Influence of integrative and conjugative elements (ices) from the SXT/R391 family on physiological and pathogenic aspects of Proteus mirabilis

• Grant number: 20/00535-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2020
• End date: March 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo da Silva Galhardo
• Grantee: Douglas Lyra de Holanda Fonseca
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Conjugative and integrative elements (ICEs) from the SXT/R391 family are frequently found in bacteria of the genera Vibrio, Proteus and Morganella, among others. These elements often carry antimicrobial resistance genes, considered important agents in the spread of resistance. However, many elements present in Proteus mirabilis lack these genes, but harbor several of unknown function, unrelated to the basic functions of excision, conjugation and integration. This observation has led to the speculation about which adaptive advantages, in addition to resistance to antimicrobials, these elements may provide for host cells. In this project, we will investigate the role of these elements in the physiology of the pathogen Proteus mirabilis. Isogenic strains containing or not this element will be evaluated for pathogenicity, biofilm formation, motility, development of persistent cells and fitness. (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)

SATO, JULIANA LUMI; DE HOLANDA FONSECA, DOUGLAS LYRA; GALHARDO, RODRIGO S.. rumAB genes from SXT/R391 ICEs confer UV-induced mutability to Proteus mirabilis hosts and improve conjugation after UV irradiation. DNA Repair, v. 112, p. 10-pg., 2022-04-01. (18/23872-7, 20/00535-5, 19/19435-3)