Open access
Oct 2026
Acquisition of a toxin-antitoxin system within a mobile genetic element likely enhances Mycobacterium abscessus fitness by enforcing cargo retention
The findings uncover the mechanism for durable expansion of the Mab accessory genome and suggest a selective advantage whereby toxin-mediated entry into a reversible growth-arrested state may reduce antibiotic susceptibility.
Nikita H. Amin, E. Troian, Heather M. Maldonado et al.
· mSystems · 0 citations