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Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes
14:05

Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Published on: September 19, 2013

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Genetic exchange networks bridge mobile DNA vehicles in the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Héloïse Muller1, Odion O Ikhimiukor1, Manuela Montoya-Giraldo1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, USA.

Nature Communications
|November 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in Listeria monocytogenes form a structured network, facilitating the exchange of genes for stress tolerance and virulence. This genetic exchange drives bacterial adaptation and the spread of traits within the pathogen population.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a significant foodborne pathogen causing gastrointestinal and invasive infections.
  • Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are crucial for Lm's antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and adaptation.
  • Understanding MGEs is key to controlling Lm infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the mobile genetic element (MGE) pool within a clinical Listeria monocytogenes population.
  • To investigate the genetic relatedness and exchange patterns among different MGE types.
  • To identify genes associated with stress tolerance and their mobility within MGEs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 936 clinical Lm genomes from New York State (2000-2021).
  • Construction of a sequence homology network for putative MGEs.
  • Comparative analysis using long-read sequences and global genome datasets.

Main Results:

  • A structured network of MGEs was identified, with communities of similar DNA regions.
  • Interconnectedness was observed between different MGE types (e.g., plasmid-transposon, phage-plasmid).
  • Genes for stress tolerance were overrepresented in plasmids and transposons and showed mobility.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic exchange between MGEs significantly shapes Listeria monocytogenes intra-species variation.
  • This interconnected MGE network facilitates rapid dissemination of clinically relevant traits.
  • Understanding these exchanges is vital for predicting and managing Lm evolution and pathogenicity.

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