Restriction-modification systems and prophages drive genomic diversification in Priestia megaterium
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Bacteria are frequently stressed by bacteriophages. Priestia megaterium is a bacterium of both agricultural and biotechnological importance, yet it has been unclear how the interplay between phage-imposed stress and bacterial immunity shapes the genome evolution and stability in P. megaterium. Through comparative genomics and methylome profiling, herein we show that restriction-modification (RM) systems are the dominant and ubiquitous barrier to lysogeny in P. megaterium. Intact prophages disproportionately carry anti-restriction genes, including multiple DNA methyltransferases and anti-restriction proteins, revealing the molecular strategies required to overcome the strong RM-mediated selective pressure inherent to this species. Prophage-derived genes are significantly enriched within the unique pangenome fraction and include auxiliary metabolic genes absent in host genomes. Moreover, prophage content strongly predicts phylogenetic structure in P. megaterium. Together, our findings demonstrate how defensive constraints, phage counter-adaptations, and horizontal acquisition jointly drive genomic diversification of P. megaterium.
Source: Biology Direct
Authors: Miao Wang, Chuyang Shao, Juan Ignacio Vílchez, Danxia He, Lixian Chen, Jin-Lin Zhang, Huiming Zhang
Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Fujian Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Lanzhou University
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,890
Award: G1345761206
OpenAlex ID: W7163040088