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Liu S, Yang X, Li R, Wang S, Han Z, Yang M, Zhang Y. IS6 family insertion sequences promote optrA dissemination between plasmids varying in transfer abilities. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:132. [PMID: 38229329 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12858-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Plasmids are the primary vectors for intercellular transfer of the oxazolidinone and phenicol cross-resistance gene optrA, while insertion sequences (ISs) are mobile genetic elements that can mobilize plasmid-borne optrA intracellularly. However, little is known about how the IS-mediated intracellular mobility facilitates the dissemination of the optrA gene between plasmid categories that vary in transfer abilities, including non-mobilizable, mobilizable, and conjugative plasmids. Here, we performed a holistic genomic study of 52 optrA-carrying plasmids obtained from searches guided by the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database. Among the 132 ISs identified within 10 kbp from the optrA gene in the plasmids, IS6 family genes were the most prevalent (86/132). Homologous gene arrays containing IS6 family genes were shared between different plasmids, especially between mobilizable and conjugative plasmids. All these indicated the central role of IS6 family genes in disseminating plasmid-borne optrA. Thirty-three of the 52 plasmids were harbored by Enterococcus faecalis found mainly in humans and animals. By Nanopore sequencing and inverse PCR, the potential of the enterococcal optrA to be transmitted from a mobilizable plasmid to a conjugative plasmid mediated by IS6 family genes was further confirmed in Enterococcus faecalis strains recovered from the effluents of anaerobic digestion systems for treating chicken manure. Our findings highlight the increased intercellular transfer abilities and dissemination risk of plasmid-borne optrA gene caused by IS-mediated intracellular mobility, and underscore the importance of routinely monitoring the dynamic genetic contexts of clinically important antibiotic resistance genes to effectively control this critical public health threat. KEY POINTS: • IS6 was prevalent in optrA-plasmids varying in intercellular transfer abilities. • Enterococcal optrA-plasmids were widespread among human, animal, and the environment. • IS6 elevated the dissemination risk of enterococcal optrA-plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Detoxication and Resource Recovery, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Ruichao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaolin Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ziming Han
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Detoxication and Resource Recovery, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Min Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Detoxication and Resource Recovery, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Detoxication and Resource Recovery, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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2
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Hanke DM, Wang Y, Dagan T. Pseudogenes in plasmid genomes reveal past transitions in plasmid mobility. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:7049-7062. [PMID: 38808675 PMCID: PMC11229322 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence for gene non-functionalization due to mutational processes is found in genomes in the form of pseudogenes. Pseudogenes are known to be rare in prokaryote chromosomes, with the exception of lineages that underwent an extreme genome reduction (e.g. obligatory symbionts). Much less is known about the frequency of pseudogenes in prokaryotic plasmids; those are genetic elements that can transfer between cells and may encode beneficial traits for their host. Non-functionalization of plasmid-encoded genes may alter the plasmid characteristics, e.g. mobility, or their effect on the host. Analyzing 10 832 prokaryotic genomes, we find that plasmid genomes are characterized by threefold-higher pseudogene density compared to chromosomes. The majority of plasmid pseudogenes correspond to deteriorated transposable elements. A detailed analysis of enterobacterial plasmids furthermore reveals frequent gene non-functionalization events associated with the loss of plasmid self-transmissibility. Reconstructing the evolution of closely related plasmids reveals that non-functionalization of the conjugation machinery led to the emergence of non-mobilizable plasmid types. Examples are virulence plasmids in Escherichia and Salmonella. Our study highlights non-functionalization of core plasmid mobility functions as one route for the evolution of domesticated plasmids. Pseudogenes in plasmids supply insights into past transitions in plasmid mobility that are akin to transitions in bacterial lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin M Hanke
- Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tal Dagan
- Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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3
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Wang Y, Dagan T. The evolution of antibiotic resistance islands occurs within the framework of plasmid lineages. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4555. [PMID: 38811529 PMCID: PMC11137137 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48352-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens carrying multidrug resistance (MDR) plasmids are a major threat to human health. The acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in plasmids is often facilitated by mobile genetic elements that copy or translocate ARGs between DNA molecules. The agglomeration of mobile elements in plasmids generates resistance islands comprising multiple ARGs. However, whether the emergence of resistance islands is restricted to specific MDR plasmid lineages remains understudied. Here we show that the agglomeration of ARGs in resistance islands is biased towards specific large plasmid lineages. Analyzing 6784 plasmids in 2441 Escherichia, Salmonella, and Klebsiella isolates, we quantify that 84% of the ARGs in MDR plasmids are found in resistance islands. We furthermore observe rapid evolution of ARG combinations in resistance islands. Most regions identified as resistance islands are shared among closely related plasmids but rarely among distantly related plasmids. Our results suggest the presence of barriers for the dissemination of ARGs between plasmid lineages, which are related to plasmid genetic properties, host range and the plasmid evolutionary history. The agglomeration of ARGs in plasmids is attributed to the workings of mobile genetic elements that operate within the framework of existing plasmid lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Wang
- Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tal Dagan
- Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
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4
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Gomathinayagam S, Kodiveri Muthukaliannan G. Dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes in plasmids and bacteriophages. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38651513 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2339262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
This brief review explores the intricate interplay between bacteriophages and plasmids in the context of antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) dissemination. Originating from studies in the late 1950s, the review traces the evolution of knowledge regarding extrachromosomal factors facilitating horizontal gene transfer and adaptation in bacteria. Analyzing the gene repertoires of plasmids and bacteriophages, the study highlights their contributions to bacterial evolution and adaptation. While plasmids encode essential and accessory genes influencing host characteristics, bacteriophages carry auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) that augment host metabolism. The debate on phages carrying ARGs is explored through a critical evaluation of various studies, revealing contrasting findings from researchers. Additionally, the review addresses the interplay between prophages and plasmids, underlining their similarities and divergences. Based on the available literature evidence, we conclude that plasmids generally encode ARGs while bacteriophages typically do not contain ARGs. But extra-chromosomaly present prophages with plasmid characteristics can encode and disseminate ARGs.
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5
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Zorea A, Pellow D, Levin L, Pilosof S, Friedman J, Shamir R, Mizrahi I. Plasmids in the human gut reveal neutral dispersal and recombination that is overpowered by inflammatory diseases. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3147. [PMID: 38605009 PMCID: PMC11009399 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47272-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmids are pivotal in driving bacterial evolution through horizontal gene transfer. Here, we investigated 3467 human gut microbiome samples across continents and disease states, analyzing 11,086 plasmids. Our analyses reveal that plasmid dispersal is predominantly stochastic, indicating neutral processes as the primary driver of their wide distribution. We find that only 20-25% of plasmid DNA is being selected in various disease states, constraining its distribution across hosts. Selective pressures shape specific plasmid segments with distinct ecological functions, influenced by plasmid mobilization lifestyle, antibiotic usage, and inflammatory gut diseases. Notably, these elements are more commonly shared within groups of individuals with similar health conditions, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), regardless of geographic location across continents. These segments contain essential genes such as iron transport mechanisms- a distinctive gut signature of IBD that impacts the severity of inflammation. Our findings shed light on mechanisms driving plasmid dispersal and selection in the human gut, highlighting their role as carriers of vital gene pools impacting bacterial hosts and ecosystem dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvah Zorea
- National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- The Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - David Pellow
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liron Levin
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, llse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Shai Pilosof
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- The Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Jonathan Friedman
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ron Shamir
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itzhak Mizrahi
- National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
- The Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
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6
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Pfeifer E, Rocha EPC. Phage-plasmids promote recombination and emergence of phages and plasmids. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1545. [PMID: 38378896 PMCID: PMC10879196 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45757-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Phages and plasmids are regarded as distinct types of mobile genetic elements that drive bacterial evolution by horizontal gene transfer. However, the distinction between both types is blurred by the existence of elements known as prophage-plasmids or phage-plasmids, which transfer horizontally between cells as viruses and vertically within cellular lineages as plasmids. Here, we study gene flow between the three types of elements. We show that the gene repertoire of phage-plasmids overlaps with those of phages and plasmids. By tracking recent recombination events, we find that phage-plasmids exchange genes more frequently with plasmids than with phages, and that direct gene exchange between plasmids and phages is less frequent in comparison. The results suggest that phage-plasmids can mediate gene flow between plasmids and phages, including exchange of mobile element core functions, defense systems, and antibiotic resistance. Moreover, a combination of gene transfer and gene inactivation may result in the conversion of elements. For example, gene loss turns P1-like phage-plasmids into integrative prophages or into plasmids (that are no longer phages). Remarkably, some of the latter have acquired conjugation-related functions to became mobilisable by conjugation. Thus, our work indicates that phage-plasmids can play a key role in the transfer of genes across mobile elements within their hosts, and can act as intermediates in the conversion of one type of element into another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugen Pfeifer
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, 75015, Paris, France.
| | - Eduardo P C Rocha
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, 75015, Paris, France.
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7
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Parra B, Cockx B, Lutz VT, Brøndsted L, Smets BF, Dechesne A. Isolation and characterization of novel plasmid-dependent phages infecting bacteria carrying diverse conjugative plasmids. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0253723. [PMID: 38063386 PMCID: PMC10782986 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02537-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE This work was undertaken because plasmid-dependent phages can reduce the prevalence of conjugative plasmids and can be leveraged to prevent the acquisition and dissemination of ARGs by bacteria. The two novel phages described in this study, Lu221 and Hi226, can infect Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Kluyvera sp. and Enterobacter sp. carrying conjugative plasmids. This was verified with plasmids carrying resistance determinants and belonging to the most common plasmid families among Gram-negative pathogens. Therefore, the newly isolated phages could have the potential to help control the spread of ARGs and thus help combat the antimicrobial resistance crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Parra
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Agentes Antibacterianos, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de las Américas, Concepción, Chile
| | - Bastiaan Cockx
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Veronika T. Lutz
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | - Barth F. Smets
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Arnaud Dechesne
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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8
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Yu Z, He W, Klincke F, Madsen JS, Kot W, Hansen LH, Quintela-Baluja M, Balboa S, Dechesne A, Smets B, Nesme J, Sørensen SJ. Insights into the circular: The cryptic plasmidome and its derived antibiotic resistome in the urban water systems. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108351. [PMID: 38041983 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Plasmids have been a concern in the dissemination and evolution of antibiotic resistance in the environment. In this study, we investigated the total pool of plasmids (plasmidome) and its derived antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in different compartments of urban water systems (UWSs) in three European countries representing different antibiotic usage regimes. We applied a direct plasmidome approach using wet-lab methods to enrich circular DNA in the samples, followed by shotgun sequencing and in silico contig circularisation. We identified 9538 novel sequences in a total of 10,942 recovered circular plasmids. Of these, 66 were identified as conjugative, 1896 mobilisable and 8970 non-mobilisable plasmids. The UWSs' plasmidome was dominated by small plasmids (≤10 Kbp) representing a broad diversity of mobility (MOB) types and incompatibility (Inc) groups. A shared collection of plasmids from different countries was detected in all treatment compartments, and plasmids could be source-tracked in the UWSs. More than half of the ARGs-encoding plasmids carried mobility genes for mobilisation/conjugation. The richness and abundance of ARGs-encoding plasmids generally decreased with the flow, while we observed that non-mobilisable ARGs-harbouring plasmids maintained their abundance in the Spanish wastewater treatment plant. Overall, our work unravels that the UWS plasmidome is dominated by cryptic (i.e., non-mobilisable, non-typeable and previously unknown) plasmids. Considering that some of these plasmids carried ARGs, were prevalent across three countries and could persist throughout the UWSs compartments, these results should alarm and call for attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuofeng Yu
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Wanli He
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franziska Klincke
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Stenløkke Madsen
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Witold Kot
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Lars Hestbjerg Hansen
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Marcos Quintela-Baluja
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Praza do Obradoiro, 0, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Sabela Balboa
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, NE1 7RX Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Arnaud Dechesne
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Barth Smets
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Joseph Nesme
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Søren Johannes Sørensen
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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9
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Dewan I, Uecker H. Is the distribution of plasmid lengths bimodal? Plasmid 2024; 129-130:102721. [PMID: 38320634 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2024.102721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The length of a plasmid is a key property which is linked to many aspects of plasmid biology. When distributions of plasmid lengths are shown in the literature, they are usually plotted with length on a logarithmic scale. However, a quantity and its logarithm have distinct distributions which may differ considerably in shape. Mistaking the distribution of log-lengths for the distribution of lengths can therefore lead to distorted conclusions about the distribution; in particular, the distribution of log-lengths may be bimodal when the distribution of lengths is only unimodal. This particular confusion has arisen in the literature where the length distribution is often claimed to be bimodal based on examination of what is in fact the log-length distribution. While the length distribution is indeed bimodal within many bacterial families, it is not across the ensemble of all plasmids. We suggest that authors should be careful to show the plasmid length distribution, or to distinguish the two distributions, to avoid misleading inferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Dewan
- Research group Stochastic Evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Theoretical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany.
| | - Hildegard Uecker
- Research group Stochastic Evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Theoretical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
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10
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Castañeda-Barba S, Top EM, Stalder T. Plasmids, a molecular cornerstone of antimicrobial resistance in the One Health era. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:18-32. [PMID: 37430173 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a substantial threat to human health. The widespread prevalence of AMR is, in part, due to the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), typically mediated by plasmids. Many of the plasmid-mediated resistance genes in pathogens originate from environmental, animal or human habitats. Despite evidence that plasmids mobilize ARGs between these habitats, we have a limited understanding of the ecological and evolutionary trajectories that facilitate the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) plasmids in clinical pathogens. One Health, a holistic framework, enables exploration of these knowledge gaps. In this Review, we provide an overview of how plasmids drive local and global AMR spread and link different habitats. We explore some of the emerging studies integrating an eco-evolutionary perspective, opening up a discussion about the factors that affect the ecology and evolution of plasmids in complex microbial communities. Specifically, we discuss how the emergence and persistence of MDR plasmids can be affected by varying selective conditions, spatial structure, environmental heterogeneity, temporal variation and coexistence with other members of the microbiome. These factors, along with others yet to be investigated, collectively determine the emergence and transfer of plasmid-mediated AMR within and between habitats at the local and global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Castañeda-Barba
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Eva M Top
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
- Institute for Modelling Collaboration and Innovation, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Thibault Stalder
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
- Institute for Modelling Collaboration and Innovation, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
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11
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Tokuda M, Shintani M. Microbial evolution through horizontal gene transfer by mobile genetic elements. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14408. [PMID: 38226780 PMCID: PMC10832538 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are crucial for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in bacteria and facilitate their rapid evolution and adaptation. MGEs include plasmids, integrative and conjugative elements, transposons, insertion sequences and bacteriophages. Notably, the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), which poses a serious threat to public health, is primarily attributable to HGT through MGEs. This mini-review aims to provide an overview of the mechanisms by which MGEs mediate HGT in microbes. Specifically, the behaviour of conjugative plasmids in different environments and conditions was discussed, and recent methodologies for tracing the dynamics of MGEs were summarised. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying HGT and the role of MGEs in bacterial evolution and adaptation is important to develop strategies to combat the spread of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maho Tokuda
- Department of Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate School of Science and TechnologyShizuoka UniversityHamamatsuJapan
| | - Masaki Shintani
- Department of Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate School of Science and TechnologyShizuoka UniversityHamamatsuJapan
- Research Institute of Green Science and TechnologyShizuoka UniversityHamamatsuJapan
- Japan Collection of MicroorganismsRIKEN BioResource Research CenterIbarakiJapan
- Graduate School of Integrated Science and TechnologyShizuoka UniversityHamamatsuJapan
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12
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Shen Z, Qin J, Xiang G, Chen T, Nurxat N, Gao Q, Wang C, Zhang H, Liu Y, Li M. Outer membrane vesicles mediating horizontal transfer of the epidemic blaOXA-232 carbapenemase gene among Enterobacterales. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 13:2290840. [PMID: 38044873 PMCID: PMC10810626 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2290840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
OXA-232 is one of the most common OXA-48-like carbapenemase derivatives and is widely disseminated in nosocomial settings across countries. The blaOXA-232 gene is located on a 6-kb non-conjugative ColKP3-type plasmid, while the dissemination of blaOXA-232 into different Enterobacterales species and the polyclonal dissemination of OXA-232-producing K. pneumoniae revealed the horizontal transfer of blaOXA-232. However, it's still unclear how this non-conjugative ColKP3 plasmid could facilitate the mobilization of blaOXA-232. Here, we observed the in vivo intraspecies transfer of blaOXA-232 during a nosocomial outbreak of OXA-232-producing K. pneumoniae. We demonstrated the presence of ColKP3 OXA-232 plasmid in the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from clinical isolates, and OMVs could facilitate the horizontal transfer of blaOXA-232 among Enterobacterales. In contrast, for the most prevalent carbapenemase genes, including blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1, though the presence of carbapenemase genes and plasmid backbones in the vesicular lumen was observed, OMVs couldn't promote effective transformation, probably due to the low copy number of plasmids in clinical isolates and the low number of plasmids loaded into vesicles. Conjugation assay revealed that the epidemic IncX3 NDM-1 and IncFII(pHN7A8)/IncR KPC-2 plasmids were conjugative and could be horizontally transferred via independent conjugation or with the help of a co-existent conjugative plasmid. For the large-size and low-copy number conjugative plasmids carrying carbapenemase genes, OMVs-mediated gene exchange may only serve as an alternative pathway for horizontal transfer. In conclusion, diverse mobilization strategies were employed by plasmids harboring carbapenemase genes, and plasmids display a proper choice of mobility pathway due to their individual properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juanxiu Qin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoxiu Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianchi Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nadira Nurxat
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haomin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Liu
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Min Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Geoffroy F, Uecker H. Limits to evolutionary rescue by conjugative plasmids. Theor Popul Biol 2023; 154:102-117. [PMID: 37923145 DOI: 10.1016/j.tpb.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Plasmids may carry genes coding for beneficial traits and thus contribute to adaptation of bacterial populations to environmental stress. Conjugative plasmids can horizontally transfer between cells, which a priori facilitates the spread of adaptive alleles. However, if the potential recipient cell is already colonized by another incompatible plasmid, successful transfer may be prevented. Competition between plasmids can thus limit horizontal transfer. Previous modeling has indeed shown that evolutionary rescue by a conjugative plasmid is hampered by incompatible resident plasmids in the population. If the rescue plasmid is a mutant variant of the resident plasmid, both plasmids transfer at the same rates. A high conjugation rate then has two, potentially opposing, effects - a direct positive effect on spread of the rescue plasmid and an increase in the fraction of resident plasmid cells. This raises the question whether a high conjugation rate always benefits evolutionary rescue. In this article, we systematically analyze three models of increasing complexity to disentangle the benefits and limits of increasing horizontal gene transfer in the presence of plasmid competition and plasmid costs. We find that the net effect can be positive or negative and that the optimal transfer rate is thus not always the highest one. These results can contribute to our understanding of the many facets of plasmid-driven adaptation and the wide range of transfer rates observed in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Geoffroy
- Research group Stochastic Evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany.
| | - Hildegard Uecker
- Research group Stochastic Evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
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14
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Zhang J, Xu Y, Wang M, Li X, Liu Z, Kuang D, Deng Z, Ou HY, Qu J. Mobilizable plasmids drive the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Genome Med 2023; 15:106. [PMID: 38041146 PMCID: PMC10691111 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01260-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Klebsiella pneumoniae is a notorious clinical pathogen and frequently carries various plasmids, which are the main carriers of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. In comparison to self-transmissible conjugative plasmids, mobilizable plasmids have received much less attention due to their defects in conjugative elements. However, the contribution of mobilizable plasmids to the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes of K. pneumoniae remains unclear. In this study, the transfer, stability, and cargo genes of the mobilizable plasmids of K. pneumoniae were examined via genetic experiments and genomic analysis. METHODS Carbapenem-resistant (CR) plasmid pHSKP2 and multidrug-resistant (MDR) plasmid pHSKP3 of K. pneumoniae HS11286, virulence plasmid pRJF293 of K. pneumoniae RJF293 were employed in conjugation assays to assess the transfer ability of mobilizable plasmids. Mimic mobilizable plasmids and genetically modified plasmids were constructed to confirm the cotransfer models. The plasmid morphology was evaluated through XbaI and S1 nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and/or complete genome sequencing. Mobilizable plasmid stability in transconjugants was analyzed via serial passage culture. In addition, in silico genome analysis of 3923 plasmids of 1194 completely sequenced K. pneumoniae was performed to investigate the distribution of the conjugative elements, the cargo genes, and the targets of the CRISPR-Cas system. The mobilizable MDR plasmid and virulence plasmid of K. pneumoniae were investigated, which carry oriT but lack other conjugative elements. RESULTS Our results showed that mobilizable MDR and virulence plasmids carrying oriT but lacking the relaxase gene were able to cotransfer with a helper conjugative CR plasmid across various Klebsiella and Escherichia coli strains. The transfer and stability of mobilizable plasmids rather than conjugative plasmids were not interfered with by the CRISPR-Cas system of recipient strains. According to the in silico analysis, the mobilizable plasmids carry about twenty percent of acquired antimicrobial resistance genes and more than seventy-five percent of virulence genes in K. pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONS Our work observed that a mobilizable MDR or virulence plasmid that carries oriT but lacks the relaxase genes transferred with the helper CR conjugative plasmid and mobilizable plasmids escaped from CRISPR-Cas defence and remained stable in recipients. These results highlight the threats of mobilizable plasmids as vital vehicles in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in K. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yanping Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xiaobin Li
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Zhiyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Dai Kuang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Zixin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hong-Yu Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Jieming Qu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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15
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Weisberg AJ, Chang JH. Mobile Genetic Element Flexibility as an Underlying Principle to Bacterial Evolution. Annu Rev Microbiol 2023; 77:603-624. [PMID: 37437216 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-032521-022006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Mobile genetic elements are key to the evolution of bacteria and traits that affect host and ecosystem health. Here, we use a framework of a hierarchical and modular system that scales from genes to populations to synthesize recent findings on mobile genetic elements (MGEs) of bacteria. Doing so highlights the role that emergent properties of flexibility, robustness, and genetic capacitance of MGEs have on the evolution of bacteria. Some of their traits can be stored, shared, and diversified across different MGEs, taxa of bacteria, and time. Collectively, these properties contribute to maintaining functionality against perturbations while allowing changes to accumulate in order to diversify and give rise to new traits. These properties of MGEs have long challenged our abilities to study them. Implementation of new technologies and strategies allows for MGEs to be analyzed in new and powerful ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Weisberg
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA;
| | - Jeff H Chang
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA;
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16
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Yang J, Wu R, Xia Q, Yu J, Yi LX, Huang Y, Deng M, He WY, Bai Y, Lv L, Burrus V, Wang C, Liu JH. The evolution of infectious transmission promotes the persistence of mcr-1 plasmids. mBio 2023; 14:e0044223. [PMID: 37314200 PMCID: PMC10470590 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00442-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugative plasmids play a vital role in bacterial evolution and promote the spread of antibiotic resistance. They usually cause fitness costs that diminish the growth rates of the host bacteria. Compensatory mutations are known as an effective evolutionary solution to reduce the fitness cost and improve plasmid persistence. However, whether the plasmid transmission by conjugation is sufficient to improve plasmid persistence is debated since it is an inherently costly process. Here, we experimentally evolved an unstable and costly mcr-1 plasmid pHNSHP24 under laboratory conditions and assessed the effects of plasmid cost and transmission on the plasmid maintenance by the plasmid population dynamics model and a plasmid invasion experiment designed to measure the plasmid's ability to invade a plasmid-free bacterial population. The persistence of pHNSHP24 improved after 36 days evolution due to the plasmid-borne mutation A51G in the 5'UTR of gene traJ. This mutation largely increased the infectious transmission of the evolved plasmid, presumably by impairing the inhibitory effect of FinP on the expression of traJ. We showed that increased conjugation rate of the evolved plasmid could compensate for the plasmid loss. Furthermore, we determined that the evolved high transmissibility had little effect on the mcr-1-deficient ancestral plasmid, implying that high conjugation transfer is vital for maintaining the mcr-1-bearing plasmid. Altogether, our findings emphasized that, besides compensatory evolution that reduces fitness costs, the evolution of infectious transmission can improve the persistence of antibiotic-resistant plasmids, indicating that inhibition of the conjugation process could be useful to combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant plasmids. IMPORTANCE Conjugative plasmids play a key role in the spread of antibiotic resistance, and they are well-adapted to the host bacteria. However, the evolutionary adaptation of plasmid-bacteria associations is not well understood. In this study, we experimentally evolved an unstable colistin resistance (mcr-1) plasmid under laboratory conditions and found that increased conjugation rate was crucial for the persistence of this plasmid. Interestingly, the evolved conjugation was caused by a single-base mutation, which could rescue the unstable plasmid from extinction in bacterial populations. Our findings imply that inhibition of the conjugation process could be necessary for combating the persistence of antibiotic-resistance plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Renjie Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- College of Mathematics and Informatics, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling-Xian Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meixin Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wan-Yun He
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuman Bai
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luchao Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Vincent Burrus
- Département de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Chengzhen Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Hua Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistant of Microorganisms in Animals, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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Androsiuk L, Shay T, Tal S. Characterization of the Environmental Plasmidome of the Red Sea. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0040023. [PMID: 37395658 PMCID: PMC10434023 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00400-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmids contribute to microbial diversity and adaptation, providing microorganisms with the ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions in extreme environments. However, while the number of marine microbiome studies is constantly increasing, very little is known about marine plasmids, and they are very poorly represented in public databases. To extend the repertoire of environmental marine plasmids, we established a pipeline for the de novo assembly of plasmids in the marine environment by analyzing available microbiome metagenomic sequencing data. By applying the pipeline to data from the Red Sea, we identified 362 plasmid candidates. We showed that the distribution of plasmids corresponds to environmental conditions, particularly, depth, temperature, and physical location. At least 7 of the 362 candidates are most probably real plasmids, based on a functional analysis of their open reading frames (ORFs). Only one of the seven has been described previously. Three plasmids were identified in other public marine metagenomic data from different locations all over the world; these plasmids contained different cassettes of functional genes at each location. Analysis of antibiotic and metal resistance genes revealed that the same positions that were enriched with genes encoding resistance to antibiotics were also enriched with resistance to metals, suggesting that plasmids contribute site-dependent phenotypic modules to their ecological niches. Finally, half of the ORFs (50.8%) could not be assigned to a function, emphasizing the untapped potential of the unique marine plasmids to provide proteins with multiple novel functions. IMPORTANCE Marine plasmids are understudied and hence underrepresented in databases. Plasmid functional annotation and characterization is complicated but, if successful, may provide a pool of novel genes and unknown functions. Newly discovered plasmids and their functional repertoire are potentially valuable tools for predicting the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, providing vectors for molecular cloning and an understanding of plasmid-bacterial interactions in various environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Androsiuk
- Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research Ltd., National Center for Mariculture, Eilat, Israel
- Marine Biology and Biotechnology Program, Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Eilat, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tal Shay
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Shay Tal
- Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research Ltd., National Center for Mariculture, Eilat, Israel
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18
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Lund D, Coertze RD, Parras-Moltó M, Berglund F, Flach CF, Johnning A, Larsson DGJ, Kristiansson E. Extensive screening reveals previously undiscovered aminoglycoside resistance genes in human pathogens. Commun Biol 2023; 6:812. [PMID: 37537271 PMCID: PMC10400643 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05174-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to human health, caused in part by pathogens accumulating antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer. New ARGs are typically not recognized until they have become widely disseminated, which limits our ability to reduce their spread. In this study, we use large-scale computational screening of bacterial genomes to identify previously undiscovered mobile ARGs in pathogens. From ~1 million genomes, we predict 1,071,815 genes encoding 34,053 unique aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs). These cluster into 7,612 families (<70% amino acid identity) of which 88 are previously described. Fifty new AME families are associated with mobile genetic elements and pathogenic hosts. From these, 24 of 28 experimentally tested AMEs confer resistance to aminoglycoside(s) in Escherichia coli, with 17 providing resistance above clinical breakpoints. This study greatly expands the range of clinically relevant aminoglycoside resistance determinants and demonstrates that computational methods enable early discovery of potentially emerging ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lund
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Roelof Dirk Coertze
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcos Parras-Moltó
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fanny Berglund
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl-Fredrik Flach
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Johnning
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Systems and Data Analysis, Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - D G Joakim Larsson
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Kristiansson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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19
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Dewan I, Uecker H. A mathematician's guide to plasmids: an introduction to plasmid biology for modellers. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001362. [PMID: 37505810 PMCID: PMC10433428 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Plasmids, extrachromosomal DNA molecules commonly found in bacterial and archaeal cells, play an important role in bacterial genetics and evolution. Our understanding of plasmid biology has been furthered greatly by the development of mathematical models, and there are many questions about plasmids that models would be useful in answering. In this review, we present an introductory, yet comprehensive, overview of the biology of plasmids suitable for modellers unfamiliar with plasmids who want to get up to speed and to begin working on plasmid-related models. In addition to reviewing the diversity of plasmids and the genes they carry, their key physiological functions, and interactions between plasmid and host, we also highlight selected plasmid topics that may be of particular interest to modellers and areas where there is a particular need for theoretical development. The world of plasmids holds a great variety of subjects that will interest mathematical biologists, and introducing new modellers to the subject will help to expand the existing body of plasmid theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Dewan
- Research Group Stochastic Evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Theoretical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Hildegard Uecker
- Research Group Stochastic Evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Theoretical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
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20
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Rodrigues C, Lanza VF, Peixe L, Coque TM, Novais Â. Phylogenomics of Globally Spread Clonal Groups 14 and 15 of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0339522. [PMID: 37098951 PMCID: PMC10269502 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03395-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 14 (ST14) and ST15 caused outbreaks of CTX-M-15 and/or carbapenemase producers worldwide, but their phylogeny and global dynamics remain unclear. We clarified the evolution of K. pneumoniae clonal group 14 (CG14) and CG15 by analyzing the capsular locus (KL), resistome, virulome, and plasmidome of public genomes (n = 481) and de novo sequences (n = 9) representing main sublineages circulating in Portugal. CG14 and CG15 evolved independently within 6 main subclades defined according to the KL and the accessory genome. The CG14 (n = 65) clade was structured in two large monophyletic subclades, CG14-I (KL2, 86%) and CG14-II (KL16, 14%), whose emergences were dated to 1932 and 1911, respectively. Genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC, and/or carbapenemases were mostly observed in CG14-I (71% versus 22%). CG15 clade (n = 170) was segregated into subclades CG15-IA (KL19/KL106, 9%), CG15-IB (variable KL types, 6%), CG15-IIA (KL24, 43%) and CG15-IIB (KL112, 37%). Most CG15 genomes carried specific GyrA and ParC mutations and emerged from a common ancestor in 1989. CTX-M-15 was especially prevalent in CG15 (68% CG15 versus 38% CG14) and in CG15-IIB (92%). Plasmidome analysis revealed 27 predominant plasmid groups (PG), including particularly pervasive and recombinant F-type (n = 10), Col (n = 10), and new plasmid types. While blaCTX-M-15 was acquired multiple times by a high diversity of F-type mosaic plasmids, other antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were dispersed by IncL (blaOXA-48) or IncC (blaCMY/TEM-24) plasmids. We first demonstrate an independent evolutionary trajectory for CG15 and CG14 and how the acquisition of specific KL, quinolone-resistance determining region (QRDR) mutations (CG15), and ARGs in highly recombinant plasmids could have shaped the expansion and diversification of particular subclades (CG14-I and CG15-IIA/IIB). IMPORTANCE Klebsiella pneumoniae represents a major threat in the burden of antibiotic resistance (ABR). Available studies to explain the origin, the diversity, and the evolution of certain ABR K. pneumoniae populations have mainly been focused on a few clonal groups (CGs) using phylogenetic analysis of the core genome, the accessory genome being overlooked. Here, we provide unique insights into the phylogenetic evolution of CG14 and CG15, two poorly characterized CGs which have contributed to the global dissemination of genes responsible for resistance to first-line antibiotics such as β-lactams. Our results point out an independent evolution of these two CGs and highlight the existence of different subclades structured by the capsular type and the accessory genome. Moreover, the contribution of a turbulent flux of plasmids (especially multireplicon F type and Col) and adaptive traits (antibiotic resistance and metal tolerance genes) to the pangenome reflect the exposure and adaptation of K. pneumoniae under different selective pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Rodrigues
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Val F. Lanza
- Unidad de Genómica Traslacional Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luísa Peixe
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa M. Coque
- CIBER en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ângela Novais
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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21
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Shaib H, Aoun P, Ghaddar A, Al Labadi H, Obeid Y. Multidrug Resistance and Plasmid Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolated from Lebanese Broiler Farms. Int J Microbiol 2023; 2023:8811675. [PMID: 37303775 PMCID: PMC10250091 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8811675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns and plasmid fingerprints of commensal Escherichia coli isolated from Lebanese broiler chickens. To that end, a total of 30 E. coli isolates were collected from 15 semi-open broiler farms from North Lebanon and Bekaa Valley. Results showed that all the isolates were resistant to at least nine out of 18 evaluated antimicrobial agents. The best-performing antibiotic families were Carbapenems (Imipenem) and Quinolones (Ciprofloxacin and Norfloxacin) to which only 0.0 and 8.3% of the isolates were resistant, respectively. Fifteen various plasmid profiles were depicted, and all the isolates were found to possess one or multiple plasmids. The plasmid sizes varied from 1.2 to 21.0 kbp, and the most commonly detected plasmid had a size of 5.7 kbp (23.3% of the isolates). There was no significant association between the number of plasmids per isolate and resistance to a particular drug. Nevertheless, the presence of specific plasmids, namely, the 2.2 or 7.7 kbp sized ones, was strongly correlated to Quinolones or Trimethoprim resistance, respectively. Both the 7.7 and 6.8 kbp plasmids showed mild correlation to Amikacin resistance, and the 5.7 kbp plasmid was mildly correlated to Piperacillin-Tazobactam resistance. Our findings highlight the need to revise the list of antimicrobials currently used in Lebanese poultry and associate the presence of specific plasmids to antimicrobial resistance patterns in E. coli isolates. The revealed plasmid profiles could also serve any future epidemiological investigation of poultry disease outbreaks in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houssam Shaib
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Paul Aoun
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ahmad Ghaddar
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hamza Al Labadi
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Obeid
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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22
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Garcillán-Barcia MP, Redondo-Salvo S, de la Cruz F. Plasmid classifications. Plasmid 2023; 126:102684. [PMID: 37116631 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2023.102684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Plasmids are universally present in bacteria and play key roles in the dissemination of genes such as antibiotic resistance determinants. Major concepts in Plasmid Biology derive from the efforts to classify plasmids. Here, we review the main plasmid classification systems, starting by phenotype-based methods, such as fertility inhibition and incompatibility, followed by schemes based on a single gene (replicon type and MOB class), and finishing with recently developed approaches that use genetic distances between whole plasmid sequences. A comparison of the latter highlights significant differences between them. We further discuss the need for an operational definition of plasmid species that reveals their biological features, akin to plasmid taxonomic units (PTUs).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pilar Garcillán-Barcia
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Cantabria), Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Santiago Redondo-Salvo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Cantabria), Cantabria, Spain; Biomar Microbial Technologies, León, Spain
| | - Fernando de la Cruz
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universidad de Cantabria), Cantabria, Spain.
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23
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Moura de Sousa J, Lourenço M, Gordo I. Horizontal gene transfer among host-associated microbes. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:513-527. [PMID: 37054673 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer is an important evolutionary force, facilitating bacterial diversity. It is thought to be pervasive in host-associated microbiomes, where bacterial densities are high and mobile elements are frequent. These genetic exchanges are also key for the rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Here, we review recent studies that have greatly extended our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying horizontal gene transfer, the ecological complexities of a network of interactions involving bacteria and their mobile elements, and the effect of host physiology on the rates of genetic exchanges. Furthermore, we discuss other, fundamental challenges in detecting and quantifying genetic exchanges in vivo, and how studies have contributed to start overcoming these challenges. We highlight the importance of integrating novel computational approaches and theoretical models with experimental methods where multiple strains and transfer elements are studied, both in vivo and in controlled conditions that mimic the intricacies of host-associated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Moura de Sousa
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Marta Lourenço
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Isabel Gordo
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande,6, Oeiras, Portugal.
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24
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Commichaux S, Rand H, Javkar K, Molloy EK, Pettengill JB, Pightling A, Hoffmann M, Pop M, Jayeola V, Foley S, Luo Y. Assessment of plasmids for relating the 2020 Salmonella enterica serovar Newport onion outbreak to farms implicated by the outbreak investigation. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:165. [PMID: 37016310 PMCID: PMC10074901 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09245-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Salmonella enterica serovar Newport red onion outbreak of 2020 was the largest foodborne outbreak of Salmonella in over a decade. The epidemiological investigation suggested two farms as the likely source of contamination. However, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of the whole genome sequencing data showed that none of the Salmonella isolates collected from the farm regions were linked to the clinical isolates-preventing the use of phylogenetics in source identification. Here, we explored an alternative method for analyzing the whole genome sequencing data driven by the hypothesis that if the outbreak strain had come from the farm regions, then the clinical isolates would disproportionately contain plasmids found in isolates from the farm regions due to horizontal transfer. RESULTS SNP analysis confirmed that the clinical isolates formed a single, nearly-clonal clade with evidence for ancestry in California going back a decade. The clinical clade had a large core genome (4,399 genes) and a large and sparsely distributed accessory genome (2,577 genes, at least 64% on plasmids). At least 20 plasmid types occurred in the clinical clade, more than were found in the literature for Salmonella Newport. A small number of plasmids, 14 from 13 clinical isolates and 17 from 8 farm isolates, were found to be highly similar (> 95% identical)-indicating they might be related by horizontal transfer. Phylogenetic analysis was unable to determine the geographic origin, isolation source, or time of transfer of the plasmids, likely due to their promiscuous and transient nature. However, our resampling analysis suggested that observing a similar number and combination of highly similar plasmids in random samples of environmental Salmonella enterica within the NCBI Pathogen Detection database was unlikely, supporting a connection between the outbreak strain and the farms implicated by the epidemiological investigation. CONCLUSION Horizontally transferred plasmids provided evidence for a connection between clinical isolates and the farms implicated as the source of the outbreak. Our case study suggests that such analyses might add a new dimension to source tracking investigations, but highlights the need for detailed and accurate metadata, more extensive environmental sampling, and a better understanding of plasmid molecular evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Commichaux
- Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, USA.
- Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA.
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- Biological Science Graduate Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Hugh Rand
- Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kiran Javkar
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Erin K Molloy
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - James B Pettengill
- Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Arthur Pightling
- Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Maria Hoffmann
- Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Mihai Pop
- Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Victor Jayeola
- Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Steven Foley
- Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Yan Luo
- Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
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25
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Horne T, Orr VT, Hall JP. How do interactions between mobile genetic elements affect horizontal gene transfer? Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 73:102282. [PMID: 36863168 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer is central to bacterial adaptation and is facilitated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Increasingly, MGEs are being studied as agents with their own interests and adaptations, and the interactions MGEs have with one another are recognised as having a powerful effect on the flow of traits between microbes. Collaborations and conflicts between MGEs are nuanced and can both promote and inhibit the acquisition of new genetic material, shaping the maintenance of newly acquired genes and the dissemination of important adaptive traits through microbiomes. We review recent studies that shed light on this dynamic and oftentimes interlaced interplay, highlighting the importance of genome defence systems in mediating MGE-MGE conflicts, and outlining the consequences for evolutionary change, that resonate from the molecular to microbiome and ecosystem levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Horne
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria T Orr
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - James Pj Hall
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom.
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26
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Beltran LC, Cvirkaite-Krupovic V, Miller J, Wang F, Kreutzberger MAB, Patkowski JB, Costa TRD, Schouten S, Levental I, Conticello VP, Egelman EH, Krupovic M. Archaeal DNA-import apparatus is homologous to bacterial conjugation machinery. Nat Commun 2023; 14:666. [PMID: 36750723 PMCID: PMC9905601 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36349-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugation is a major mechanism of horizontal gene transfer promoting the spread of antibiotic resistance among human pathogens. It involves establishing a junction between a donor and a recipient cell via an extracellular appendage known as the mating pilus. In bacteria, the conjugation machinery is encoded by plasmids or transposons and typically mediates the transfer of cognate mobile genetic elements. Much less is known about conjugation in archaea. Here, we determine atomic structures by cryo-electron microscopy of three conjugative pili, two from hyperthermophilic archaea (Aeropyrum pernix and Pyrobaculum calidifontis) and one encoded by the Ti plasmid of the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and show that the archaeal pili are homologous to bacterial mating pili. However, the archaeal conjugation machinery, known as Ced, has been 'domesticated', that is, the genes for the conjugation machinery are encoded on the chromosome rather than on mobile genetic elements, and mediates the transfer of cellular DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia C Beltran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | | | - Jessalyn Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Fengbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Mark A B Kreutzberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Jonasz B Patkowski
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Tiago R D Costa
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Stefan Schouten
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Ilya Levental
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | | | - Edward H Egelman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA.
| | - Mart Krupovic
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Archaeal Virology Unit, 75015, Paris, France.
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27
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The Mobilizable Plasmid P3 of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium SL1344 Depends on the P2 Plasmid for Conjugative Transfer into a Broad Range of Bacteria In Vitro and In Vivo. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0034722. [PMID: 36383016 PMCID: PMC9765291 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00347-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The global rise of drug-resistant bacteria is of great concern. Conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance plasmids contributes to the emerging resistance crisis. Despite substantial progress in understanding the molecular basis of conjugation in vitro, the in vivo dynamics of intra- and interspecies conjugative plasmid transfer are much less understood. In this study, we focused on the streptomycin resistance-encoding mobilizable plasmid pRSF1010SL1344 (P3) of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain SL1344. We show that P3 is mobilized by interacting with the conjugation machinery of the conjugative plasmid pCol1B9SL1344 (P2) of SL1344. Thereby, P3 can be transferred into a broad range of relevant environmental and clinical bacterial isolates in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that S. Typhimurium persisters in host tissues can serve as P3 reservoirs and foster transfer of both P2 and P3 once they reseed the gut lumen. This adds to our understanding of resistance plasmid transfer in ecologically relevant niches, including the mammalian gut. IMPORTANCE S. Typhimurium is a globally abundant bacterial species that rapidly occupies new niches and survives unstable environmental conditions. As an enteric pathogen, S. Typhimurium interacts with a broad range of bacterial species residing in the mammalian gut. High abundance of bacteria in the gut lumen facilitates conjugation and spread of plasmid-carried antibiotic resistance genes. By studying the transfer dynamics of the P3 plasmid in vitro and in vivo, we illustrate the impact of S. Typhimurium-mediated antibiotic resistance spread via conjugation to relevant environmental and clinical bacterial isolates. Plasmids are among the most critical vehicles driving antibiotic resistance spread. Further understanding of the dynamics and drivers of antibiotic resistance transfer is needed to develop effective solutions for slowing down the emerging threat of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens.
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28
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Añorga M, Urriza M, Ramos C, Murillo J. Multiple relaxases contribute to the horizontal transfer of the virulence plasmids from the tumorigenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. savastanoi NCPPB 3335. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1076710. [PMID: 36578579 PMCID: PMC9791958 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1076710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae pv. savastanoi NCPPB 3335 is the causal agent of olive knot disease and contains three virulence plasmids: pPsv48A (pA), 80 kb; pPsv48B (pB), 45 kb, and pPsv48C (pC), 42 kb. Here we show that pB contains a complete MPFT (previously type IVA secretion system) and a functional origin of conjugational transfer adjacent to a relaxase of the MOBP family; pC also contains a functional oriT-MOBP array, whereas pA contains an incomplete MPFI (previously type IVB secretion system), but not a recognizable oriT. Plasmid transfer occurred on solid and in liquid media, and on leaf surfaces of a non-host plant (Phaseolus vulgaris) with high (pB) or moderate frequency (pC); pA was transferred only occasionally after cointegration with pB. We found three plasmid-borne and three chromosomal relaxase genes, although the chromosomal relaxases did not contribute to plasmid dissemination. The MOBP relaxase genes of pB and pC were functionally interchangeable, although with differing efficiencies. We also identified a functional MOBQ mobilization region in pC, which could only mobilize this plasmid. Plasmid pB could be efficiently transferred to strains of six phylogroups of P. syringae sensu lato, whereas pC could only be mobilized to two strains of phylogroup 3 (genomospecies 2). In two of the recipient strains, pB was stably maintained after 21 subcultures in liquid medium. The carriage of several relaxases by the native plasmids of P. syringae impacts their transfer frequency and, by providing functional diversity and redundancy, adds robustness to the conjugation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Añorga
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Edificio de Agrobiotecnología, Mutilva Baja, Spain
| | - Miriam Urriza
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Edificio de Agrobiotecnología, Mutilva Baja, Spain
| | - Cayo Ramos
- Área de Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain,Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea “La Mayora”, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Málaga, Spain
| | - Jesús Murillo
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Applied Biology, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Edificio de Agrobiotecnología, Mutilva Baja, Spain,*Correspondence: Jesús Murillo
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29
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Hao C, Dewar AE, West SA, Ghoul M. Gene transferability and sociality do not correlate with gene connectivity. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221819. [PMID: 36448285 PMCID: PMC9709509 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The connectivity of a gene, defined as the number of interactions a gene's product has with other genes' products, is a key characteristic of a gene. In prokaryotes, the complexity hypothesis predicts that genes which undergo more frequent horizontal transfer will be less connected than genes which are only very rarely transferred. We tested the role of horizontal gene transfer, and other potentially important factors, by examining the connectivity of chromosomal and plasmid genes, across 134 diverse prokaryotic species. We found that (i) genes on plasmids were less connected than genes on chromosomes; (ii) connectivity of plasmid genes was not correlated with plasmid mobility; and (iii) the sociality of genes (cooperative or private) was not correlated with gene connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Hao
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Anna E. Dewar
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Stuart A. West
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Melanie Ghoul
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
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30
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Ares-Arroyo M, Coluzzi C, P.C. Rocha E. Origins of transfer establish networks of functional dependencies for plasmid transfer by conjugation. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 51:3001-3016. [PMID: 36442505 PMCID: PMC10123127 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Plasmids can be transferred between cells by conjugation, thereby driving bacterial evolution by horizontal gene transfer. Yet, we ignore the molecular mechanisms of transfer for many plasmids because they lack all protein-coding genes required for conjugation. We solved this conundrum by identifying hundreds of plasmids and chromosomes with conjugative origins of transfer in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These plasmids (pOriT) hijack the relaxases of conjugative or mobilizable elements, but not both. The functional dependencies between pOriT and other plasmids explain their co-occurrence: pOriT are abundant in cells with many plasmids, whereas conjugative plasmids are the most common in the others. We systematically characterized plasmid mobility in relation to conjugation and alternative mechanisms of transfer and can now propose a putative mechanism of transfer for ∼90% of them. In most cases, plasmid mobility seems to involve conjugation. Interestingly, the mechanisms of mobility are important determinants of plasmid-encoded accessory traits, since pOriTs have the highest densities of antimicrobial resistance genes, whereas plasmids lacking putative mechanisms of transfer have the lowest. We illuminate the evolutionary relationships between plasmids and suggest that many pOriT may have arisen by gene deletions in other types of plasmids. These results suggest that most plasmids can be transferred by conjugation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ares-Arroyo
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité , CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris , France
| | - Charles Coluzzi
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité , CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris , France
| | - Eduardo P.C. Rocha
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité , CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris , France
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