Hawai‘i Data Science Institute Seminar

Capturing microbial horizontal gene transfer in the human gut using Hi-C

by Eitan Yaffee

There is growing appreciation for the role of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) generally in the evolution of adaptive traits in microbial ecosystems, well beyond the roles described in earlier literature on the spread of virulence and antibiotic resistance. However, this understanding has been primarily based on the study of distantly related strains collected from across the globe. Fundamental properties of HGT that emerge only in natural ecosystems, including the extent, function and turnover rates of mobile elements, remain poorly understood.

In this talk, I will describe a novel culture-free genotyping method, based on metagenomic Hi-C, that characterizes genome dynamics in intact microbial communities. Application to the guts of two healthy subjects uncovered 88 semi-complete genomes with substantial degrees of putative mobile genetic features, corresponding on average to 20% of each genome. Temporal analysis over a 10-year period revealed complex within-host dynamics, including new colonization events, strain replacements, and importantly, in situ evolution of persistent strains. The presence of persistent strains allowed us to estimate gene-flux rates and provided evidence for within-host adaptive evolution.

Remote attendance welcome via CyberCANOE

Event Sponsor
Hawai‘i Data Science Institute , Mānoa Campus

More Information
Maria Dumanlang, (808) 956-3503, mduman@hawaii.edu, http://datascience.hawaii.edu/index.php/event/seminar-capturing-microbial-horizontal-gene-transfer-i

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