Replicon family of Vibrionaceae plasmids as a reservoir of antimicrobial and phage resistance genes in marine ecosystems.

ABSTRACT: Plasmids are mobile genetic elements that drive horizontal gene transfer among bacteria, influencing microbial community composition and functional traits in marine ecosystems. However, many marine plasmids remain unclassified due to unknown replication mechanisms. Here, we describe VBR1, a novel plasmid replicon family, widespread among species of the family Vibrionaceae. The minimal VBR1 replicon comprises a 570-bp AT-rich origin of replication (oriV) and two genes, vrp1AB, sufficient for autonomous replication in Escherichia coli and Photobacterium damselae. A comprehensive GenBank search revealed 158 previously untyped plasmids from Vibrionaceae species worldwide harboring this replicon, including relevant pathogens for animals and humans as well as environmental species. VBR1 plasmids

SUBMITTER: Fraga-Pampin S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12753305 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature