Rapid dissemination of host metabolism–manipulating genes via integrative and conjugative elements

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309263121
• Publication Date: 2024-03-08T18:54:00Z
• Authors: Elena Colombi; Frederic Bertels; Guilhem Doulcier; Ellen McConnell; Tatyana Pichugina; Kee Hoon Sohn; Christina Straub; Honour C. McCann; Paul B. Rainey
• Keywords: Pseudomonas syringae; Pathogenicity island; Horizontal Gene Transfer; Lineage (genetic)

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are self-transmissible mobile that transfer functional genetic units across broad phylogenetic distances. Accessory genes shuttled by ICEs can make significant contributions to bacterial fitness. Most characterized date encode readily observable phenotypes contributing symbiosis, pathogenicity, antimicrobial resistance, yet the majority of carry unknown function. Recent observations rapid acquisition in a pandemic lineage Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidae led investigation structural diversity these elements. Fifty-three unique ICE types were identified P. species complex. Together they form distinct family (PsICEs) share distant relationship found aeruginosa . PsICEs defined conserved backbone punctuated an array accessory cargo genes, highly recombinogenic, display evolutionary histories compared their hosts. The most common is recently disseminated 16-kb element designated Tn 6212 Deletion did not alter pathogen growth planta, but mutants displayed fitness defects when grown on tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. RNA-seq analysis set nested deletion showed -encoded LysR regulator has global effects chromosomal gene expression. We show responds preferred carbon sources manipulates metabolism maximize growth.