Plasmid coupling creates heterogeneity in copy number and, therefore, expression across a microbial population. We demonstrate that plasmid-encoded fitness differences between individuals can then lead to adaptation of the population to specific environments and can promote both genetic stability and memory of past environmental exposures.
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This is a summary of: Kumar, S. et al. Engineering plasmid copy number heterogeneity for dynamic microbial adaptation. Nat. Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01706-w (2024).
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Using gene copy flexibility to build adaptable synthetic microbial populations. Nat Microbiol 9, 1916–1917 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01753-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01753-3
