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<p>Horizontal transfer of small non-conjugative plasmids is primarily attributed to transformation, transduction or comobilization with conjugative elements; however, transfer through intercellular membranous nanotube conduits can also occur. Here we show that nanotube-dependent plasmid exchange (NPex) operates bidirectionally between bacteria, enabling plasmid donation and, to a lesser extent, plasmid acquisition. We identified a <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> isolate, BSB1, deficient in NPex and show that a prophage-encoded factor, YokF, blocks plasmid transmission. YokF is an endonuclease that localizes to the membrane of donor bacteria, where it interacts with the nanotube component, FlhA, to impede plasmid transfer through DNA degradation. We further show that YokF provides an advantage to donor bacteria by restricting the sharing of beneficial plasmids with competing neighbouring cells. Bioinformatics and functional analyses revealed that YokF homologues are widespread across Gram-positive bacteria, representing a conserved family of gatekeepers that restrict plasmid flow via NPex.</p>

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A family of endonucleases blocks nanotube-mediated plasmid exchange

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月3日

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  • Venkadesaperumal Gopu,
  • Saurabh Bhattacharya,
  • Michal Bejerano-Sagie,
  • Mei Zhuang,
  • Yuval Nevo,
  • Oren Yakovian,
  • Bushra Shraiteh,
  • Miriam Ravins,
  • Manas Kumar Guria,
  • Tamar Kahan,
  • Boris Maček,
  • Ilan Rosenshine,
  • Sigal Ben-Yehuda

摘要

Horizontal transfer of small non-conjugative plasmids is primarily attributed to transformation, transduction or comobilization with conjugative elements; however, transfer through intercellular membranous nanotube conduits can also occur. Here we show that nanotube-dependent plasmid exchange (NPex) operates bidirectionally between bacteria, enabling plasmid donation and, to a lesser extent, plasmid acquisition. We identified a Bacillus subtilis isolate, BSB1, deficient in NPex and show that a prophage-encoded factor, YokF, blocks plasmid transmission. YokF is an endonuclease that localizes to the membrane of donor bacteria, where it interacts with the nanotube component, FlhA, to impede plasmid transfer through DNA degradation. We further show that YokF provides an advantage to donor bacteria by restricting the sharing of beneficial plasmids with competing neighbouring cells. Bioinformatics and functional analyses revealed that YokF homologues are widespread across Gram-positive bacteria, representing a conserved family of gatekeepers that restrict plasmid flow via NPex.