Alternative Ways to Exchange DNA: Unconventional Conjugation Among Bacteria

Esteban, Alba Blesa; Berenguer, José

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-21862-1_2

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…No transference of HB8-specific genes was detected for transjugants T4, T5, T6, and T7. However, in T1 and T2 clones, putative transposases of the ISTh4 family, with several copies across the HB8 genome but absent in HB27 [ 9 , 35 ], were found integrated at the chromosomal gene TTC0904 in the T1 strain and in a non-coding region near the megaplasmid gene TTP0147 in clone T2. In the latter case, integration could have been the consequence of homologous recombination, as the integration point is flanked by SNPs of the HB8 parental strain.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition to this classical model of conjugation, alternative mechanisms of conjugation-like processes exist among phylogenetically distant bacterial groups in which the transfer of chromosomal genes can take place from different points in the genome in an apparently simultaneous action, similar to the distributive conjugation described for Mycobacterium spp or similar processes described for Mycoplasma agalactiae , Streptomyces spp, and T. thermophilus [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Integrative and Conjugative Element ICETh1 Functions as a Pangenomic DNA Capture Module in Thermus thermophilus

et al. 2020

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Transjugation is an unconventional conjugation mechanism in Thermus thermophilus (Tth) that involves the active participation of both mating partners, encompassing a DNA secretion system (DSS) in the donor and an active natural competence apparatus (NCA) in the recipient cells. DSS is encoded within an integrative and conjugative element (ICETh1) in the strain Tth HB27, whereas the NCA is constitutively expressed in both mates. Previous experiments suggested the presence of multiple origins of transfer along the genome, which could generate genomic mosaicity among the progeny. Here, we designed transjugation experiments between two closely related strains of Tth with highly syntenic genomes, containing enough single nucleotide polymorphisms to allow precise parenthood analysis. Individual clones from the progeny were sequenced, revealing their origin as derivatives of our ICETh1-containing intended “donor” strain (HB27), which had acquired separate fragments from the genome of the ICETh1-free HB8 cells, which are our intended recipient. Due to the bidirectional nature of transjugation, only assays employing competence-defective HB27 derivatives as donors allowed the recovery of HB8-derived progeny. These results show a preference for a retrotransfer mechanism in transjugation in ICETh1-bearing strains, supporting an inter-strain gene-capture function for ICETh1. This function could benefit the donor-capable host by facilitating the acquisition of adaptive traits from external sources, ultimately increasing the open pangenome of Thermus, maximizing the potential repertoire of physiological and phenotypical traits related to adaptation and speciation.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%