Bacterial species and surface structures shape gene transfer and the transcriptional landscape during early conjugation

Conjugative plasmids drive bacterial evolution and niche adaptation, yet how their active acquisition reshapes host transcription remains poorly understood. Most studies focus on stable plasmid carriage, overlooking the dynamic transcriptional changes during conjugation itself. Here, we show that active RP4 conjugation triggers an immediate, host- and surface factor-dependent transcriptional response. This includes activation of non-SOS stress pathways, motility, exopolysaccharide production, anaerobic respiration, and metabolic adaptation. These responses do not inhibit conjugation, suggesting they serve to maintain host homeostasis. Capsule expression blocks these responses by preventing conjugation, and also inhibits RP4 activation by physically blocking donor-recipient contact. Unexpectedly, RP4 overcomes this barrier by exploiting single-cell variation in recipient capsule thickness, successfully conjugating with thin-capsulated recipients. These findings reveal a striking interplay between plasmid, host, and surface architecture in shaping the conjugation transcriptional landscape, with broad implications for plasmid dissemination and bacterial evolution.