Miniature transposable sequences are frequently mobilized in the bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola

The occurrence of positive selection on BicA transporter of Microcystis aeruginosa

The rapid growth of cyanobacteria, particularly Microcystis aeruginosa, poses a significant threat to global water security. The proliferation of toxic Microcystis aeruginosa raises concerns due to its potential harm to human health and socioeconomic impacts. Dense blooms contribute to spatiotemporal inorganic carbon depletion, promoting interest in the roles of carbon-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) for competitive carbon uptake. Despite the importance of HCO3- transporters, genetic evaluations and functional predictions in M. aeruginosa remain insufficient. In this study, we explored the diversity of HCO3- transporters in the genomes of 46 strains of M. aeruginosa, assessing positive selection for each. Intriguingly, although the Microcystis BicA transporter became a partial gene in 23 out of 46 genomic strains, we observed significant positive sites. Structural analyses, including predicted 2D and 3D models, confirmed the structural conservation of the Microcystis BicA transporter. Our findings suggest that the Microcystis BicA transport likely plays a crucial role in competitive carbon uptake, emphasizing its ecological significance. The ecological function of the Microcystis BicA transport in competitive growth during cyanobacterial blooms raises important questions. Future studies require experimental confirmation to better understand the role of the Microcysits BicA transporter in cyanobacterial blooms dynamics.

Functional Roles and Genomic Impact of Miniature Inverted-Repeat Transposable Elements (MITEs) in Prokaryotes

Prokaryotic genomes are dynamic tapestries that are strongly influenced by mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including transposons (Tn's), plasmids, and bacteriophages. Of these, miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) are undoubtedly the least studied MGEs in bacteria and archaea. This review explores the diversity and distribution of MITEs in prokaryotes and describes what is known about their functional roles in the host and involvement in genomic plasticity and evolution.

Multiple relaxases contribute to the horizontal transfer of the virulence plasmids from the tumorigenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. savastanoi NCPPB 3335

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 MPF_T (previously type IVA secretion system) and a functional origin of conjugational transfer adjacent to a relaxase of the MOB_P family; pC also contains a functional oriT-MOB_P array, whereas pA contains an incomplete MPF_I (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 MOB_P relaxase genes of pB and pC were functionally interchangeable, although with differing efficiencies. We also identified a functional MOB_Q 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.

Two Homologues of the Global Regulator Csr/Rsm Redundantly Control Phaseolotoxin Biosynthesis and Virulence in the Plant Pathogen Pseudomonas amygdali pv. phaseolicola 1448A

The widely conserved Csr/Rsm (carbon storage regulator/repressor of stationary-phase metabolites) post-transcriptional regulatory system controls diverse phenotypes involved in bacterial pathogenicity and virulence. Here we show that Pseudomonas amygdali pv. phaseolicola 1448A contains seven rsm genes, four of which are chromosomal. In RNAseq analyses, only rsmE was thermoregulated, with increased expression at 18 °C, whereas the antagonistic sRNAs rsmX1, rsmX4, rsmX5 and rsmZ showed increased levels at 28 °C. Only double rsmA-rsmE mutants showed significantly altered phenotypes in functional analyses, being impaired for symptom elicitation in bean, including in planta growth, and for induction of the hypersensitive response in tobacco. Double mutants were also non-motile and were compromised for the utilization of different carbon sources. These phenotypes were accompanied by reduced mRNA levels of the type III secretion system regulatory genes hrpL and hrpA, and the flagellin gene, fliC. Biosynthesis of the phytotoxin phaseolotoxin by mutants in rsmA and rsmE was delayed, occurring only in older cultures, indicating that these rsm homologues act as inductors of toxin synthesis. Therefore, genes rsmA and rsmE act redundantly, although with a degree of specialization, to positively regulate diverse phenotypes involved in niche colonization. Additionally, our results suggest the existence of a regulatory molecule different from the Rsm proteins and dependent on the GacS/GacA (global activator of antibiotic and cyanide production) system, which causes the repression of phaseolotoxin biosynthesis at high temperatures.

Pseudomonas Can Survive Tailocin Killing via Persistence-Like and Heterogenous Resistance Mechanisms

Phage tail-like bacteriocins (tailocins) are bacterially produced protein toxins that mediate competitive interactions between cocolonizing bacteria. Both theoretical and experimental research has shown there are intransitive interactions between bacteriocin-producing, bacteriocin-sensitive, and bacteriocin-resistant populations, whereby producers outcompete sensitive cells, sensitive cells outcompete resistant cells, and resistant cells outcompete producers. These so-called rock-paper-scissors dynamics explain how all three populations occupy the same environment, without one driving the others extinct. Using Pseudomonas syringae as a model, we demonstrate that otherwise sensitive cells survive bacteriocin exposure through a physiological mechanism. This mechanism allows cells to survive bacteriocin killing without acquiring resistance. We show that a significant fraction of the target cells that survive a lethal dose of tailocin did not exhibit any detectable increase in survival during a subsequent exposure. Tailocin persister cells were more prevalent in stationary- rather than log-phase cultures. Of the fraction of cells that gained detectable resistance, there was a range from complete (insensitive) to incomplete (partially sensitive) resistance. By using genomic sequencing and genetic engineering, we showed that a mutation in a hypothetical gene containing 8 to 10 transmembrane domains causes tailocin high persistence and that genes of various glycosyltransferases cause incomplete and complete tailocin resistance. Importantly, of the several classes of mutations, only those causing complete tailocin resistance compromised host fitness. This result indicates that bacteria likely utilize persistence to survive bacteriocin-mediated killing without suffering the costs associated with resistance. This research provides important insight into how bacteria can escape the trap of fitness trade-offs associated with gaining de novo tailocin resistance.IMPORTANCE Bacteriocins are bacterially produced protein toxins that are proposed as antibiotic alternatives. However, a deeper understanding of the responses of target bacteria to bacteriocin exposure is lacking. Here, we show that target cells of Pseudomonas syringae survive lethal bacteriocin exposure through both physiological persistence and genetic resistance mechanisms. Cells that are not growing rapidly rely primarily on persistence, whereas those growing rapidly are more likely to survive via resistance. We identified various mutations in lipopolysaccharide biogenesis-related regions involved in tailocin persistence and resistance. By assessing host fitness of various classes of mutants, we showed that persistence and subtle resistance are mechanisms P. syringae uses to survive competition and preserve host fitness. These results have important implications for developing bacteriocins as alternative therapeutic agents.

The toxic guardians - multiple toxin-antitoxin systems provide stability, avoid deletions and maintain virulence genes of Pseudomonas syringae virulence plasmids

Background

Pseudomonas syringae is a γ-proteobacterium causing economically relevant diseases in practically all cultivated plants. Most isolates of this pathogen contain native plasmids collectively carrying many pathogenicity and virulence genes. However, P. syringae is generally an opportunistic pathogen primarily inhabiting environmental reservoirs, which could exert a low selective pressure for virulence plasmids. Additionally, these plasmids usually contain a large proportion of repeated sequences, which could compromise plasmid integrity. Therefore, the identification of plasmid stability determinants and mechanisms to preserve virulence genes is essential to understand the evolution of this pathogen and its adaptability to agroecosystems.

Results

The three virulence plasmids of P. syringae pv. savastanoi NCPPB 3335 contain from one to seven functional stability determinants, including three highly active toxin-antitoxin systems (TA) in both pPsv48A and pPsv48C. The TA systems reduced loss frequency of pPsv48A by two orders of magnitude, whereas one of the two replicons of pPsv48C likely confers stable inheritance by itself. Notably, inactivation of the TA systems from pPsv48C exposed the plasmid to high-frequency deletions promoted by mobile genetic elements. Thus, recombination between two copies of MITEPsy2 caused the deletion of an 8.3 kb fragment, with a frequency of 3.8 ± 0.3 × 10^− 3. Likewise, one-ended transposition of IS801 generated plasmids containing deletions of variable size, with a frequency of 5.5 ± 2.1 × 10^− 4, of which 80% had lost virulence gene idi. These deletion derivatives were stably maintained in the population by replication mediated by repJ, which is adjacent to IS801. IS801 also promoted deletions in plasmid pPsv48A, either by recombination or one-ended transposition. In all cases, functional TA systems contributed significantly to reduce the occurrence of plasmid deletions in vivo.

Conclusions

Virulence plasmids from P. syringae harbour a diverse array of stability determinants with a variable contribution to plasmid persistence. Importantly, we showed that multiple plasmid-borne TA systems have a prominent role in preserving plasmid integrity and ensuring the maintenance of virulence genes in free-living conditions. This strategy is likely widespread amongst native plasmids of P. syringae and other bacteria.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13100-019-0149-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Genomic Structural Variations Affecting Virulence During Clonal Expansion of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae Biovar 3 in Europe

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) biovar 3 caused pandemic bacterial canker of Actinidia chinensis and Actinidia deliciosa since 2008. In Europe, the disease spread rapidly in the kiwifruit cultivation areas from a single introduction. In this study, we investigated the genomic diversity of Psa biovar 3 strains during the primary clonal expansion in Europe using single molecule real-time (SMRT), Illumina and Sanger sequencing technologies. We recorded evidences of frequent mobilization and loss of transposon Tn6212, large chromosome inversions, and ectopic integration of IS sequences (remarkably ISPsy31, ISPsy36, and ISPsy37). While no phenotype change associated with Tn6212 mobilization could be detected, strains CRAFRU 12.29 and CRAFRU 12.50 did not elicit the hypersensitivity response (HR) on tobacco and eggplant leaves and were limited in their growth in kiwifruit leaves due to insertion of ISPsy31 and ISPsy36 in the hrpS and hrpR genes, respectively, interrupting the hrp cluster. Both strains had been isolated from symptomatic plants, suggesting coexistence of variant strains with reduced virulence together with virulent strains in mixed populations. The structural differences caused by rearrangements of self-genetic elements within European and New Zealand strains were comparable in number and type to those occurring among the European strains, in contrast with the significant difference in terms of nucleotide polymorphisms. We hypothesize a relaxation, during clonal expansion, of the selection limiting the accumulation of deleterious mutations associated with genome structural variation due to transposition of mobile elements. This consideration may be relevant when evaluating strategies to be adopted for epidemics management.

Single-Cell (Meta-)Genomics of a Dimorphic Candidatus Thiomargarita nelsonii Reveals Genomic Plasticity

The genus Thiomargarita includes the world's largest bacteria. But as uncultured organisms, their physiology, metabolism, and basis for their gigantism are not well understood. Thus, a genomics approach, applied to a single Candidatus Thiomargarita nelsonii cell was employed to explore the genetic potential of one of these enigmatic giant bacteria. The Thiomargarita cell was obtained from an assemblage of budding Ca. T. nelsonii attached to a provannid gastropod shell from Hydrate Ridge, a methane seep offshore of Oregon, USA. Here we present a manually curated genome of Bud S10 resulting from a hybrid assembly of long Pacific Biosciences and short Illumina sequencing reads. With respect to inorganic carbon fixation and sulfur oxidation pathways, the Ca. T. nelsonii Hydrate Ridge Bud S10 genome was similar to marine sister taxa within the family Beggiatoaceae. However, the Bud S10 genome contains genes suggestive of the genetic potential for lithotrophic growth on arsenite and perhaps hydrogen. The genome also revealed that Bud S10 likely respires nitrate via two pathways: a complete denitrification pathway and a dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia pathway. Both pathways have been predicted, but not previously fully elucidated, in the genomes of other large, vacuolated, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. Surprisingly, the genome also had a high number of unusual features for a bacterium to include the largest number of metacaspases and introns ever reported in a bacterium. Also present, are a large number of other mobile genetic elements, such as insertion sequence (IS) transposable elements and miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs). In some cases, mobile genetic elements disrupted key genes in metabolic pathways. For example, a MITE interrupts hupL, which encodes the large subunit of the hydrogenase in hydrogen oxidation. Moreover, we detected a group I intron in one of the most critical genes in the sulfur oxidation pathway, dsrA. The dsrA group I intron also carried a MITE sequence that, like the hupL MITE family, occurs broadly across the genome. The presence of a high degree of mobile elements in genes central to Thiomargarita's core metabolism has not been previously reported in free-living bacteria and suggests a highly mutable genome.

Mobility and generation of mosaic non-autonomous transposons by Tn3-derived inverted-repeat miniature elements (TIMEs)

Functional transposable elements (TEs) of several Pseudomonas spp. strains isolated from black shale ore of Lubin mine and from post-flotation tailings of Zelazny Most in Poland, were identified using a positive selection trap plasmid strategy. This approach led to the capture and characterization of (i) 13 insertion sequences from 5 IS families (IS3, IS5, ISL3, IS30 and IS1380), (ii) isoforms of two Tn3-family transposons – Tn5563a and Tn4662a (the latter contains a toxin-antitoxin system), as well as (iii) non-autonomous TEs of diverse structure, ranging in size from 262 to 3892 bp. The non-autonomous elements transposed into AT-rich DNA regions and generated 5- or 6-bp sequence duplications at the target site of transposition. Although these TEs lack a transposase gene, they contain homologous 38-bp-long terminal inverted repeat sequences (IRs), highly conserved in Tn5563a and many other Tn3-family transposons. The simplest elements of this type, designated TIMEs (Tn3 family-derived Inverted-repeat Miniature Elements) (262 bp), were identified within two natural plasmids (pZM1P1 and pLM8P2) of Pseudomonas spp. It was demonstrated that TIMEs are able to mobilize segments of plasmid DNA for transposition, which results in the generation of more complex non-autonomous elements, resembling IS-driven composite transposons in structure. Such transposon-like elements may contain different functional genetic modules in their core regions, including plasmid replication systems. Another non-autonomous element “captured” with a trap plasmid was a TIME derivative containing a predicted resolvase gene and a res site typical for many Tn3-family transposons. The identification of a portable site-specific recombination system is another intriguing example confirming the important role of non-autonomous TEs of the TIME family in shuffling genetic information in bacterial genomes. Transposition of such mosaic elements may have a significant impact on diversity and evolution, not only of transposons and plasmids, but also of other types of mobile genetic elements.

The extent of genome flux and its role in the differentiation of bacterial lineages

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and gene loss are key processes in bacterial evolution. However, the role of gene gain and loss in the emergence and maintenance of ecologically differentiated bacterial populations remains an open question. Here, we use whole-genome sequence data to quantify gene gain and loss for 27 lineages of the plant-associated bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. We apply an extensive error-control procedure that accounts for errors in draft genome data and greatly improves the accuracy of patterns of gene occurrence among these genomes. We demonstrate a history of extensive genome fluctuation for this species and show that individual lineages could have acquired thousands of genes in the same period in which a 1% amino acid divergence accrues in the core genome. Elucidating the dynamics of genome fluctuation reveals the rapid turnover of gained genes, such that the majority of recently gained genes are quickly lost. Despite high observed rates of fluctuation, a phylogeny inferred from patterns of gene occurrence is similar to a phylogeny based on amino acid replacements within the core genome. Furthermore, the core genome phylogeny suggests that P. syringae should be considered a number of distinct species, with levels of divergence at least equivalent to those between recognized bacterial species. Gained genes are transferred from a variety of sources, reflecting the depth and diversity of the potential gene pool available via HGT. Overall, our results provide further insights into the evolutionary dynamics of genome fluctuation and implicate HGT as a major factor contributing to the diversification of P. syringae lineages.

Bacterial genome instability

Bacterial genomes are remarkably stable from one generation to the next but are plastic on an evolutionary time scale, substantially shaped by horizontal gene transfer, genome rearrangement, and the activities of mobile DNA elements. This implies the existence of a delicate balance between the maintenance of genome stability and the tolerance of genome instability. In this review, we describe the specialized genetic elements and the endogenous processes that contribute to genome instability. We then discuss the consequences of genome instability at the physiological level, where cells have harnessed instability to mediate phase and antigenic variation, and at the evolutionary level, where horizontal gene transfer has played an important role. Indeed, this ability to share DNA sequences has played a major part in the evolution of life on Earth. The evolutionary plasticity of bacterial genomes, coupled with the vast numbers of bacteria on the planet, substantially limits our ability to control disease.

Genomic plasticity enables phenotypic variation of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000

Whole genome sequencing revealed the presence of a genomic anomaly in the region of 4.7 to 4.9 Mb of the Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 genome. The average read depth coverage of Pst DC3000 whole genome sequencing results suggested that a 165 kb segment of the chromosome had doubled in copy number. Further analysis confirmed the 165 kb duplication and that the two copies were arranged as a direct tandem repeat. Examination of the corresponding locus in Pst NCPPB1106, the parent strain of Pst DC3000, suggested that the 165 kb duplication most likely formed after the two strains diverged via transposition of an ISPsy5 insertion sequence (IS) followed by unequal crossing over between ISPsy5 elements at each end of the duplicated region. Deletion of one copy of the 165 kb region demonstrated that the duplication facilitated enhanced growth in some culture conditions, but did not affect pathogenic growth in host tomato plants. These types of chromosomal structures are predicted to be unstable and we have observed resolution of the 165 kb duplication to single copy and its subsequent re-duplication. These data demonstrate the role of IS elements in recombination events that facilitate genomic reorganization in P. syringae.

Detection and characterization of miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements in “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”

Miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) are nonautonomous transposons (devoid of the transposase gene tps) that affect gene functions through insertion/deletion events. No transposon has yet been reported to occur in “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus,” an alphaproteobacterium associated with citrus Huanglongbing (HLB, yellow shoot disease). In this study, two MITEs, MCLas-A and MCLas-B, in “Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus” were detected, and the genome was characterized using 326 isolates collected in China and Florida. MCLas-A had three variants, ranging from 237 to 325 bp, and was inserted into a TTTAGG site of a prophage region. MCLas-A had a pair of 54-bp terminal inverted repeats (TIRs), which contained three tandem repeats of TGGTAACCAC. Both “filled” (with MITE) and “empty” (without MITE) states were detected, suggesting the MITE mobility. The empty sites of all bacterial isolates had TIR tandem repeat remnants (TRR). Frequencies of TRR types varied according to geographical origins. MCLas-B had four variants, ranging from 238 to 250 bp, and was inserted into a TA site of another “Ca. Liberibacter” prophage. The MITE, MCLas-B, had a pair of 23-bp TIRs containing no tandem repeats. No evidence of MCLas-B mobility was found. An identical open reading frame was found upstream of MCLas-A (229 bp) and MCLas-B (232 bp) and was predicted to be a putative tps, suggesting an in cis tps-MITE configuration. MCLas-A and MCLas-B were predominantly copresent in Florida isolates, whereas MCLas-A alone or MCLas-B alone was found in Chinese isolates.

GTAG- and CGTC-tagged palindromic DNA repeats in prokaryotes

BACKGROUND

REPs (Repetitive Extragenic Palindromes) are small (20-40 bp) palindromic repeats found in high copies in some prokaryotic genomes, hypothesized to play a role in DNA supercoiling, transcription termination, mRNA stabilization.

RESULTS

We have monitored a large number of REP elements in prokaryotic genomes, and found that most can be sorted into two large DNA super-families, as they feature at one end unpaired motifs fitting either the GTAG or the CGTC consensus. Tagged REPs have been identified in >80 species in 8 different phyla. GTAG and CGTC repeats reside predominantly in microorganisms of the gamma and alpha division of Proteobacteria, respectively. However, the identification of members of both super- families in deeper branching phyla such Cyanobacteria and Planctomycetes supports the notion that REPs are old components of the bacterial chromosome. On the basis of sequence content and overall structure, GTAG and CGTC repeats have been assigned to 24 and 4 families, respectively. Of these, some are species-specific, others reside in multiple species, and several organisms contain different REP types. In many families, most units are close to each other in opposite orientation, and may potentially fold into larger secondary structures. In different REP-rich genomes the repeats are predominantly located between unidirectionally and convergently transcribed ORFs. REPs are predominantly located downstream from coding regions, and many are plausibly transcribed and function as RNA elements. REPs located inside genes have been identified in several species. Many lie within replication and global genome repair genes. It has been hypothesized that GTAG REPs are miniature transposons mobilized by specific transposases known as RAYTs (REP associated tyrosine transposases). RAYT genes are flanked either by GTAG repeats or by long terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) unrelated to GTAG repeats. Moderately abundant families of TIRs have been identified in multiple species.

CONCLUSIONS

CGTC REPs apparently lack a dedicated transposase. Future work will clarify whether these elements may be mobilized by RAYTs or other transposases, and assess if de-novo formation of either GTAG or CGTC repeats type still occurs.

Sequence and role in virulence of the three plasmid complement of the model tumor-inducing bacterium Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi NCPPB 3335

Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi NCPPB 3335 is a model for the study of the molecular basis of disease production and tumor formation in woody hosts, and its draft genome sequence has been recently obtained. Here we closed the sequence of the plasmid complement of this strain, composed of three circular molecules of 78,357 nt (pPsv48A), 45,220 nt (pPsv48B), and 42,103 nt (pPsv48C), all belonging to the pPT23A-like family of plasmids widely distributed in the P. syringae complex. A total of 152 coding sequences were predicted in the plasmid complement, of which 38 are hypothetical proteins and seven correspond to putative virulence genes. Plasmid pPsv48A contains an incomplete Type IVB secretion system, the type III secretion system (T3SS) effector gene hopAF1, gene ptz, involved in cytokinin biosynthesis, and three copies of a gene highly conserved in plant-associated proteobacteria, which is preceded by a hrp box motif. A complete Type IVA secretion system, a well conserved origin of transfer (oriT), and a homolog of the T3SS effector gene hopAO1 are present in pPsv48B, while pPsv48C contains a gene with significant homology to isopentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomerase, type 1. Several potential mobile elements were found on the three plasmids, including three types of MITE, a derivative of IS801, and a new transposon effector, ISPsy30. Although the replication regions of these three plasmids are phylogenetically closely related, their structure is diverse, suggesting that the plasmid architecture results from an active exchange of sequences. Artificial inoculations of olive plants with mutants cured of plasmids pPsv48A and pPsv48B showed that pPsv48A is necessary for full virulence and for the development of mature xylem vessels within the knots; we were unable to obtain mutants cured of pPsv48C, which contains five putative toxin-antitoxin genes.