Bacterial cooperation through horizontal gene transfer. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Isaiah Paolo A.; Eldakar, Omar Tonsi; Gogarten, J. Peter; Andam, Cheryl P.
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 37:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 223
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: horizontal gene transfer -- cooperation -- mobile genetic elements -- public goods; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.11.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : Cooperation exists across all scales of biological organization, from genetic elements to complex human societies. Bacteria cooperate by secreting molecules that benefit all individuals in the population (i.e., public goods). Genes associated with cooperation can spread among strains through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). We discuss recent findings on how HGT mediated by mobile genetic elements promotes bacterial cooperation, how cooperation in turn can facilitate more frequent HGT, and how the act of HGT itself may be considered as a form of cooperation. We propose that HGT is an important enforcement mechanism in bacterial populations, thus creating a positive feedback loop that further maintains cooperation. To enforce cooperation, HGT serves as a homogenizing force by transferring the cooperative trait, effectively eliminating cheaters. Highlights: Cooperation is ubiquitous in bacterial populations. Bacteria produce and share public goods, providing indiscriminate benefits to their neighbors at cost to themselves. Bacteria often engage in horizontal gene transfer (HGT) to rapidly disseminate traits in a population. HGT provides an important mechanism for cooperation to spread, effectively acting as an enforcement mechanism. Public goods can also promote HGT, potentially resulting in positive feedback loops between the two. HGT could itself be considered a public good due to the costly benefits it provides a population.