Multiple Megaplasmids Confer Extremely High Levels of Metal Tolerance in Alteromonas Strains

Abstract

Alteromonas is a widely distributed genus of marine Gammaproteobacteria, with representatives shown to be key players in diverse processes, including biogeochemical cycling and biofouling of marine substrata. While Alteromonas spp. are early colonizers of copper-based antifouling paints on marine vessels, their mechanism of tolerance is poorly understood. PacBio whole-genome sequencing of Alteromonas macleodii strains CUKW and KCC02, isolated from Cu/Ni alloy test coupons submerged in oligotrophic coastal waters, indicated the presence of multiple megaplasmids (ca. 200 kb) in both. A pulsed-field gel electrophoresis method was developed and used to confirm the presence of multiple megaplasmids in these two strains; it was then used to screen additional Alteromonas strains for which little to no sequencing data exist. Plasmids were not detected in any of the other strains. Bioinformatic analysis of the CUKW and KCC02 plasmids identified numerous genes associated with metal resistance. Copper resistance orthologs from both the Escherichia coli Cue and Cus and Pseudomonas syringae Cop systems were present, at times as multiple copies. Metal growth assays in the presence of copper, cobalt, manganese, and zinc performed with 10 Alteromonas strains demonstrated the ability of CUKW and KCC02 to grow at metal concentrations inhibitory to all the other strains tested. This study reports multiple megaplasmids in Alteromonas strains. Bioinformatic analysis of the CUKW and KCC02 plasmids indicate that they harbor elements of the Tra system conjugation apparatus, although their type of mobility remains to be experimentally verified.IMPORTANCE Copper is commonly used as an antifouling agent on ship hulls. Alteromonas spp. are early colonizers of copper-based antifouling paint, but their mechanism of tolerance is poorly understood. Sequencing of A. macleodii strains isolated from copper test materials for marine ships indicated the presence of multiple megaplasmids. Plasmids serve as key vectors in horizontal gene transfer and confer traits such as metal resistance, detoxification, ecological interaction, and antibiotic resistance. Bioinformatic analysis identified many metal resistance genes and genes associated with mobility. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and capacity for gene transfer within marine biofilms provides a platform for the development of novel antifouling solutions targeting genes involved in copper tolerance and biofilm formation.

Keywords: Alteromonas macleodii; antifouling; copA; copper; megaplasmids; metal resistance.