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Experimental Evolution of an Essential Bacillus Gene in an E. coli Host

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Horizontal Gene Transfer

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 532))

Abstract

The acquisition of foreign genes by HGT potentially greatly speeds up adaptation by allowing faster evolution of beneficial traits. The evolutionary integration of novel genes into host gene expression and physiology is critical for adaptation by HGT, but remains largely unknown. We are exploring the evolutionary consequences of gene acquisition in populations of Escherichia coli in real time. A plasmid bearing the genes necessary for sucrose catabolism was constructed and introduced into a single E. coli genotype. Wild-type E. coli is generally incapable of utilizing sucrose, but E. coli transformants were able to grow on sucrose as a sole carbon and energy source, albeit poorly. Twelve replicate populations were initiated and propagated in sucrose minimal media for 300 generations. Over this time, we observed large fitness improvements in the selected environment. These results demonstrate the potential for HGT to substantially increase microbial niche breadth.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX, USA

    Maia Larios-Sanz

  2. Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA

    Michael Travisano

Authors
  1. Maia Larios-Sanz
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  2. Michael Travisano
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Connecticut, 968 Warrenville Road, Mansfield Center, CT 06250, USA

    Maria Boekels Gogarten

  2. Dept. Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT 06269-3125, USA

    Johann Peter Gogarten

  3. Biology Department, St. Lawrence University, 23 Romoda Drive, Canton, NY 13617, USA

    Lorraine C. Olendzenski

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© 2009 Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Larios-Sanz, M., Travisano, M. (2009). Experimental Evolution of an Essential Bacillus Gene in an E. coli Host. In: Gogarten, M.B., Gogarten, J.P., Olendzenski, L.C. (eds) Horizontal Gene Transfer. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 532. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-853-9_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-853-9_16

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60327-852-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60327-853-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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