Differential crosstalk between toxin-immunity protein homologs divides Myxococcus nonself siblings into close and distant social relatives

• DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03902-24
• Publication Date: 2025-03-28T13:46:29Z
• Authors: Feng Wang; Jing Luo; Zheng Zhang; Ya Liu; Duo hong Sheng; Li Zhuo; Yue-zhong Li
• Keywords: Myxococcus xanthus; Crosstalk; Antitoxin

ABSTRACT Many bacteria discriminate self and nonself using toxins their corresponding immunity proteins. The toxin–immunity systems often include homologs, potentially creating crosstalk with unknown influences on kin discrimination. In this study, we investigated the kinship controlled by four homologous in social bacterium Myxococcus xanthus . We determined that each play an independent role discrimination of nonself. However, proteins inactivate not only nuclease toxin but also some non-corresponding proteins, depending sequence structural similarities. relatives or without exhibit differential co-growth collaborative behaviors. concluded between protein homologs can divide bacterial lineages into close distant displaying collaboration antagonistic IMPORTANCE This study significantly contributes to our knowledge selection behavior bacteria. interactions were investigated, evidence was obtained these distinguish cells within a species. Importantly, revealed lineages, which display varying degrees genetic relatedness, co-grow collaborate distinct patterns. discovery implies mimic degree kinship; through activity, differentiate relatives. novel insight dynamics supports theory enriches microbial evolutionary strategies. These findings have broad implications for ecology, evolution, development cooperation