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Distribution of the four type VI secretion systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and classification of their core and accessory effectors

Author

Listed:
  • Antonia Habich

    (Kiel University
    Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology)

  • Verónica Chaves Vargas

    (Kiel University
    Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology)

  • Luca A. Robinson

    (Imperial College London)

  • Luke P. Allsopp

    (Imperial College London)

  • Daniel Unterweger

    (Kiel University
    Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology)

Abstract

Bacterial type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are puncturing molecular machines that transport effector proteins to kill microbes, manipulate eukaryotic cells, or facilitate nutrient uptake. How and why T6SS machines and effectors differ within a species is not fully understood. Here, we applied molecular population genetics to the T6SSs in a global population of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We reveal varying occurrence of up to four distinct T6SS machines. Moreover, we define conserved core T6SS effectors, likely critical for the biology of P. aeruginosa, and accessory effectors that can exhibit mutual exclusivity between strains. By ancestral reconstruction, we observed dynamic changes in the gain and loss of effector genes in the species’ evolutionary history. Our work highlights the potential importance of T6SS intraspecific diversity in bacterial ecology and evolution.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonia Habich & Verónica Chaves Vargas & Luca A. Robinson & Luke P. Allsopp & Daniel Unterweger, 2025. "Distribution of the four type VI secretion systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and classification of their core and accessory effectors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-54649-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54649-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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