Project description:Integrons are genetic platforms that acquire new genes encoded in integron cassettes (ICs), building arrays of adaptive functions for bacteria. ICs generally encode promoterless genes, whose expression relies on the PC promoter within the integron platform. Cassette arrays are assumed to be operon-like structures in which expression is dependent on the distance to the Pc. This is especially relevant in large sedentary chromosomal integrons (SCIs,) like the ones in Vibrio species. We have identified 29 gene-less cassettes in 4 Vibrio SCIs, and explored whether their function could be related to regulating the transcription of adjacent ICs. We show that most gene-less cassettes have promoter activity on the sense strand, enhancing the expression of downstream cassettes. Accordingly, we found that most of the superintegron in Vibrio cholerae is not silent. These promoter cassettes can trigger the expression of a silent dfrB9 resistance cassette downstream, increasing trimethoprim resistance >512-fold in V. cholerae and Escherichia coli. Additionally, one cassette had an antisense promoter capable of reducing trimethoprim resistance through transcriptional interference. Our findings highlight the regulatory role of gene-less cassettes in the expression of adjacent cassettes, emphasizing their significance in large SCIs and their clinical importance if captured by mobile integrons.
Project description:Integrons are genetic elements that enable bacterial adaptation by collecting new genes encoded in integron cassettes (ICs) to create a reservoir of adaptive functions. These cassettes typically lack their own promoters and rely on the integron platform for their expression. Integrons, well-known for spreading antibiotic resistance genes in clinically relevant Gram-negative species, include Mobile Integrons (MIs), that transport over 170 resistance genes. In contrast, Sedentary Chromosomal Integrons (SCIs), ubiquitous in Vibrio species, are primarily found within bacterial chromosomes. However, their functions are not related to antimicrobial resistance and are largely unexplored. SCIs, typified by the Superintegron (SI) in Vibrio cholerae, represent ancient and highly variable regions in bacterial genomes. The SI is extensive, housing 179 integron cassettes, mostly with unknown functions. Although 19 cassettes encode toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, which stabilize the array, the intricacies of the SI are challenging to study due to its size and unique integrase. To investigate the SI's impact on V. cholerae, we developed the SeqDelTA approach, enabling the gradual deletion of the SI. This deletion facilitates the use of standard genetic tools without SI interference. Our in-depth analysis of the resulting ∆SI strain, covering various aspects, demonstrated no significant alterations in V. cholerae's physiology. Despite their extended coevolution, SCIs appear to be genetically isolated from the host genome.
2023-11-23 | GSE247496 | GEO
Project description:Impact of Wastewater Treatment on the Prevalence of Integrons and the Genetic Diversity of Integron Gene Cassettes
| PRJNA439215 | ENA
Project description:Methods for the targeted sequencing and analysis of integrons and their gene cassettes from complex microbial communities
| PRJNA761546 | ENA
Project description:class I integrons and gene cassettes in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from humans and food-producing animals
Project description:The toxin–antitoxin cassettes as selecting forces ensuring accumulation and maintenance of cassette functions in chromosomal integrons
Project description:We evaluated the possible mechanisms by which exposures to pulp and paper mill effluents gene expression in the fathead minnow hypothalamus Keywords: Toxicology Sexually mature fathead minnows were exposed to 100% pulp and paper mill effluents for 5 days. Tanks contained 4 females and 2 males. A total 4 tanks per effluents were used in this experiment. TM5, TM6, and KM4 represent different pulp and paper mill effluents from different mills coded for by FPInnovations-Paprican.
Project description:Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in treated municipal effluents have the potential to adversely impact exposed organisms prompting elevated public concern. Using transcriptomic tools, we investigated changes in gene expression and cellular pathways in the liver of male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed to 5% concentrations of full secondary-treated (HTP) or advanced primary-treated (PL) municipal wastewater effluents containing CECs. Gene expression changes were associated with apical endpoints (plasma vitellogenin and changes in secondary sexual characteristics). Of 32 effluent CECs analyzed, 28 were detected including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, hormones, and industrial compounds. Transcript patterns differed between effluents, however < 10% of these had agreement in the detected response (e.g. transcrips involved in xenobiotic detoxification, oxidative stress and apoptosis) in both effluents. Exposure to PL effluent caused changes in transcript levels of genes involved in metabolic pathways (e.g., lipid transport and steroid metabolism). Exposure to HTP effluent affected transcripts involved in signaling pathways (e.g., focal adhesion assembly and extracellular matrix). Exposure to both effluents produced significantly higher levels of plasma VTG and changes in secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., ovipositor development). Taken together the results suggest, a potential association between some transcriptomic changes and higher biological responses following effluent exposure; and a potential adverse outcome pathway following exposure to complex chemical mixtures containing CECs -. Furthermore, this study identified responses in key genes and pathways not previously implicated in exposure to CECS, , which could be consistent with effluent exposure (e.g., oxidative stress) in addition to other pathway responses specific to the effluent type. This may be useful for assessing the adverse health effects of fish by effluents exposure to CECs.