New RNA method tracks gene transfer in bacteria

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to track gene transfer in bacteria. This method uses RNA "barcoding" to provide insights into how genes move between different microbes. The study highlights the importance of gene transfer in areas like antibiotic resistance and ecosystem health. Traditional methods for studying gene transfer often required isolating and growing bacteria in a lab, which limited their effectiveness. The new technique, called RNA-addressable modification (RAM), uses synthetic RNA to label ribosomal RNA (rRNA) inside living cells. This allows researchers to observe gene transfer without disrupting the natural environment. The team created a small RNA molecule that attaches a unique barcode to rRNA when gene transfer occurs. They tested this method on a community of bacteria in wastewater. The results were impressive, as nearly half of the bacterial species were able to take up the barcoded plasmids, allowing researchers to map gene transfer events. This new technique has many possible applications, including tracking antibiotic resistance in hospitals and wastewater, improving bioremediation processes, and advancing synthetic biology. Scientists are excited about the potential to study bacteria in their natural habitats without lab isolation, paving the way for new research possibilities. Future developments may expand the use of RNA barcoding to other types of gene exchange. The goal is to enhance the method’s accuracy in tracking microbial interactions and behaviors. Researchers believe this innovation could become a key tool for studying various microbial activities beyond gene transfer.