insect-vectored spiroplasmas. ICEs/IMEs not only act as gene shuttles ferrying various phenotypic genes, but also promote increased large-scale chromosomal transfer events, shaping the host genomes profoundly. Additionally, we provided novel evidence that Ureaplasma ICE facilitates genetic exchange and the spread of antibiotic resistance gene tet(M) among other pathogens. These findings suggest that, despite the gene-loss pressure associated with the compact genomes of Mollicutes, ICEs/IMEs play a crucial role by introducing substantial genetic resources, providing essential opportunities for evolutionary adaptation.