J. P. J. Hall

Superiority of chromosomal compared to plasmid-encoded compensatory mutations

This study compares the ecological effects of compensatory mutations on plasmids and chromosomes, finding that chromosomal mutations are more effective in reducing plasmid fitness costs and promoting plasmid spread.

Spatial refuges and nutrient acquisition predict the outcome of evolutionary rescue in evolving microbial populations

This study shows spatial refuges can rescue microbial populations from stress when nutrients are high, but may limit adaptations to other environmental factors.

Compensatory mutations reducing the fitness cost of plasmid carriage occur in plant rhizosphere communities

The paper shows compensatory mutations reduce the fitness cost of plasmid carriage in Pseudomonas fluorescens in plant rhizosphere communities.

Horizontal gene transfer increases microbiome stability

This study shows that horizontal gene transfer increases microbiome stability by spreading resistance genes, but affects individual taxa differently based on gene mobility and community interactions.

A tale of two plasmids: contributions of plasmid associated phenotypes to epidemiological success among Shigella

This study compares two Shigella plasmids to identify plasmid features contributing to differences in their epidemiological success during outbreaks.

The dilution effect limits plasmid horizontal transmission in multispecies bacterial communities

The paper shows that bacterial diversity limits plasmid horizontal transmission through the dilution effect and plasmid-plasmid interactions in multispecies communities.

Plasmid fitness costs are caused by specific genetic conflicts

The paper identifies specific genetic conflicts as the cause of plasmid fitness costs in Pseudomonas fluorescens, showing that single mutations can ameliorate these costs.