Chromosomal toxin-antitoxin systems in Pseudomonas putida are rather selfish than beneficial.

ABSTRACT: Chromosomal toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are widespread genetic elements among bacteria, yet, despite extensive studies in the last decade, their biological importance remains ambivalent. The ability of TA-encoded toxins to affect stress tolerance when overexpressed supports the hypothesis of TA systems being associated with stress adaptation. However, the deletion of TA genes has usually no effects on stress tolerance, supporting the selfish elements hypothesis. Here, we aimed to evaluate the cost and benefits of chromosomal TA systems to Pseudomonas putida. We show that multiple TA systems do not confer fitness benefits to this bacterium as deletion of 13 TA loci does not influence stress tolerance, persistence or biofilm formation. Our results instead show that TA loci are costly and de

SUBMITTER: Rosendahl S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7280312 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature