Single-cell analysis reveals antibiotic affects conjugative transfer by modulating bacterial growth rather than conjugation efficiency

IF 10.3 1区 环境科学与生态学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Li Liu , Qiang-hong Zhang , Meng-zi Li , Rui-tong Li , Zhiming He , Arnaud Dechesne , Barth F. Smets , Guo-ping. Sheng
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose a significant threat to human health and the environment. Quantifying the efficiency of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is challenging due to diverse biological and environmental influences. Single-cell level approaches are well-suited for investigating conjugative transfer, given its reliance on cell-to-cell contact nature and its capacity to offer insights into population-level responses. This study introduces a self-developed system for automated time-lapse image acquisition and analysis. Using a custom dual-chamber microfluidic chip and Python-based image analysis pipeline, we dynamically quantify the ARGs conjugation efficiency at single-cell level. By combining experiments with individual-based modelling, we isolate the effects of subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations on conjugation efficiency from those related to bacterial growth dynamics. No significant variation in Escherichia coli conjugation efficiency was observed across kanamycin concentrations (0 to 50 mg l−1). Moreover, recipient cells with higher growth rates show a greater propensity for plasmid acquisition, suggesting the physiological state of cells pre-conjugation influences their susceptibility to gene transfer. Our methodology eliminates population growth bias, revealing the intrinsic nature of conjugation efficiency. This approach advances our understanding of the factors influencing HGT efficiency and holds promise for studying other microbial interactions.

Synopsis

This study employs single-cell analysis to reveal that subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics affect the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes by modulating bacterial growth rate rather than conjugation efficiency.
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来源期刊
Environment International
Environment International 环境科学-环境科学
CiteScore
21.90
自引率
3.40%
发文量
734
审稿时长
2.8 months
期刊介绍: Environmental Health publishes manuscripts focusing on critical aspects of environmental and occupational medicine, including studies in toxicology and epidemiology, to illuminate the human health implications of exposure to environmental hazards. The journal adopts an open-access model and practices open peer review. It caters to scientists and practitioners across all environmental science domains, directly or indirectly impacting human health and well-being. With a commitment to enhancing the prevention of environmentally-related health risks, Environmental Health serves as a public health journal for the community and scientists engaged in matters of public health significance concerning the environment.
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