Characterization of a Putative S-layer Protein of a Colonial Microcystis Strain

High Ca2+ concentrations enhance Microcystis colony formation through upregulating polysaccharide-, energy metabolism-, and transmembrane transport-related pathways

Colony formation plays a critical role in Microcystis blooms. Previous studies have demonstrated that high Ca2+ concentrations can bring about the rapid aggregation of Microcystis aeruginosa, leading to the formation of colonies with morphologies resembling those observed in the wild over extended periods. However, the mechanisms through which high Ca2+ levels enhance colony formation remain inadequately understood. This study investigated the impact of Ca2+ concentrations on M. aeruginosa colony formation and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. The results indicated that high Ca2+ concentrations (≥50 mg/L) significantly enhanced colony formation, with an increase in colony size observed as Ca2+ concentrations rose within the range of 1-400 mg/L. In addition, the cell surface hydrophobicity and zeta potential increased with Ca2+ concentrations, primarily due to the augmented secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and compression of the double electric layer. This decreased interaction energy among Microcystis cells and facilitated colony formation. The energy barrier decreased from 2684.35 KT to 123.64 KT as the Ca2+ concentration rose from 10 mg/L to 400 mg/L, indicating a significantly greater propensity for aggregation in the 400 mg/L Ca2+ group compared to the control. Additionally, this study found that high Ca2+ concentrations upregulated extracellular polysaccharide-, transmembrane transport-, and energy metabolism-related pathways while downregulating photosynthesis-related pathways. This enhanced polysaccharide content in EPS and ultimately promoted colony formation. These findings provide new insights into the role of elevated Ca2+ concentrations in Microcystis colony formation, contributing to the advancements in the knowledge of cyanobacterial bloom mechanisms.

Microcystis colony formation: Extracellular polymeric substance, associated microorganisms, and its application

Microcystis sp., amongst the most prevalent bloom-forming cyanobacteria, is typically found as a colonial form with multiple microorganisms embedded in the mucilage known as extracellular polymeric substance. The colony-forming ability of Microcystis has been thoroughly investigated, as has the connection between Microcystis and other microorganisms, which is crucial for colony development. The following are the key subjects to comprehend Microcystis bloom in depth: 1) key issues related to the Microcystis bloom, 2) features and functions of extracellular polymeric substance, as well as diversity of associated microorganisms, and 3) applications of Microcystis-microorganisms interaction including bloom control, polluted water bioremediation, and bioactive compound production. Future research possibilities and recommendations regarding Microcystis-microorganism interactions and their significance in Microcystis colony formation are also explored. More information on such interactions, as well as the mechanism of Microcystis colony formation, can bring new insights into cyanobacterial bloom regulation and a better understanding of the aquatic ecosystem.

Strain-dependent effectivity, and protective role against enzymes of S-layers in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains

The present study investigated whether the surface layer (S-layer), which is known to have a varying effect from strain to strain on aggregation, adhesion ability, also has an effect on the resistance of bacteria to digestive enzymes, phenol, lysozymes. The effect of S-layers on the resistance against various enzymes, aggregation and adhesion abilities, and strain specificity were determined of eight Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains. Strains were treated with 5 M lithium chloride (LiCl) to extract the S-layers, the presence of this layer in those microorganisms was demonstrated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the separation of the S-layer, which surrounds the microorganism, from the microorganism by the LiCl. The images were taken three times, once at the beginning, once 30 min later, and once at the end of this process, which took 2 h in total. The effect against enzymes varied depending on the strain, but it was determined that all the tested strains had a serious loss of viability against phenol in the absence of an S-layer. Lpb. plantarum DA100 showed a maximum decrease against gastrointestinal system enzymes after the LiCl (96.48 ± 0.03% before and 66.46 ± 0.01% after LiCl). Lpb. plantarum DA255 showed a significant decrease against lysozyme (99.11 ± 0.00% before and 62.80 ± 0.0% after LiCl). Removal of the S-layer greatly affected the adhesion ability of some strains, while for others there was hardly any change. The results showed that the role of the S-layer may be strain-specific, the rate of effect can vary. The primary function of S-layer proteins is thought to contribute to the adhesion ability of bacteria. There are limited studies that have reported the protective property of this layer against various enzymes, however, our results showed that S-layer could be one of the resistance strategies developed by bacteria against enzymes.

Cell wall surface layer (S-layer) promotes colony formation in Microcystis: comparison of S-layer characteristics between colonial and unicellular forms of Microcystis and function conformation

Colony is a key to Microcystis becoming a dominant population and forming blooms. To find the mechanism of colony formation, we investigated cell wall structures of colonial and unicellular strains. Results showed that colonial strains had significant surface layer protein (S-layer) on the surface of cells than unicellular strains by transmission electron microscopy. Western blot showed colonial strains had more S-layer than the unicellular strains. When the S-layer gene (GenBank accession number CAO89090.1) of Microcystis aeruginosa PCC7806 was expressed in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, PCC6803 aggregated into colonial morphology. The results indicated that the S-layer could promote colony formation in Microcystis. Based on the S-layer sequences of PCC6803 and PCC7806, nine S-layer genes in other Microcystis strains were screened from the GenBank. Sequence comparing showed that the S-layers conserved regions were all located in N-terminal. The S-layers contain repeats-in-toxin (RTX) sequences with Ca²⁺-binding site, and their amino acid composition, hydrophobicity, isoelectric point, etc. were consistent with the characteristics of RTX-type S-layer in bacteria.