Objectif Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a fundamental process of bacterial evolution, accelerating adaptation to novel environments and providing access to new ecological niches. However, two of the three mechanisms of HGT, transduction and conjugation, both rely on semi-autonomous vectors (lysogenic phages and conjugative plasmids, respectively), creating the potential for coadaptation between microbe and vector. I here focus on conjugative plasmids. These encode their own replication and transfer, and as such are capable of pursuing their own fitness interests, which need not be aligned with those of their bacterial host. My thesis is that bacterial adaptation by conjugation must therefore be viewed as a co-evolutionary, rather than simply an evolutionary process as achieved to date. In this proposal I take an experimental evolution approach to derive an empirically founded understanding of bacteria-plasmid coevolutionary processes. In particular, I focus on the effects (on the pattern and process of bacteria-plasmid coevolution) of ecological variables identified in population models as crucial to the persistence of conjugative plasmids: environmental heterogeneity, spatial structure, and between-species transfer. Drawing on coevolutionary theory, I highlight that the ecological conditions expected to favour plasmid persistence may often drive the breakdown of bacteria-plasmid coadaptation. Additionally, I will determine the consequences of bacteria-plasmid coevolution for the structuring of microbial communities. Champ scientifique medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringgene therapynatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesevolutionary biology Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) ERC-SG-LS8 - ERC Starting Grant - Evolutionary, population and environmental biology Appel à propositions ERC-2012-StG_20111109 Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Institution d’accueil THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD Contribution de l’UE € 248 046,84 Adresse FIRTH COURT WESTERN BANK S10 2TN Sheffield Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Région Yorkshire and the Humber South Yorkshire Sheffield Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Chercheur principal Michael Brockhurst (Prof.) Contact administratif Chris Hughes (Mr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Bénéficiaires (2) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD Royaume-Uni Contribution de l’UE € 248 046,84 Adresse FIRTH COURT WESTERN BANK S10 2TN Sheffield Voir sur la carte Région Yorkshire and the Humber South Yorkshire Sheffield Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Chercheur principal Michael Brockhurst (Prof.) Contact administratif Chris Hughes (Mr.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée UNIVERSITY OF YORK Participation terminée Royaume-Uni Contribution de l’UE € 985 563,16 Adresse HESLINGTON YO10 5DD York North Yorkshire Voir sur la carte Région Yorkshire and the Humber North Yorkshire York Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Marianna Ventouratou-Morys (Mrs.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée