Toxin-Antitoxin Systems Reflect Community Interactions Through Horizontal Gene Transfer

Journal Article · 15 October 2024 · Molecular Biology and Evolution

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msae206 · OSTI ID:2477799

Bethke, Jonathan H.  ^[1]; Kimbrel, Jeffrey  ^[2]; Jiao, Yongqin  ^[2]; Ricci, Dante  ^[2]

---

1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
2. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Bacterial evolution through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) reflects their community interactions. In this way, HGT networks do well at mapping community interactions, but offer little toward controlling them—an important step in the translation of synthetic strains into natural contexts. Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems serve as ubiquitous and diverse agents of selection; however, their utility is limited by their erratic distribution in hosts. Here we examine the heterogeneous distribution of TAs as a consequence of their mobility. By systematically mapping TA systems across a 10,000 plasmid network, we find HGT communities have unique and predictable TA signatures. We propose these TA signatures arise from plasmid competition and have further potential to signal the degree to which plasmids, hosts, and phage interact. To emphasize these relationships, we construct an HGT network based solely on TA similarity, framing specific selection markers in the broader context of bacterial communities. This work both clarifies the evolution of TA systems and unlocks a common framework for manipulating community interactions through TA compatibility.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER). Biological Systems Science (BSS)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-07NA27344
• OSTI ID: 2477799
• Report Number(s): LLNL-JRNL--865061
• Journal Information: Molecular Biology and Evolution, Journal Name: Molecular Biology and Evolution Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 41; ISSN 0737-4038
• Publisher: Oxford University PressCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English