Fig. 5: Proposed mechanisms of antidepressants-promoted natural transformation of pWH1266 plasmid into A. baylyi ADP1.
From: Antidepressants promote the spread of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes via transformation
Firstly, the exposure to antidepressants could: a induce ROS overproduction and trigger the expression of corresponding antioxidant-related genes. Consequently, excessive ROS generated by antidepressants can (b) damage cell membrane and leads to increased membrane permeability. Spontaneously, oxidative stress induced by antidepressants can (c) trigger the SOS and stress response of A. baylyi ADP1, thereby promoting (d) the expression of competence-related genes. In addition, the elevated competence status might also increase membrane permeability due to the uptake of extracellular materials. Meanwhile, antidepressants also (e) promoted ATP production. Conclusively, the serial cellular responses under antidepressants exposure results in the enhanced transformation of A. baylyi ADP1 by plasmid pWH1266.
