Copper Ions Facilitate the Conjugative Transfer of SXT/R391 Integrative and Conjugative Element Across Bacterial Genera.

ABSTRACT: Copper can persist stably in the environment for prolonged periods. Except for inducing antibiotic resistance in bacteria, copper ions (Cu²⁺) can facilitate the horizontal transfer of plasmid DNA. However, whether and how Cu²⁺ can accelerate the conjugative transfer of SXT/R391 integrative and conjugative element (ICE) is still largely unknown. In this study, Proteus mirabilis ChSC1905, harboring an SXT/R391 ICE that carried 21 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), was used as a donor, and Escherichia coli EC600 was used as a recipient. Cu²⁺, at subinhibitory and environmentally relevant concentrations (1-10 μmol/L), significantly accelerated the conjugative transfer of SXT/R391 ICE across bacterial genera (from P. mirabilis to E. coli

SUBMITTER: Song Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7884315 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature