A four-step regulatory cascade controls bistable transfer competence development of the integrative and conjugative element ICEclc in Pseudomonas

Genetic bistability controls different phenotypic programs in defined subpopulations of genetically identical bacteria. Conjugative transfer of the integrative and conjugative element ICEclc in Pseudomonas requires development of a transfer competence state in stationary phase, but this state arises only in 3-5% of individual cells. The mechanisms controlling and underlying the bistable switch between non-active and transfer competence cells have long remained enigmatic. Using a variety of genetic tools combined with stochastic modeling, we characterize here the factors and overall network architecture controlling bistable ICEclc activation of transfer competence. Two new key regulators (BisR and BisDC) were uncovered, that link the hierarchical cascade of ICEclc transfer competence activation to in total four regulatory nodes. The final activator complex named BisDC drives a positive feedback on its own transcription, and directly controls the "late" ICE promoters for excision and transfer. Stochastic mathematical modeling conceptually explained the arisal and maintenance of bistability by the feedback loop, and demonstrated its importance to guarantee consistent prolonged downstream output in activated cells. A minimized gene set allowing controllable bistable output in a Pseudomonas putida in absence of the ICEclc largely confirmed model predictions. Phylogenetic analyses further showed that the two new ICEclc regulatory factors are widespread among putative ICEs found in Gamma- and Beta- proteobacteria, highlighting the conceptual importance of our findings for the behaviour of this wide family of conjugative elements. Author summaryIntegrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are mobile genetic elements present in virtually every bacterial species, which can confer adaptive functions to their host, such as antibiotic resistance or xenometabolic pathways. Integrated ICEs maintain by replication along with the genome of their bacterial host, but in order to transfer, the ICE excises and conjugates into a new recipient cell. Single-cell studies on a unique but widely representative ICE model from Pseudomonas (ICEclc) showed that transfer only occurs from a small dedicated subpopulation of cells that arises during stationary phase conditions. This bistable subpopulation differentiation is highly significant for ICE behaviour and fitness, but how it is regulated has remained largely unknown. The present work unveiled the architecture of the ICEclc transfer competence regulation, and showed its widespread occurrence among ICEs of the same family. Stochastic mathematical modeling explained how bistability is generated and maintained, prolonging the capacity of stationary phase cells to complete all stages of ICE activation.