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Diversity and evolution of an abundant ICEclc family of integrative and conjugative elements in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Microbial populations swiftly adapt to changing environments through horizontal gene transfer. While the mechanisms of gene transfer are well known, the impact of environmental conditions on the selection of transferred gene functions remains less clear. We investigated ICEs, specifically the ICEclc-type, in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. Our findings revealed co-evolution between ICEs and their hosts, with ICE transfers occurring within strains. Gene functions carried by ICEs are positively selected, including potential virulence factors and heavy metal resistance. Comparison to publicly available P. aeruginosa genomes unveiled widespread antibiotic-resistance determinants within ICEclc clades. Thus, the ubiquitous ICEclc family significantly contributes to P. aeruginosa's adaptation and fitness in diverse environments.

SUBMITTER: Benigno V

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10732049 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Diversity and evolution of an abundant ICE<i>clc</i> family of integrative and conjugative elements in <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>.

Benigno Valentina V Carraro Nicolas N Sarton-Lohéac Garance G Romano-Bertrand Sara S Blanc Dominique S DS van der Meer Jan Roelof JR

mSphere 20231030 6

<h4>Importance</h4>Microbial populations swiftly adapt to changing environments through horizontal gene transfer. While the mechanisms of gene transfer are well known, the impact of environmental conditions on the selection of transferred gene functions remains less clear. We investigated ICEs, specifically the ICE<i>clc</i>-type, in <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> clinical isolates. Our findings revealed co-evolution between ICEs and their hosts, with ICE transfers occurring within strains. Gene ...[more]

PMID: 37902330

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