European Conference on Mathematical and Theoretical Biology (ECMTB 2026)

Stochastic modeling of horizontal gene transfer via M13 bacteriophages in E. coli populations

MS113-01

15 Jul 2026, 11:10

20m

11.02 - HS (University of Graz)

Minisymposium Talk Systems Biology and Biochemical Networks Inferring and designing stochastic biochemical processes at the single-cell level

Speaker

Alexandra Loudieres (Université Paris-Saclay)

Description

Horizontal gene transfer mediated by bacteriophages is a critical mechanism for bacterial genome plasticity, among others, responsible for the diffusion of antibiotic resistance. We develop a stochastic Chemical Reaction Network (CRN) model capturing phage-mediated communication between engineered Sender and Receiver E. coli populations, where M13 bacteriophages transport genetic sequences, including antibiotic resistance genes. Our model integrates several scales: cell growth kinetics, phage production, infection dynamics, and population-level interactions under antibiotic selection. Its main features are modeling of infection phases, growth-burden-associated phage production, and the impact of antibiotic selection. The stochastic CRN considers individual cell variability and rare infectious events, which are essential when phage or Receiver concentrations are low. This model allows to make quantitative predictions about resistance transfer efficiency under different conditions such as co-culture proportions and antibiotic concentrations. As an application, we showcase its use in designing bacterial communication systems and understanding the dynamics of genetic transfer in resource-limited environments.

\cite{c,d,e}

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