Phenotypic and genetic barriers to establishment of horizontally transferred genes encoding ribosomal protection proteins.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ribosomal protection proteins (RPPs) interact with bacterial ribosomes to prevent inhibition of protein synthesis by tetracycline. RPP genes have evolved from a common ancestor into at least 12 distinct classes and spread by horizontal genetic transfer into a wide range of bacteria. Many bacterial genera host RPP genes from multiple classes but tet(M) is the predominant RPP gene found in Escherichia coli.

Objectives

We asked whether phenotypic barriers (low-level resistance, high fitness cost) might constrain the fixation of other RPP genes in E. coli.

Methods

We expressed a diverse set of six different RPP genes in E. coli, including tet(M), and quantified tetracycline susceptibility and growth phenotypes as a function of expression level, and evolvability

SUBMITTER: Yadav K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8120329 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature