Conjugative and integrative elements of the SXT/R391 family in Proteus mirabilis

• Grant number: 21/15170-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2022
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo da Silva Galhardo
• Grantee: Rodrigo da Silva Galhardo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Proteus mirabilis is a bacterial pathogen primarily involved in urinary tract infections. This bacterial species often carries integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) from the SXT/R391 family. These are responsible for the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes. These elements are large and carry, in addition to resistance genes and those responsible for their excision and conjugation, genes whose function is not yet known. Recently, we identified in a Brazilian clinical isolate an element of this family called ICEPmiJpn1, originally identified in Japan, and later found in clinical and environmental isolates in several locations around the globe. We have recently demonstrated that ICEPmiJpn1 confers the ability of DNA damage-induced mutagenesis to clinical isolates of P. mirabilis, through the rumAB genes present therein. Furthermore, we verified that these genes influence the transmission of this mobile element. In this project, we will continue the characterization of the role of rumAB in the biology of these elements and in the response of P. mirabilis to antimicrobial agents. Given the regulation of the conjugative functions of these elements after DNA damage, we will evaluate the impact of ICEs on the host damage response through transcriptomics. The function of the hipAB toxin-antitoxin system contained in ICE will also be evaluated, regarding its possible involvement in the formation of persister cells. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

MARCO A. LIMA-NORONHA; DOUGLAS L. H. FONSECA; RENATTA S. OLIVEIRA; RÚBIA R. FREITAS; JUNG H. PARK; RODRIGO S. GALHARDO. Sending out an SOS - the bacterial DNA damage response. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, v. 45, n. 3, 2022-10-10. (19/19435-3, 20/00535-5, 21/15170-5, 20/12744-8)