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Vertical and horizontal gene transfer tradeoffs direct plasmid fitness.

Jonathan H BethkeHelena R MaRyan TsoiLi ChengMinfeng XiaoLingchong You
Published in: Molecular systems biology (2022)
Plasmid fitness is directed by two orthogonal processes-vertical transfer through cell division and horizontal transfer through conjugation. When considered individually, improvements in either mode of transfer can promote how well a plasmid spreads and persists. Together, however, the metabolic cost of conjugation could create a tradeoff that constrains plasmid evolution. Here, we present evidence for the presence, consequences, and molecular basis of a conjugation-growth tradeoff across 40 plasmids derived from clinical Escherichia coli pathogens. We discover that most plasmids operate below a conjugation efficiency threshold for major growth effects, indicating strong natural selection for vertical transfer. Below this threshold, E. coli demonstrates a remarkable growth tolerance to over four orders of magnitude change in conjugation efficiency. This tolerance fades as nutrients become scarce and horizontal transfer attracts a greater share of host resources. Our results provide insight into evolutionary constraints directing plasmid fitness and strategies to combat the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Keyphrases
  • escherichia coli
  • physical activity
  • crispr cas
  • klebsiella pneumoniae
  • body composition
  • biofilm formation
  • electron transfer
  • heavy metals
  • single cell
  • cystic fibrosis
  • bone marrow
  • dna methylation
  • pseudomonas aeruginosa