The ecology of plasmid-coded antibiotic resistance: a basic framework for experimental research and modeling

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Abstract

Many antibiotic resistance genes are associated with plasmids. The ecological success of these mobile genetic elements within microbial communities depends on varying mechanisms to secure their own propagation, not only on environmental selection. Among the most important are the cost of plasmids and their ability to be transferred to new hosts through mechanisms such as conjugation. These are regulated by dynamic control systems of the conjugation machinery and genetic adaptations that plasmid-host pairs can acquire in coevolution. However, in complex communities, these processes and mechanisms are subject to a variety of interactions with other bacterial species and other plasmid types. This article summarizes basic plasmid properties and ecological principles particularly important for understanding the persistence of plasmid-coded antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments. Through selected examples, it further introduces to the features of different types of simulation models such as systems of ordinary differential equations and individual-based models, which are considered to be important tools to understand these complex systems. This ecological perspective aims to improve the way we study and understand the dynamics, diversity and persistence of plasmids and associated antibiotic resistance genes.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)586-599
Number of pages14
JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal
Volume19
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85099196996
PubMed 33510864
Mendeley 7a8ed07a-9b16-3266-bf33-1517600bb416

Keywords