Chromosomal Curing Drives an Arms Race Between Bacterial Transformation and Prophage.

ABSTRACT: Transformation occurs when bacteria import exogenous DNA via the competence machinery and integrate it into their genome through homologous recombination (HR). This process may provide an evolutionary advantage to cells through enabling "chromosomal curing": the deletion of integrative mobile genetic elements (MGEs). However, many such MGEs are sensitive to RecA-DNA filaments, triggering activation of a lifecycle that may enable them to evade HR-mediated deletion. Despite >40% of isolates containing prophage integrated at a site that inhibits transformation, 3 representative prophages were identified in naturally competent pneumococci to test this hypothesis. These encompassed representatives with C1-type and ImmAR-type regulatory systems, found in almost all pneumococcal prophages. All 3

SUBMITTER: Kwun MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12637031 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature