Mutation rate plasticity in rifampicin resistance depends on Escherichia coli cell–cell interactions
Article
Krašovec, R., Belavkin, R., Aston, J., Channon, A., Aston, E., Rash, B., Kadirvel, M., Forbes, S. and Knight, C. 2014. Mutation rate plasticity in rifampicin resistance depends on Escherichia coli cell–cell interactions. Nature Communications. 5, pp. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms4742
Type | Article |
---|---|
Title | Mutation rate plasticity in rifampicin resistance depends on Escherichia coli cell–cell interactions |
Authors | Krašovec, R., Belavkin, R., Aston, J., Channon, A., Aston, E., Rash, B., Kadirvel, M., Forbes, S. and Knight, C. |
Abstract | Variation of mutation rate at a particular site in a particular genotype, in other words mutation rate plasticity (MRP), can be caused by stress or ageing. However, mutation rate control by other factors is less well characterized. Here we show that in wild-type Escherichia coli (K-12 and B strains), the mutation rate to rifampicin resistance is plastic and inversely related to population density: lowering density can increase mutation rates at least threefold. This MRP is genetically switchable, dependent on the quorum-sensing gene luxS — specifically its role in the activated methyl cycle — and is socially mediated via cell–cell interactions. Although we identify an inverse association of mutation rate with fitness under some circumstances, we find no functional link with stress-induced mutagenesis. Our experimental manipulation of mutation rates via the social environment raises the possibility that such manipulation occurs in nature and could be exploited medically. |
Research Group | Artificial Intelligence group |
Publisher | Nature Publishing Group |
Journal | Nature Communications |
ISSN | 2041-1723 |
Publication dates | |
29 Apr 2014 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 23 May 2014 |
Submitted | 21 Feb 2014 |
Accepted | 27 Mar 2014 |
Output status | Published |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms4742 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-84899819618 |
Web of Science identifier | WOS:000335223800001 |
Language | English |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/84v7v
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