Evolution of copper resistance in the kiwifruit pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae through acquisition of integrative conjugative elements and plasmids

• DOI: 10.1101/070391
• Publication Date: 2016-08-20T05:12:42Z
• Authors: Elena Colombi; Christina Straub; Sven Kunzel; Matthew D Templeton; Honour C McCann; Paul B Rainey
• Keywords: Pseudomonas syringae; Actinidia; Canker

Lateral gene transfer can precipitate rapid evolutionary change. In 2010 the global pandemic of kiwifruit canker disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) reached New Zealand. At time introduction, single clone responsible for outbreak was sensitive to copper, however, analysis a sample isolates taken in 2015 and 2016 showed that quarter were copper resistant. Genome sequences seven strains resistance (comprising czc/cusABC copABCD systems) along with arsenic cadmium, acquired via uptake integrative conjugative elements (ICEs), but also plasmids. Comparative ICEs have mosaic structure, one being tripartite arrangement two different plasmid isolated 1921 (USA), 1968 (NZ) 1988 (Japan), from P. pathogens millet, wheat kiwifruit, respectively. Two Psa nearly identical leaf colonists prior introduction into NZ. Additionally, we show ICE vitro planta, analyze fitness consequences carriage, capture de novo formation novel recombinant ICEs, explore host-range.