Algal exudates promote conjugation in marine Roseobacters

Yemima Duchin Rapp, Valeria Lipsman, Lilach Yuda, Ilya V. Kublanov, Dor Matsliyah, Einat Segev

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Abstract

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a pivotal mechanism driving bacterial evolution, conferring adaptability within dynamic marine ecosystems. Among HGT mechanisms, conjugation mediated by type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) plays a central role in the ecological success of marine bacteria. However, the conditions promoting conjugation events in the marine environment are not well-understood. Roseobacters, abundant marine bacteria commonly associated with algae, possess a multitude of T4SSs. Many Roseobacters are heterotrophic bacteria that rely on algal secreted compounds to support their growth. These compounds attract bacteria, facilitating colonization and attachment to algal cells. Algae and their metabolites bring bacteria into close proximity, potentially promoting bacterial HGT. Investigation across various Roseobacters revealed that algal exudates indeed enhance plasmid transfer through conjugation. While algal exudates do not influencethe transcription of bacterial conjugative machinery genes, they promote bacterial attachment, potentially stabilizing proximity and facilitating HGT. Notably, under conditions where attachment is less advantageous, the impact of algal exudates on conjugation is reduced. These findingssuggest that algae enhance bacterial conjugation primarily by fostering attachment and highlight the importance of studying bacterial HGT within the context of algal-bacterial interactions. IMPORTANCE This study explores how algal-bacterial interactions influencehorizontal gene transfer (HGT) among marine bacteria. HGT, a key driver of bacterial evolution, is facilitated by conjugation mediated by type IV secretion systems (T4SSs). Through investigating Roseobacters, abundant marine bacteria often found to be associated with algae, the study reveals that algal exudates enhance plasmid transfer via conjugation. This enhancement is attributed to the promotion of bacterial attachment by algal compounds, emphasizing the role of algal-bacterial interactions in shaping genetic exchange within dynamic marine ecosystems. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for elucidating bacterial adaptability and evolution in the marine environment.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0106224
Number of pages21
JournalmBio
Volume15
Issue number10
Early online date27 Aug 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Oct 2024

Funding

We are grateful to Dr. Jӧrn Petersen (Leibniz Institute, DSMZ, Germany) for generously sharing many valuable bacterial strains. We thank Prof. Juan Barja (University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain) for kindly sharing the P. inhibens P72 bacterial strain. We thank all members of the Segev lab for insightful comments and discussions. This study was supported by funds received from the Weizmann SAERI program granted to Y.D.R, the European Research Council (ERC StG 101075514), the Israeli Science Foundation (ISF 947/18), and the de Botton Center for Marine Science, granted to E.S. Y.D.R. and E.S. designed the study. Y.D.R., V.L., L.Y., D.M., and I.V.K. performed and analyzed experiments. Y.D.R. and E.S. wrote the manuscript. All authors discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript.

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Microbiology
  • Virology

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