Bacterial chromosomal mobility via lateral transduction exceeds that of classical mobile genetic elements

Humphrey, S. , Fillol-Salom, A. , Quiles-Puchalt, N., Ibarra-Chávez, R., Haag, A. F. , Chen, J. and Penadés, J. R. (2021) Bacterial chromosomal mobility via lateral transduction exceeds that of classical mobile genetic elements. Nature Communications, 12, 6509. (doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-26004-5) (PMID:34750368) (PMCID:PMC8575950)

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Abstract

It is commonly assumed that the horizontal transfer of most bacterial chromosomal genes is limited, in contrast to the frequent transfer observed for typical mobile genetic elements. However, this view has been recently challenged by the discovery of lateral transduction in Staphylococcus aureus, where temperate phages can drive the transfer of large chromosomal regions at extremely high frequencies. Here, we analyse previously published as well as new datasets to compare horizontal gene transfer rates mediated by different mechanisms in S. aureus and Salmonella enterica. We find that the horizontal transfer of core chromosomal genes via lateral transduction can be more efficient than the transfer of classical mobile genetic elements via conjugation or generalized transduction. These results raise questions about our definition of mobile genetic elements, and the potential roles played by lateral transduction in bacterial evolution.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ibarra Chavez, Mr Rodrigo and Penades, Prof Jose R and Haag, Dr Andreas and Fillol Salom, Mr Alfred and Quiles, Miss Nuria and Humphrey, Dr Suzie
Authors: Humphrey, S., Fillol-Salom, A., Quiles-Puchalt, N., Ibarra-Chávez, R., Haag, A. F., Chen, J., and Penadés, J. R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Nature Communications
Publisher:Nature Research
ISSN:2041-1723
ISSN (Online):2041-1723
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Nature Communications 12: 6509
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
170721Molecular biology of the PICIs, a novel and widespread family of mobile genetic elements involved in bacterial virulenceJose R PenadesMedical Research Council (MRC)MR/M003876/1III - Bacteriology - Dr J Penades
304055Deciphering Gram-negative phage-inducible chromosomal island strategies for spreading in natureJose R PenadesMedical Research Council (MRC)MRS00940X/1III - Bacteriology
172242Understanding a novel mechanim involving pathogenity islands in the transfer of unlinked chromosomal virulence genesJose R PenadesBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)BB/N002873/1Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation
302971Helper and satellite pathogenicity islands: the discovery of two novel subcellular elements with a huge impact on bacterial pathogenesis and evolutionJose R PenadesBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)BB/S003835/1III - Bacteriology
172321DUT-SignalJose R PenadesEuropean Research Council (ERC)670932Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation
173671Prof. R. Fitzgerald. Wellcome Trust Award 201531/Z/16/Z - Understanding bacterial host adaptation to combat infectious diseasesJose R PenadesWellcome Trust (WELLCOTR)R44516 - WT 201531/Z/16/ZInstitute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation