Algal exudates promote conjugation in marine Roseobacters

作者：Yemima Duchin Rapp, Valeria Lipsman, Lilach Yuda, Ilya V. Kublanov, Dor Matsliyah, Einat Segev · 发表于：mBio · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1128/mbio.01062-24 · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology、Bacteriophages and microbial interactions、Fecal contamination and water quality

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 influence the 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 findings suggest 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 in...