Role of biofilm architecture in gene transfer dynamics

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Berenike Maier
• Subject Area: Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology ; Biophysics
• Term: since 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 265235937

Extensive horizontal gene transfer across bacteria has been inferred from genomic comparisons. It is currently unclear whether co-existence in biofilms enhances or restricts gene transfer. Here, we aim at characterizing genome-wide effects of transformation between different clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and between different species of the genus Neisseria. In the first step, we will develop an experimental evolution assay where recipient gonococci are repeatedly transformed with genomic DNA from different clinical isolates and commensal Neisseria. By means of whole genome sequencing, we will detect orthologous replacement, insertions, deletions, and de novo mutations. This assay will allow us to assess the effect of gene transfer on genome dynamics of planktonic gonococci. In the second step, we will address the effect of biofilm formation on gene transfer. To this end, we will characterize DNA mobility within gonococcal colonies, the rates of orthologous replacement and de novo gene acquisition in colonies, and ecological interactions between different gonococcal isolates. Finally, all aspects addressed above will be integrated and genome dynamics of co-cultivated gonococcal strains will be studied. In the long term, we envision using the laboratory evolution and co-cultivation experiments for addressing the evolution of multi-drug resistance by means of horizontal gene transfer.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants