Evolution via recombination: Cell-to-cell contact facilitates larger recombination events in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

ABSTRACT: Homologous recombination in the genetic transformation model organism Streptococcus pneumoniae is thought to be important in the adaptation and evolution of this pathogen. While competent pneumococci are able to scavenge DNA added to laboratory cultures, large-scale transfers of multiple kb are rare under these conditions. We used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to map transfers in recombinants arising from contact of competent cells with non-competent 'target' cells, using strains with known genomes, distinguished by a total of ~16,000 SNPs. Experiments designed to explore the effect of environment on large scale recombination events used saturating purified donor DNA, short-term cell assemblages on Millipore filters, and mature biofilm mixed cultures. WGS of 22 recombinants for each enviro

SUBMITTER: Cowley LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6016952 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature