Biology

A highly conserved and globally prevalent cryptic plasmid is among the most numerous mobile genetic elements in the human gut

E. C. Fogarty, M. S. Schechter, et al.

Discover the groundbreaking findings of a study that reveals pBI143, a cryptic plasmid outpacing crAssphage in the industrialized gut microbiome. Conducted by a team of researchers including Emily C Fogarty and Matthew S Schechter, this research highlights the potential of pBI143 in fecal contamination detection and colonic inflammation biomarker applications.

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Abstract

This study identified pBI143, a cryptic plasmid ubiquitous in industrialized gut microbiomes, exceeding the abundance of crAssphage, previously considered the most abundant genetic element. Strong purifying selection maintains pBI143's sequence, with monoclonality in individuals likely due to priority effects, often inherited maternally. While not impacting bacterial fitness in vivo, pBI143 can acquire additional genetic content and has potential applications in fecal contamination detection and as a biomarker for colonic inflammation.

Publisher

bioRxiv

Published On

Mar 25, 2023

Authors

Emily C Fogarty, Matthew S Schechter, Karen Lolans, Madeline L Sheahan, Iva Veseli, Ryan Moore, Evan Kiefl, Thomas Moody, Phoebe A Rice, Michael K Yu, Mark Mimee, Eugene B Chang, Sandra L McLellan, Amy D Willis, Laurie E Comstock, A Murat Eren

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