Vertical and horizontal gene transfer tradeoffs direct plasmid fitness

Abstract: Plasmid fitness is directed by two orthogonal processes—vertical transfer through cell division and horizontal transfer through conjugation. When considered individually, improvements in either mode of transfer can promote how well a plasmid spreads and persists. Together, however, the metabolic cost of conjugation could create a tradeoff that constrains plasmid evolution. Here, we present evidence for the presence, consequences, and molecular basis of a conjugation‐growth tradeoff across 40 plasmids derived from clinical Escherichia coli pathogens. We discover that most plasmids operate below a conjugation efficiency threshold for major growth effects, indicating strong natural selection for vertical transfer. Below this threshold, E. coli demonstrates a remarkable growth tolerance to over four orders of magnitude change in conjugation efficiency. This tolerance fades as nutrients become scarce and horizontal transfer attracts a greater share of host resources. Our results provide insight into evolutionary constraints directing plasmid fitness and strategies to combat the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Vertical and horizontal gene transfer tradeoffs direct plasmid fitness ; day:27 ; month:12 ; year:2022 ; extent:10 ; Molecular systems biology ; (27.12.2022) (gesamt 10)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Bethke, Jonathan H. ; Ma, Helena R. ; Tsoi, Ryan ; Cheng, Li ; Xiao, Minfeng ; You, Lingchong

Further information

• DOI: 10.15252/msb.202211300
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022122714042789299129
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:26 AM CEST