Testing the impact of genetic backgrounds on antimicrobial resistance

About this project

Population genetics studies have increasingly shown the influence of genetic background on mutations’ fitness effects, which implies that different adaptation trajectories might be accessible across strains belonging to the same species. This large genetic variability across strains is likely to affect the ability to more or less readily develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In addition, the interaction between genetic variants (i.e. epistatic effects) are known to influence adaptation, leading to a “rugged” fitness landscape that is highly specific to each genetic background. As a result, certain adaptation trajectories might not be accessible to a strain, while others may be favoured. We are using Automated Laboratory Evolution (ALE) across E. coli natural isolates to understand the interaction between genetic backgrounds and evolution of AMR.