Kin discrimination promotes horizontal gene transfer between unrelated strains in Bacillus subtilis.

ABSTRACT: Bacillus subtilis is a soil bacterium that is competent for natural transformation. Genetically distinct B. subtilis swarms form a boundary upon encounter, resulting in killing of one of the strains. This process is mediated by a fast-evolving kin discrimination (KD) system consisting of cellular attack and defence mechanisms. Here, we show that these swarm antagonisms promote transformation-mediated horizontal gene transfer between strains of low relatedness. Gene transfer between interacting non-kin strains is largely unidirectional, from killed cells of the donor strain to surviving cells of the recipient strain. It is associated with activation of a stress response mediated by sigma factor SigW in the donor cells, and induction of competence in the recipient strain. More closely relate

SUBMITTER: Stefanic P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8187645 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature