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Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in bacteria, archaea, and some eukaryotic microbes like yeast. These small, circular DNA structures typically contain fewer than 30 genes, although some may exist linearly. Plasmids vary in their number within a cell, known as copy number. Single-copy plasmids are present in one copy per cell and multi-copy plasmids are present in multiple copies, reaching over 100 copies per cell.Plasmids usually replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA...
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Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
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The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
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[pELF-type linear plasmids and antimicrobial resistance in enterococci].

Yusuke Hashimoto1

  • 1Department of Bacteriology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine.

Nihon Saikingaku Zasshi. Japanese Journal of Bacteriology
|December 24, 2025
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Summary

Novel linear plasmids, pELF-types, are spreading multidrug resistance in Enterococcus faecium. These plasmids facilitate the dissemination of vancomycin resistance genes and contribute to the rise of difficult-to-treat infections.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Enterococci are significant opportunistic pathogens, with multidrug-resistant strains posing a major public health threat.
  • Antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) dissemination in enterococci is primarily driven by conjugative plasmids.
  • Previously, enterococcal plasmids were exclusively considered circular, overlooking potential linear forms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of a novel family of linear plasmids, termed pELF-type, in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in enterococci.
  • To characterize the structure, function, and epidemiological distribution of pELF-type linear plasmids.
  • To understand the contribution of these plasmids to the emergence of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular epidemiology
  • Phenotypic analysis
  • Transcriptomic analysis
  • Plasmid identification and characterization

Main Results:

  • Identification and characterization of pELF1, a linear plasmid with hybrid terminal structures conferring vancomycin resistance (VanA and VanM).
  • Demonstration of pELF-type plasmids mediating interspecies transfer of vancomycin resistance genes between different enterococcal species.
  • Evidence of global distribution of pELF-type linear plasmids in Enterococcus faecium, with conserved backbones and host adaptation.
  • Discovery of pELF-type plasmids acquiring additional resistance genes, leading to vancomycin and linezolid co-resistance.

Conclusions:

  • pELF-type linear plasmids are critical vehicles for ARG dissemination in Enterococcus faecium.
  • These plasmids contribute significantly to the development of multidrug resistance in enterococci.
  • The findings highlight the need to include pELF-type linear plasmids in surveillance and intervention strategies against antimicrobial resistance.