scholarly journals The Role of Type VI Secretion System Effectors in Target Cell Lysis and Subsequent Horizontal Gene Transfer

Cell Reports ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 3927-3940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter David Ringel ◽  
Di Hu ◽  
Marek Basler
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Target Cell ◽  
Cell Lysis ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Type Vi Secretion

The type VI secretion system ofVibrio choleraefosters horizontal gene transfer

Science ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 347 (6217) ◽  
pp. 63-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandrine Borgeaud ◽  
Lisa C. Metzger ◽  
Tiziana Scrignari ◽  
Melanie Blokesch
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Live Cell Imaging ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Natural Competence ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
Encoding Gene

Natural competence for transformation is a common mode of horizontal gene transfer and contributes to bacterial evolution. Transformation occurs through the uptake of external DNA and its integration into the genome. Here we show that the type VI secretion system (T6SS), which serves as a predatory killing device, is part of the competence regulon in the naturally transformable pathogenVibrio cholerae. The T6SS-encoding gene cluster is under the positive control of the competence regulators TfoX and QstR and is induced by growth on chitinous surfaces. Live-cell imaging revealed that deliberate killing of nonimmune cells via competence-mediated induction of T6SS releases DNA and makes it accessible for horizontal gene transfer inV. cholerae.

scholarly journals Horizontal Gene Transfer of Functional Type VI Killing Genes by Natural Transformation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Thomas ◽  
Samit S. Watve ◽  
William C. Ratcliff ◽  
Brian K. Hammer
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Transfer ◽  
Direct Injection ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Effector Genes ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Explicit Simulation

AbstractHorizontal gene transfer can have profound effects on bacterial evolution by allowing individuals to rapidly acquire adaptive traits that shape their strategies for competition. One strategy for intermicrobial antagonism often used by Proteobacteria is the genetically-encoded contact-dependent Type VI secretion system (T6SS); a weapon used to kill heteroclonal neighbors by direct injection of toxic effectors. Here, we experimentally demonstrate thatVibrio choleraecan acquire new T6SS effector genes via horizontal transfer and utilize them to kill neighboring cells. Replacement of one or more parental alleles with novel effectors allows the recombinant strain to dramatically outcompete its parent. Through spatially-explicit simulation modeling, we show that the HGT is risky: transformation brings a cell into conflict with its former clonemates, but can be adaptive when superior T6SS alleles are acquired. More generally, we find that these costs and benefits are not symmetric, and that high rates of HGT can act as hedge against competitors with unpredictable T6SS efficacy. We conclude that antagonism and horizontal transfer drive successive rounds of weapons-optimization and selective sweeps, dynamically shaping the composition of microbial communities.

scholarly journals Beyond dueling: roles of the type VI secretion system in microbiome modulation, pathogenesis and stress resistance

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinshui Lin ◽  
Lei Xu ◽  
Jianshe Yang ◽  
Zhuo Wang ◽  
Xihui Shen
Keyword(s):  
Stress Resistance ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Type Vi Secretion System ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Competitive Fitness ◽  
Type Vi Secretion ◽  
Protein Secretion Systems ◽  
Extracellular Environment

AbstractBacteria inhabit diverse and dynamic environments, where nutrients may be limited and toxic chemicals can be prevalent. To adapt to these stressful conditions, bacteria have evolved specialized protein secretion systems, such as the type VI secretion system (T6SS) to facilitate their survival. As a molecular syringe, the T6SS expels various effectors into neighboring bacterial cells, eukaryotic cells, or the extracellular environment. These effectors improve the competitive fitness and environmental adaption of bacterial cells. Although primarily recognized as antibacterial weapons, recent studies have demonstrated that T6SSs have functions beyond interspecies competition. Here, we summarize recent research on the role of T6SSs in microbiome modulation, pathogenesis, and stress resistance.

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