Comparative genomics of native plasmids from plant pathogenic Gammaproteobacteria
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Plasmids are key in the evolution and adaptation of plant pathogenic Gammaproteobacteria (PPG), yet their diversity and functional contributions remain underexplored. Here, comparative genomics revealed extensive variation in plasmid size, replicon types, mobility, and genetic content across PPG. Most plasmids are small (< 200 kb), except in Pantoea, exhibiting high coding densities (76% to 78%). Five ancestral replicon types were identified across multiple orders, indicating vertical descent yet efficient horizontal transfer across taxa, although with limited genetic conservation. Virulence plasmids are widespread (56% to 68%) but differ in virulence gene content across orders: type III effector (T3E) genes are common in Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas, but rare in Enterobacterales and Xylella, aligning with their smaller effector repertoires. Plasmids frequently carry regulatory genes, highlighting their role in bacterial phenotype modulation. Distinct patterns were observed among orders: Enterobacterales plasmids often harbor thiamin biosynthesis operons and transcriptional regulators but lack post-transcriptional regulators, while most Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas plasmids are mobile, enriched in T3E genes, and exhibit high insertion sequence densities, fostering DNA mobility. Resistance to ultraviolet light is common, but not to antimicrobial compounds. These findings highlight the dynamic role of plasmids in spreading adaptive traits, shaping virulence, and driving the evolution of plant pathogenic bacteria.
Source: DNA Research
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,400
Funders: Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Università di Catania, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Universidad Pública de Navarra, European Regional Development Fund, Agencia Estatal de Investigación
OpenAlex ID: W4409833887