Experimental evolution of gallium resistance in Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Metallic antimicrobial materials are of growing interest due to their potential to control pathogenic and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Yet we do not know if utilizing these materials can lead to genetic adaptations that produce even more dangerous bacterial varieties.

Methodology

Here we utilize experimental evolution to produce strains of Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 resistant to, the iron analog, gallium nitrate (Ga(NO₃)₃). Whole genome sequencing was utilized to determine genomic changes associated with gallium resistance. Computational modeling was utilized to propose potential molecular mechanisms of resistance.

Results

By day 10 of evolution, increased gallium resistance was evident in populations cultured

SUBMITTER: Graves JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6928379 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature