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Genetic exchange networks bridge mobile DNA vehicles in the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Author

Listed:
  • Héloïse Muller

    (Albany)

  • Odion O. Ikhimiukor

    (Albany)

  • Manuela Montoya-Giraldo

    (Albany)

  • Kathryn R. Piper

    (Albany)

  • Maitiú Marmion

    (Albany)

  • Seth L. Blumerman

    (Albany)

  • Lisa Mingle

    (Albany)

  • Samantha E. Wirth

    (Albany)

  • Kimberlee A. Musser

    (Albany)

  • William J. Wolfgang

    (Albany)

  • Cheryl P. Andam

    (Albany)

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen responsible for gastrointestinal illnesses and life-threatening invasive infections. Antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and rapid adaptation to stressful environments in Lm lie in part on its mobile genetic elements (MGE). Here, we aim to characterize the MGE pool of a clinical Lm population using 936 genomes sampled across New York State (USA) from 2000 – 2021. We built a network based on sequence homology among putative MGEs. Within the network are communities of densely interconnected MGEs indicating high genetic similarity in their DNA regions. Although most connections involve the same MGE type, subsets within the network link different MGE types (plasmid-transposon, phage-plasmid). Phages and transposons did not share any genetic connections, suggesting impermeable barriers of exchange between them. Genes involved in stress tolerance are overrepresented in plasmids and transposons, and are mobile between vehicles. Analysis of long-read sequences of a subset of our dataset (n = 37) and publicly available, globally distributed complete genomes (n = 425) recapitulated the MGE connections we observed. Our findings reveal a structured but interconnected network of genetic exchanges between different mobile DNA vehicles. Genetic exchanges between MGEs shape Lm intra-species variation, adaptive potential, and rapid dissemination of clinically relevant traits at short timescales.

Suggested Citation

  • Héloïse Muller & Odion O. Ikhimiukor & Manuela Montoya-Giraldo & Kathryn R. Piper & Maitiú Marmion & Seth L. Blumerman & Lisa Mingle & Samantha E. Wirth & Kimberlee A. Musser & William J. Wolfgang & C, 2025. "Genetic exchange networks bridge mobile DNA vehicles in the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64743-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64743-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eugen Pfeifer & Eduardo P. C. Rocha, 2024. "Phage-plasmids promote recombination and emergence of phages and plasmids," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Ying-Xian Goh & Sai Manohar Balu Anupoju & Anthony Nguyen & Hailong Zhang & Monica Ponder & Leigh-Anne Krometis & Amy Pruden & Jingqiu Liao, 2024. "Evidence of horizontal gene transfer and environmental selection impacting antibiotic resistance evolution in soil-dwelling Listeria," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
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