Clinical stringent response activation promotes conjugal transfer of staphylococcal resistance plasmids
Ashley T. Deventer, Ava Sutherland, Daria Biernacka, Paul R. Johnston, Claire E. Stevens, Anna‐Karina Kaczorowska, A.B. Boraston, Joanne K. Hobbs
The paper shows that stringent response activation in Staphylococcus aureus increases plasmid conjugation, particularly in strains with Rel mutations, without relying on known mechanisms like CodY derepression or increased plasmid copy number.
bioRxiv · Nov 12, 2025 · PreprintMicrobiology