Genetic and Phenotypic Study of the < em > Pectobacterium versatile < /em > Beta-Lactamase, the Enzyme Most Similar to the Plasmid-Encoded TEM-1

This study aimed to compare the chromosomal beta-lactamase from Pectobacterium versatile, PEC-1, with the well-known and globally distributed TEM-1 in terms of genetic and functional properties. Despite the similarities between the enzymes, we obtained no definitive proof of gene transfer for the emergence of blaPEC-1 from blaTEM-1. Indeed, given the limited degree of sequence identity and the absence of a common genetic environment, it seems unlikely that any transfer of this gene has occurred recently. However, although blaPEC-1 was found mostly in one specific clade of the P. versatile species, certain isolates from other closely related species, such as Pectobacterium brasiliense and Pectobacterium polaris, may also carry this gene inserted into common genetic environments. This observation suggests that genetic exchanges are frequent, accounting for the diffusion of blaPEC-1 between isolates from different Pectobacterium species and, potentially, to exogenous mobile genetic elements.PMID:35575550 | DOI:10.1128/aem.00220-22

Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - May 16, 2022 Category: Microbiology Authors: Guilhem Royer Zoya Dixit Jacques P édron Gautier Pierrat Vanessa Demontant B éatrice Berçot Christophe Rodriguez Marie-Anne Barny Herv é Jacquier Paul-Louis Woerther Source Type: research