Evolution of a bistable genetic system in fluctuating and nonfluctuating environments.

ABSTRACT: Epigenetic mechanisms can generate bacterial lineages capable of spontaneously switching between distinct phenotypes. Currently, mathematical models and simulations propose epigenetic switches as a mechanism of adaptation to deal with fluctuating environments. However, bacterial evolution experiments for testing these predictions are lacking. Here, we exploit an epigenetic switch in Salmonella enterica, the opvAB operon, to show clear evidence that OpvAB bistability persists in changing environments but not in stable conditions. Epigenetic control of transcription in the opvAB operon produces OpvAB^OFF (phage-sensitive) and OpvAB^ON (phage-resistant) cells in a reversible manner and may be interpreted as an example of bet-hedging to preadapt Salm

SUBMITTER: Fernandez-Fernandez R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11388349 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature