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MGEs (e.g., plasmids, phage, transposons, insertion elements, gene transfer agents) are common amongst bacteria. They drive bacterial evolution, genetic diversity, and influence fitness in niche-specific contexts. MGEs are often studied in singularity, yet bacteria commonly possess or simultaneously encounter multiple MGEs, leading to the potential for complex interactions amongst MGEs that may be critical to cellular function.
The complete genome of S. pontiacus CB-D. Tuttle et. al., 2022.
What do we know?
Sulfitobacter pontiacus CB-D possesses four large low-copy number plasmids and a prophage
We have identified a correlation between plasmid content and spontaneous induction
Host susceptibility to secondary phage infection is plasmid-encoded
What questions do we have?
How do plasmids influence CB-D symbiotic fitness?
Plasmid-encoded host factors are critical to phage infection
Plasmid-encoded host factors are likely involved in algal symbioses
How conserved is plasmid-dependent phage susceptibility?
Genetic variation between strains of the same species are primarily related to plasmid content
Related S. pontiacus strains possessing pSpoCB-1 homologs are resistant to phage infection
Variation in susceptibility and efficiency of infection provides an opportunity to link genetic content to host-phage dynamics
What are the molecular mechanisms of prophage induction?
Triggers for prophage induction of marine bacteria are poorly understood
Common laboratory inducing agents fail (mitomycin C, UV, etc.)
Plasmid loss and/or secondary infection by homologous phage lead to prophage induction
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