A 102 kb RepABC plasmid of xenologous origin modulates chromosomal gene expression in Dinoroseobacter shibae
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ABSTRACT: The model organism Dinoroseobacter shibae and many other marine Rhodobacterales (Roseobacteraceae, Alphaproteobacteria) are characterized by a multipartite genome organization. Here we show that the original isolate (Dshi-6) contained six extrachromosomal replicons (ECRs), whereas the strain deposited at the DSMZ (Dshi-5) lacked a 102 kb plasmid. To determine the role of the sixth plasmid, we investigated the genomic and physiological differences between the two strains. Therefore, both genomes were (re-)sequenced and gene expression, growth and substrate utilization were examined. For comparison, we included additional plasmid-cured strains in the genome analysis. In the Dshi-6 population, the conjugative 102 kb RepABC-9 plasmid was only present in about 50 % of the cells, irrespective of its experimentally validated stability. In the presence of the sixth plasmid, copy number changes of other ECRs, in particular a decrease of the 86 kb plasmid, were observed. The most conspicuous finding was the strong influence of plasmids on the chromosomal gene expression, especially the repression of the CtrA regulon and the activation of the denitrification gene cluster. The expression is inversely controlled either by the presence of the 102 kb or the absence of the 86 kb plasmid. We identified global regulatory genes on both plasmids, i.e. a sigma 70 factor, and a quorum sensing synthase, that might be responsible for these major changes. The tremendous effects challenge the current understanding of the relevance of volatile plasmids not only for the original host, but also for new recipients after conjugation.
ORGANISM(S): Dinoroseobacter shibae
PROVIDER: GSE198318 | GEO | 2022/03/13
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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