Integration Of Elements Research Articles

Between east and west, between past and future: The effects of exclusive historical victimhood on geopolitical attitudes in Hungary and Serbia.

In Eastern Europe, collective victim beliefs have become integral elements of national ideologies, especially amid rising geopolitical polarization. In this study, we investigated how exclusive victimhood was related to geopolitical attitudes in Hungary and Serbia. The study involved Serbian (N = 630) and Hungarian (N = 471) adult national samples stratified by gender, age, political orientation, and place of residence. As expected, exclusive victimhood predicted higher support for a geopolitical shift from the West (i.e., EU and US) to the East (i.e., Russia and China) via Euroscepticism in both samples. In Serbia, the strongest indirect effect was observed among participants with neutral attitudes towards the war in Ukraine. In Hungary, there was no expected moderated mediation while the direct effect of exclusive victimhood on the West-to-East geopolitical shift was largest for pro-Russian participants and non-significant for pro-Ukrainian participants. Different measures of ethnic identity showed no expected moderation effect, but an exploratory analysis revealed that exclusive victimhood partially mediated the relationship between identity measures (superiority and attachment) and support for a pro-Eastern (vs. pro-Western) geopolitical orientation. We discuss how the construals of the past based on exclusive victimhood shape future geopolitical preferences of the public in Hungary and Serbia.

Serotypes, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, and Potential Mechanisms of Resistance Gene Transfer in Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Strains from Waterfowl in Poland

Erysipelas is a significant problem in the waterfowl farming in Poland, and information on the characteristics of the Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae strains causing this disease is limited. In this study, we determined the serotypes, antimicrobial susceptibility, and potential mechanisms of resistance gene transfer in E. rhusiopathiae isolates (n = 60) from domestic geese and ducks. We also developed a multiplex PCR for the detection of resistance genes. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was assessed using the broth microdilution method. Resistance genes, integrative conjugative element (ICE)-specific genes, phage-specific genes, and serotype determinants were detected by PCR. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed for selected resistant strains. The comparative analyses included 260 E. rhusiopathiae strains whose whole genome sequences (WGSs) are publicly available. E. rhusiopathiae isolates represented 7 serotypes, among which serotypes 5 (38.3%) and 1b (28.3%) were the most common. All strains were susceptible to β-lactams, and the vast majority of them were resistant to tetracycline (85%) and enrofloxacin (80%). The percentages of isolates resistant to other antimicrobials used ranged from 3.3% to 16.7%. Ten isolates (16.7%) were found to be multidrug resistant (MDR). The genotypic resistance profiles of the E. rhusiopathiae strains corresponded to their phenotypic resistance, and the amplification patterns obtained using the 10-plex PCR developed in this study were fully consistent with the results of single PCRs. The most prevalent resistance gene was tetM. In enrofloxacin-resistant strains, nonsynonymous mutations in the gyrA and parC genes were identified. The presence of ICE-specific genes was confirmed in resistant strains, and in MDR isolates of serotype 8 that represented sequence type (ST) 113, prophage DNA (Javan630-like) linked to the lsaE gene was additionally detected. The results indicate that β-lactam antibiotics should be the first choice for the treatment of waterfowl erysipelas in Poland. ICEs, including a transposon from the Tn916/Tn1545 family, and bacteriophages are most likely responsible for the transfer of resistance genes in E. rhusiopathiae.

GutMetaNet: an integrated database for exploring horizontal gene transfer and functional redundancy in the human gut microbiome.

Metagenomic studies have revealed the critical roles of complex microbial interactions, including horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and functional redundancy (FR), in shaping the gut microbiome's functional capacity and resilience. However, the lack of comprehensive data integration and systematic analysis approaches has limited the in-depth exploration of HGT and FR dynamics across large-scale gut microbiome datasets. To address this gap, we present GutMetaNet (https://gutmetanet.deepomics.org/), a first-of-its-kind database integrating extensive human gut microbiome data with comprehensive HGT and FR analyses. GutMetaNet contains 21567 human gut metagenome samples with whole-genome shotgun sequencing data related to various health conditions. Through systematic analysis, we have characterized the taxonomic profiles andFR profiles, and identified 14636 HGT events using a shared reference genome database across the collected samples. These HGT events have been curated into 8049 clusters, which are annotated with categorized mobile genetic elements, including transposons, prophages, integrative mobilizable elements, genomic islands, integrative conjugative elements and group II introns. Additionally, GutMetaNet incorporates automated analyses and visualizations for the HGT events and FR, serving as an efficient platform for in-depth exploration of the interactions among gut microbiome taxa and their implications for human health.

Spatial Transformation of the Higher Education System: Threats and Challenges to Single-Industry Towns

The article proposes an approach to analyzing the spatial organization of the Russian higher education system. Methodologically, the study relies on the theory of structural functionalism. In order to solve the stated research problems, the authors used comparative historical and economic-statistical analyses, as well as the quick survey method. The study characterizes the specifics of the Russian system of single-industry towns and justifies the role of a single-industry town as an integral and essential element of the settlement system. The study also reveals structural and functional changes inthe Russian system of higher education that significantly limit the possibility of preserving universities and/or their branches in single-industry towns. It was proved that the functions of higher education institutions in a single-industry town are multifaceted, complex in nature, and not limited only to the sphere of education. In spite of this, the higher education system in single-industry towns downsizes at a significantly faster rate than in the country as a whole. The performed analysis shows that the persisting trend toward increasing territorial concentration in the country’s system of higher education can create a set of negative effects that have a disruptive impact on the national settlement system, the continuity of complex value chains, and the social stability of local communities in single-industry towns. A conclusion is made about the need for comprehensive solutions regarding the development of higher education in single-industry towns that combine both national mechanisms for achieving national goals and the toolkits of regional, industrial, educational, and corporate policies.

Conjugation mediates large-scale chromosomal transfer in Streptomyces driving diversification of antibiotic biosynthetic gene clusters.

Streptomyces are ubiquitous soil dwelling bacteria with large, linear genomes that are of special importance as a source of metabolites used in human and veterinary medicine, agronomy and industry. Conjugative elements (Actinomycetes Integrative and Conjugative Elements, AICEs) are the main drivers of Streptomyces Horizontal Gene Transfer. AICE transfer has long been known to be accompanied by mobilization of chromosomal DNA. However, the magnitude of DNA transfer, or the localization of acquired DNA across their linear chromosome, has remained undetermined. We here show that conjugative crossings in sympatric strains of Streptomyces result in the large-scale, genome-wide distributed replacement of up to one third of the recipient chromosome, a phenomenon for which we propose the name 'Streptomyces Chromosomal Transfer' (SCT). Such chromosome blending results in the acquisition, loss and hybridization of Specialized Metabolite Biosynthetic Gene Clusters, leading to a novel metabolic arsenal in exconjugant offspring. Harnessing conjugation-mediated SMBGC diversification holds great promise in the discovery of new bioactive compounds including antibiotics.

Emergence of the mobile RND-type efflux pump gene cluster tmexCD1-toprJ1 in Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates in Japan.

Tigecycline is an antimicrobial agent with a broad spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, mobile tigecycline resistance gene clusters, such as tnfxB-tmexCD-toprJ, have spread globally. The prevalence of tigecycline-resistant Enterobacterales in clinical settings in Japan is unknown. To investigate the tnfxB-tmexCD-toprJ gene cluster in the genome sequences of Enterobacterales clinical isolates in Japan. We investigated the tnfxB-tmexCD-toprJ cluster from the genome sequences of 5143 Enterobacterales isolates collected from 175 hospitals around Japan between 2019 and 2020 as part of a national genomic surveillance program for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The tnfxB1-tmexCD1-toprJ1 cluster was detected in two Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in 2019. One isolate possessed a 299.4 kb IncFIB(K) plasmid, pJBBGAAF19431, and the other possessed a 224.9 kb IncHI1B/IncFIB(K) hybrid plasmid, pJBEAACG19501, co-carrying multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes, blaOXA-1 and blaCTX-M-27, respectively, along with tnfxB1-tmexCD1-toprJ1. The genetic context of the tnfxB1-tmexCD1-toprJ1-surrounding structure on pJBBGAAF19431 was similar to that of a K. pneumoniae plasmid pHNAH8I-1 from a chicken in China in 2017, and the cluster was embedded in an apparently intact mobile DNA element: strand-biased circularizing integrative element. The tnfxB1-tmexCD1-toprJ1 on pJBEAACG19501 was embedded in a Tn3 family transposon related to TnAs1. The plasmid pJBEAACG19501 was highly similar to that of K. pneumoniae, isolated from humans in China in 2021. tmexCD-toprJ was present in Japan as of 2019. Even in Japan, where the clinical use of tigecycline is significantly rare, tmexCD-toprJ-harbouring multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales is a public health threat and requires continuous monitoring.

A scientific research training programme for teaching biomedical students to identify the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes.

Worldwide prevalence of multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria is rapidly increasing, and the education of undergraduates and graduates about antibiotic resistance and its associated horizontal gene transfer is critical in the general effort to confront the spread of antibiotic resistance. In this study, a deeper understanding of antibiotic resistance and horizontal gene transfer was achieved by biomedical undergraduate students through a scientific research programme. The enthusiasm of students to participate in the training programme was very high, and results revealed that each student could identify the antibiotic resistance integrative and conjugative element from the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia MER1 genome. Each student could also draw the phylogenetic relationship of the antibiotic resistance integrative and conjugative element. In addition, students proved the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from S. maltophilia MER1 to Escherichia coli strain 25DN through conjugation and PCR assays. Each group of students was able to obtain the expected results, indicating that the outcome of the scientific research programme was highly reproducible. This programme improved the theoretical knowledge about antibiotic resistance and horizontal gene transfer and the research skills of biomedical sciences students. Through this programme, students learned that antibiotic resistance genes can be horizontally transferred among different bacteria, laying a solid foundation for students to value the importance of the appropriate use of antibiotics in their future work and life.

Large-scale genomic analysis of Elizabethkingia anophelis

The recent emergence of Elizabethkingia anophelis as a human pathogen is a major concern for global public health. This organism has the potential to cause severe infections and has inherent antimicrobial resistance. The potential for widespread outbreaks and rapid global spread highlights the critical importance of understanding the biology and transmission dynamics of this infectious agent. We performed a large-scale analysis of available 540 E. anophelis, including one novel strain isolated from raw milk and sequenced in this study. Pan-genome analysis revealed an open and diverse pan-genome in this species, characterized by the presence of many accessory genes. This suggests that the species has a high level of adaptability and can thrive in a variety of environments. Phylogenetic analysis has also revealed a complex population structure, with limited source-lineage correlation. We identified diverse antimicrobial resistance factors, including core-genome and accessory ones often associated with mobile genetic elements within specific lineages. Mobilome analysis revealed a dynamic landscape primarily composed of genetic islands, integrative and conjugative elements, prophage elements, and small portion of plasmids emphasizing a complex mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. Our study underscores the adaptability of E. anophelis, characterized by a diverse range of antimicrobial resistance genes, putative virulence factors, and genes enhancing fitness. This adaptability is also supported by the organism’s ability to acquire genetic material through horizontal gene transfer, primarily facilitated by mobile genetic elements such as integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). The potential for rapid evolution of this emerging pathogen poses a significant challenge to public health efforts.

New evidence on household financial protection against out-of-pocket payments for health in Poland

Abstract Background Protecting households against financial hardship when using health care is an integral element of universal health coverage. Previous analysis showed that in Poland, catastrophic spending on health is more common than in many European countries. Over the last decade, several measures were undertaken to reduce the burden of out-of-pocket payments for households in Poland. Methods The study aimed to assess financial protection in Poland using the indicators of catastrophic and impoverishing health spending. It relies on the methodology developed by the WHO Region Office for Europe. Catastrophic expenditure is defined as out-of-pocket payments that are greater than 40% of household capacity to pay. The study uses data from the Polish household budget surveys in 2013-2021. Results The incidence of catastrophic health spending remained relatively constant over the years analyzed, with 9% of households affected. Only in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) it reached nearly 10%, although overall household out-of-pocket expenditure declined that year. The share of households impoverished or further impoverished due to out-of-pocket payments decreased from 4% in 2013 to 3% in 2021. Payments on medicines are the main driver of catastrophic spending, particularly among poorer households, although their role has diminished over time. Household’s available resources, gender, age, education, disability status, residence place, number of children, and household’s main source of income are significantly associated with catastrophic health payments. Conclusions Despite the implemented policies, household financial protection against out-of-pocket payments in Poland did not improve significantly between 2013 and 2021. Available evidence should be used to design well-tailored measures to reduce the burden of out-of-pocket payments, targeting the most vulnerable population groups and specific healthcare areas. Key messages • Household financial protection against out-of-pocket payments in Poland did not improve significantly between 2013 and 2021. • Out-of-pocket payments for medicines are the main cause of financial hardship for Polish households.

A ubiquitous mobile genetic element changes the antagonistic weaponry of a human gut symbiont.

DNA transfer is ubiquitous in the human gut microbiota, especially among species of the order Bacteroidales. In silico analyses have revealed hundreds of mobile genetic elements shared between these species, yet little is known about the phenotypes they encode, their effects on fitness, or pleiotropic consequences for the recipient's genome. In this work, we show that acquisition of a ubiquitous integrative conjugative element (ICE) encoding a type VI secretion system (T6SS) shuts down the native T6SS of Bacteroides fragilis. Despite inactivating this T6SS, ICE acquisition increases the fitness of the B. fragilis transconjugant over its progenitor by arming it with the new T6SS. DNA transfer causes the strain to change allegiances so that it no longer targets ecosystem members with the same element yet is armed for communal defense.

Living labs as orchestrators in the regional innovation ecosystem: a conceptual framework

ABSTRACT This research explores the conceptual integration of Living Labs (LLs) into the Regional Innovation Ecosystem (RIE) to understand their potential as facilitators of Responsible Innovation. While previous studies explored the role of Living Labs, they lack comprehensive integration strategies for addressing wicked problems. A conceptual framework is developed to understand the main role, detailed functions, and key elements for integration. Seven expert interviews were conducted to develop the conceptual framework, using the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (imec) within the Flemish Innovation Ecosystem as empirical context. The findings emphasise Living Labs as central orchestrators, enabling user-centric innovation, real-world experimentation, and stakeholder engagement. We identify four key elements that facilitate the proposed integration: government policy and funding, strategic integration, formal collaborations, and proof of concept. These findings have implications for advancing the theoretical understanding of Living Labs' integration into the Regional Innovation Ecosystem, and for practitioners who aim to foster Responsible Innovation.

The search for life signatures on Mars by the Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission.

We present the proposed strategic study, 'Integrated elements for Martian life signature exploration', to support the sampling and identification of any potential biosignatures in compliance with the engineering constraints of the Tianwen-3 mission.

Understanding impact and factors that improve postvention service delivery: findings from a study of a community-based suicide bereavement support service in England

ABSTRACT This article reports on a two-year study of a community-based suicide postvention support service in the UK. Attention centres on the implementation of four integrated elements within the service model: multi-agency working with real-time suicide surveillance, persistent pro-active contact; volunteer-led support; continuous open-ended support. Our approach involved analysing utilisation data and qualitative techniques, including in-depth interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders. The study is the first of its kind to provide an in-depth examination of an innovative approach focusing on the integrated model and its constituent components. Our findings offer evidence-based examples of collaborative service efforts in implementing real-time interventions, with agencies working together to provide timely, co-ordinated, proactive responses and support with the potential to alleviate suffering and prevent loss of life. The value of volunteer-led support and open-ended access and associated challenges are emphasised. Findings hold promise for international impact with policy implications for services worldwide.

Pathogen-encoded Rum DNA polymerase drives rapid bacterial drug resistance.

The acquisition of multidrug resistance by pathogenic bacteria is a potentially incipient pandemic. Horizontal transfer of DNA from mobile integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) provides an important way to introduce genes that confer antibiotic (Ab)-resistance in recipient cells. Sizable numbers of SXT/R391 ICEs encode a hypermutagenic Rum DNA polymerase (Rum pol), which has significant homology with Escherichia coli pol V. Here, we show that even under tight transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation imposed by host bacteria and the R391 ICE itself, Rum pol rapidly accelerates development of multidrug resistance (CIPR, RifR, AmpR) in E. coli in response to SOS-inducing Ab and non-Ab external stressors bleomycin (BLM), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and UV radiation. The impact of Rum pol on the rate of acquisition of drug resistance appears to surpass potential contributions from other cellular processes. We have shown that RecA protein plays a central role in controlling the ability of Rum pol to accelerate antibiotic resistance. A single amino acid substitution in RecA, M197D, acts as a 'Master Regulator' that effectively eliminates the Rum pol-induced Ab resistance. We suggest that Rum pol should be considered as one of the major factors driving development of de novo Ab resistance in pathogens carrying SXT/R391 ICEs.

Family first: The role of family in Māori and Pasifika professional athlete success

Throughout the Pacific, the whānau/’āiga (family) is an integral element of community and identity. Within Polynesian communities, it is common for the whānau (family – Māori) or ‘aiga (family – Samoan) to be the most important aspect of one's existence. For many Polynesian (Māori and Pacific) athletes, the family unit is central to their ability to succeed in professional sport. The cultural identity that is developed within the family unit as well as the support and nurturing provided are ingredients for Polynesian athletes to thrive in spaces where they may not otherwise: gaining collective support in ways that are not always readily afforded to Western society. This paper draws from the stories of male professional Māori and Pasifika rugby league athletes to provide deeper insight into the critical role of Polynesian families in professional sport. As Polynesian sport academics, who were given deep insight from these athletes, we use our insider lens to tell this story.

The vibriophage-encoded inhibitor OrbA abrogates BREX-mediated defense through the ATPase BrxC.

Bacteria and phages are locked in a co-evolutionary arms race where each entity evolves mechanisms to restrict the proliferation of the other. Phage-encoded defense inhibitors have proven powerful tools to interrogate how defense systems function. A relatively common defense system is BREX (bacteriophage exclusion); however, how BREX functions to restrict phage infection remains poorly understood. A BREX system encoded by the sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (SXT) integrative and conjugative element, VchInd5, was recently identified in Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera. The lytic phage ICP1 (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh cholera phage 1) that co-circulates with V. cholerae encodes the BREX-inhibitor OrbA, but how OrbA inhibits BREX is unclear. Here, we determine that OrbA inhibits BREX using a unique mechanism from known BREX inhibitors by directly binding to the BREX component BrxC. BrxC has a functional ATPase domain that, when mutated, not only disrupts BrxC function but also alters how BrxC multimerizes. Furthermore, we find that OrbA binding disrupts BrxC-BrxC interactions. We determine that OrbA cannot bind BrxC encoded by the distantly related BREX system encoded by the aSXT VchBan9, and thus fails to inhibit this BREX system that also circulates in epidemic V. cholerae. Lastly, we find that homologs of the VchInd5 BrxC are more diverse than the homologs of the VchBan9 BrxC. These data provide new insight into the function of the BrxC ATPase and highlight how phage-encoded inhibitors can disrupt phage defense systems using different mechanisms.IMPORTANCEWith renewed interest in phage therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens, understanding the mechanisms bacteria use to defend themselves against phages and the counter-strategies phages evolve to inhibit defenses is paramount. Bacteriophage exclusion (BREX) is a common defense system with few known inhibitors. Here, we probe how the vibriophage-encoded inhibitor OrbA inhibits the BREX system of Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera. By interrogating OrbA function, we have begun to understand the importance and function of a BREX component. Our results demonstrate the importance of identifying inhibitors against defense systems, as they are powerful tools for dissecting defense activity and can inform strategies to increase the efficacy of some phage therapies.

Complete genomes of Asgard archaea reveal diverse integrated and mobile genetic elements.

Asgard archaea are of great interest as the progenitors of Eukaryotes, but little is known about the mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that may shape their ongoing evolution. Here, we describe MGEs that replicate in Atabeyarchaeia, a wetland Asgard archaea lineage represented by two complete genomes. We used soil depth-resolved population metagenomic data sets to track 18 MGEs for which genome structures were defined and precise chromosome integration sites could be identified for confident host linkage. Additionally, we identified a complete 20.67 kbp circular plasmid and two family-level groups of viruses linked to Atabeyarchaeia, via CRISPR spacer targeting. Closely related 40 kbp viruses possess a hypervariable genomic region encoding combinations of specific genes for small cysteine-rich proteins structurally similar to restriction-homing endonucleases. One 10.9 kbp integrative conjugative element (ICE) integrates genomically into the Atabeyarchaeum deiterrae-1 chromosome and has a 2.5 kbp circularizable element integrated within it. The 10.9 kbp ICE encodes an expressed Type IIG restriction-modification system with a sequence specificity matching an active methylation motif identified by Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) high-accuracy long-read (HiFi) metagenomic sequencing. Restriction-modification of Atabeyarchaeia differs from that of another coexisting Asgard archaea, Freyarchaeia, which has few identified MGEs but possesses diverse defense mechanisms, including DISARM and Hachiman, not found in Atabeyarchaeia. Overall, defense systems and methylation mechanisms of Asgard archaea likely modulate their interactions with MGEs, and integration/excision and copy number variation of MGEs in turn enable host genetic versatility.

Pipolins are bimodular platforms that maintain a reservoir of defense systems exchangeable with various bacterial genetic mobile elements.

Defense genes gather in diverse types of genomic islands in bacteria and provide immunity against viruses and other genetic mobile elements. Here, we disclose pipolins, previously found in diverse bacterial phyla and encoding a primer-independent PolB, as a new category of widespread defense islands. The analysis of the occurrence and structure of pipolins revealed that they are commonly integrative elements flanked by direct repeats in Gammaproteobacteria genomes, mainly Escherichia, Vibrio or Aeromonas, often taking up known mobile elements integration hotspots. Remarkably, integrase dynamics correlates with alternative integration spots and enables diverse lifestyles, from integrative to mobilizable and plasmid pipolins, such as in members of the genera Limosilactobacillus, Pseudosulfitobacter or Staphylococcus. Pipolins harbor a minimal core and a large cargo module enriched for defense factors. In addition, analysis of the weighted gene repertoire relatedness revealed that many of these defense factors are actively exchanged with other mobile elements. These findings indicate pipolins and, potentially other defense islands, act as orthogonal reservoirs of defense genes, potentially transferable to immune autonomous MGEs, suggesting complementary exchange mechanisms for defense genes in bacterial populations.

ICESp1109, a novel hybrid Integrative Conjugative Element of macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes serotype M77 collected between 2003 and 2017 in Poland.

Genetic characterization of the antibiotic resistance determinants and associated mobile genetic elements (MGEs) among Streptococcus pyogenes [Group A streptococci (GAS)] clinical isolates of an M77 serotype collected in Poland between 2003 and 2017. The genomes of 136 M77 GAS isolates were sequenced using Illumina, and selected with long-read approach (Oxford Nanopore). Whole genome sequences were analyzed to determine the presence of macrolide resistance determinants, and their genetic context. The strains used in the study were collected in the two multicenter surveys from in- and outpatients. Sequencing data analysis revealed that all strains carried the tet(O) gene (100%, N=136). They were classified as a single sequence type ST63. For erythromycin resistance, the unique determinant was erm(TR) detected in 76.5% (N=104) isolates. A single appearance of tet(M) and erm(B) on Tn3872 was noticed. The mefA, mefE, and msr(D) genes were detected in neither of the genomes. This correlated with the detected strain phenotypes - 11 exhibited cMLSB, 93 - iMLSB, and no M phenotype.The erm(TR) gene was predominantly (N=74) found within a novel hybrid Integrative Conjugative Element composed of the ICESp1108-like sequence and ICESp2906 variant which was then named ICESp1109. However, in strains isolated before 2008, erm(TR) was located within ICESp2905 (N=27). The erm(TR) gene was detected within stand-alone ICESp1108-like sequences in 3 strains. Based on phylogenetic analysis results the clonal dissemination of the macrolide-resistant S. pyogenes M77/ST63 strain with hybrid ICESp1109 was observed between 2008 and 2017. ICESp1109 is the novel hybrid ICE in Gram-positive bacteria.

Regulation of the SOS response and homologous recombination by an integrative and conjugative element.

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are mobile genetic elements that transfer between bacteria and influence host physiology and promote evolution. ICE Bs1 of Bacillus subtilis modulates the host DNA damage response by reducing RecA filament formation. We found that the two ICE Bs1 -encoded proteins, RamT and RamA that modulate the SOS response in donors also function in recipient cells to inhibit both the SOS response and homologous recombination following transfer of the element. Expression of RamT and RamA caused a decrease in binding of the host single strand binding protein SsbA to ssDNA. We found that RamA interacted with PcrA, the host DNA translocase that functions to remove RecA from DNA, likely functioning to modulate the SOS response and recombination by stimulating PcrA activity. These findings reveal how ICE Bs1 can modulate key host processes, including the SOS response and homologous recombination, highlighting the complex interplay between mobile genetic elements and their bacterial hosts in adaptation and evolution.