Laboratory evolution of E. coli with a natural vitamin B 12 analog reveals roles for cobamide uptake and adenosylation in methionine synthase-dependent growth.

with a less-preferred cobamide to examine whether and how bacteria can improve their growth with less ideal nutrients. We found that overexpression of genes for cobamide uptake and modification are genetic adaptations that enable better growth under these conditions. Given that cobamides are key shared metabolites in microbial communities, our results reveal insights into bacterial interactions and competition for nutrients.