Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals plasmid constrains bacterial population heterogeneity and identifies a non-conjugating subpopulation

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49793-x
• Publication Date: 2024-07-12T08:04:28Z
• Authors: Valentine Cyriaque; Rodrigo Ibarra-Ch...; Anna Kuchina; Georg Seelig; Joseph Nesme; Jonas Stenløkke M...
• Keywords: Horizontal Gene Transfer

Abstract Transcriptional heterogeneity in isogenic bacterial populations can play various roles evolution, but its detection remains technically challenging. Here, we use microbial split-pool ligation transcriptomics to study the relationship between subpopulation formation and plasmid-host interactions at single-cell level. We find that transcript abundances are influenced by growth state plasmid carriage. Moreover, carriage constrains of subpopulations. Plasmid genes, including those with core functions such as replication maintenance, exhibit transcriptional associated cell activity. Notably, identify a does not transcribe conjugal transfer which may help reduce burden on subset cells. Our advances understanding plasmid-mediated dynamics provides insights into plasmid-bacteria interplay.