Project description
The utility of eDNA for the spread of antibiotic resistance
Research and innovation bring about massive changes to various sectors and are usually in high demand. One example might be the case of the use of free extracellular DNA (eDNA). This is neglected genetic material that has been dissolved in waters or soils after being excreted by microorganisms because of the lysis of their cells. This DNA can often make up a significant percentage of DNA in disturbed waters and is usually composed of fragments with mobile genetic elements and resistance genes. The EU-funded REDTEAR project will undertake an in-depth study to improve our understanding of the composition and dynamics of the antibiotic resistome in aquatic environments. It will identify this process and clarify the purpose of this DNA.
Objective
Free extracellular DNA (FED) is DNA dissolved in waters and in soils, where it arrives after being excreted by living
organisms or following the disruption of living cells. FED can be the most prominent fraction of DNA in waters subjected to
strong disturbances, where the mortality rate of microorganisms is high, e.g. wastewater treatment plants effluents. FED are
composed by a variety of DNA fragments including resistance genes and mobile elements. There are early evidences than
FED can represent a very important, although neglected, source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment,
where the bacterial community can access FED and incorporate extracellular DNA by horizontal gene transfer.
If this process will be confirmed and quantified by dedicated researches, our understanding of the cycle of antibiotic
resistances into the environment and back to human pathogens could change dramatically, calling for a whole rethinking of
the wastewater treatments nowadays applied. The Project REDTEAR will tackle the issue and will clarify the role of FED in
the spread and the persistence of ARGs in open waters in central Europe, offering a unique opportunity for a correct
management of this problem, already identified as one of the major challenges for human health in the next century.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwater treatment processeswastewater treatment processes
- medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringgene therapy
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNA
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiology
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacydrug resistanceantibiotic resistance
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
00185 Roma
Italy