Characterising_streptococcal_transformation_through_sequencing_in_vitro_recombinants. Characterising_streptococcal_transformation_through_sequencing_in_vitro_recombinants

Bacterial transformation is of great importance both clinically, as it can faciiltate the acquisition of antibiotic resistance and the evasion of vaccines, and biologically, as it plays a a critical role in affecting bacterial population structure and speciation. To characterise the constraints on horizontal DNA transfer through this process, we have conducted a series of experiments using different donors and recipients to generate recombinant bacteria in the laboratory. By quantifying the rates of exchange between donors of different species into a Streptococccus pneumoniae recipient, we have detected a limitation on the transformation rate by interspecies genetic differences. By similarly performing experiments with different S. pneumoniae donors and mutant recipient strains, we have identified limitations to the rate of transfer of multiple types of antibiotic resistance marker, and the moderation of transformation rate by different aspects of the machinery involved in the process. By sequencing these transformant bacteria, we will be able to characterise exactly what types of genetic variation limit genetic exchange between species, and improve our understanding of homologous recombination in bacteria. This data is part of a pre-publication release. For information on the proper use of pre-publication data shared by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (including details of any publication moratoria), please see http://www.sanger.ac.uk/datasharing/