Synteny Patterns of Class 1 Integrons Reflect Microbial Adaptation and Soil Health in Agroecosystems
Author(s)
Date Issued
2025
Type
article
Volume
15
Issue
17
Start Page
1833
Journal
Abstract
Mobile genetic elements such as integrons are key drivers of microbial evolution, enabling
rapid adaptation to environmental pressures through the acquisition and rearrangement
of gene cassettes. In this study, we explored the structural diversity and synteny of class
1 integrons (intI1) across a set of agroecosystem-related environments, including digestate, compost, and rhizosphere soils from wheat crops (Triticum durum and T. aestivum).
Our results reveal distinct gene cassette architectures shaped by the origin of the samples: digestate harbored the most diverse and complex arrays, while compost displayed
streamlined structures. Rhizosphere soils exhibited intermediate configurations, reflecting
a dynamic balance between environmental exposure and host influence. Genes associated
with resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals, such as qacE∆1 and ebrA, were differentially distributed, suggesting site-specific selective pressures. The observed patterns of
cassette organization and diversity underscore the role of integron synteny as a molecular
fingerprint of microbial adaptation. These findings position class 1 integrons as promising
bioindicators of soil health and functional resilience, supporting a One Health approach to
sustainable agriculture and microbial risk monitoring