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A new study from the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals a surprising link between bacterial movement and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Conducted by Professor Sigal Ben-Yehuda and Professor Ilan Rosenshine from the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, the research shows that the rotation of bacterial flagella—tail-like structures used for movement—directly activates genes involved in DNA transfer between bacteria.
This transfer process, known as bacterial conjugation, plays a major role in how bacteria share genetic traits such as antibiotic resistance. While conjugation has traditionally been studied in the context of bacteria attaching to solid surfaces, the researchers turned their focus to pLS20, a common conjugative plasmid found in Bacillus species, which behaves differently in liquid environments.
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https://github.com/ErikBDT/Fcumg
https://github.com/DorianKVT/Mwum
https://github.com/JeremyEGT/Ahum9
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https://github.com/BrettKNO/Zadzmg
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Their findings reveal that in such fluid environments, flagellar rotation acts as a mechanical signal that triggers a specific set of genes required for DNA transfer. This activation occurs in a select group of donor cells, which then cluster with recipient bacteria, bringing the cells close enough to exchange genetic material.
Crucially, the study highlights that it is not merely the presence of flagella, but their actual rotation, that is essential for gene transfer to occur. When the researchers disrupted flagellar rotation—either through genetic modification or by increasing the viscosity of the surrounding liquid—the ability of the bacteria to engage in conjugation was significantly reduced.
“This study introduces a new perspective: the idea that coordinating DNA transfer with bacterial movement gives plasmids a better chance of spreading to distant ecological niches,” said Professor Ben-Yehuda.
The findings provide fresh insight into how mobile genetic elements like plasmids can align with bacterial behavior to maximize their own transmission. This deeper understanding could help inform strategies to combat the spread of antibiotic resistance, which remains one of the most pressing challenges in global health.
Posted : 08/04/2025 6:08 am
A new study from the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals a surprising link between bacterial movement and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Conducted by Professor Sigal Ben-Yehuda and Professor Ilan Rosenshine from the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, the research shows that the rotation of bacterial flagella—tail-like structures used for movement—directly activates genes involved in DNA transfer between bacteria.
This transfer process, known as bacterial conjugation, plays a major role in how bacteria share genetic traits such as antibiotic resistance. While conjugation has traditionally been studied in the context of bacteria attaching to solid surfaces, the researchers turned their focus to pLS20, a common conjugative plasmid found in Bacillus species, which behaves differently in liquid environments.
https://github.com/BrentGNT/Arch2
https://github.com/TomGMN/ffkoa
https://github.com/BryanEMD/kkstb
https://github.com/CodyEGT/Sfumm
https://github.com/ErikBDT/Fcumg
https://github.com/DorianKVT/Mwum
https://github.com/JeremyEGT/Ahum9
https://github.com/AidenBMT/Wmumd
https://github.com/BlakeTNS/S2ugm
https://github.com/BrettKNO/Zadzmg
https://github.com/BrodyTNN/Cscofps
https://github.com/CalebSNT/Bmumg
https://github.com/CarterSMN/KtbsK
https://github.com/ChaseDNT/Trucg
https://github.com/CooperTRN/Sf2ueg
https://github.com/DaltonYNT/Ssumg
https://github.com/EthanGNM/Wwhug
https://github.com/JacksonMRT/Bwum
https://github.com/AtevenKLD/Wtmum
https://github.com/JoshBDO/Coum5
Their findings reveal that in such fluid environments, flagellar rotation acts as a mechanical signal that triggers a specific set of genes required for DNA transfer. This activation occurs in a select group of donor cells, which then cluster with recipient bacteria, bringing the cells close enough to exchange genetic material.
Crucially, the study highlights that it is not merely the presence of flagella, but their actual rotation, that is essential for gene transfer to occur. When the researchers disrupted flagellar rotation—either through genetic modification or by increasing the viscosity of the surrounding liquid—the ability of the bacteria to engage in conjugation was significantly reduced.
“This study introduces a new perspective: the idea that coordinating DNA transfer with bacterial movement gives plasmids a better chance of spreading to distant ecological niches,” said Professor Ben-Yehuda.
The findings provide fresh insight into how mobile genetic elements like plasmids can align with bacterial behavior to maximize their own transmission. This deeper understanding could help inform strategies to combat the spread of antibiotic resistance, which remains one of the most pressing challenges in global health.
