1
|
Geng L, Yang L, Liu T, Zhang S, Sun X, Wang W, Pan H, Yan L. Higher diversity of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria based on soxB gene sequencing in surface water than in spring in Wudalianchi volcanic group, NE China. Int Microbiol 2025; 28:119-136. [PMID: 38740654 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-024-00526-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) play a key role in the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur. OBJECTIVES To explore SOB diversity, distribution, and physicochemical drivers in five volcanic lakes and two springs in the Wudalianchi volcanic field, China. METHODS This study analyzed microbial communities in samples via high-throughput sequencing of the soxB gene. Physical-chemical parameters were measured, and QIIME 2 (v2019.4), R, Vsearch, MEGA7, and Mothur processed the data. Alpha diversity indices and UPGMA clustering assessed community differences, while heat maps visualized intra-sample variations. Canoco 5.0 analyzed community-environment correlations, and NMDS, Adonis, and PcoA explored sample dissimilarities and environmental factor correlations. SPSS v.18.0 tested for statistical significance. RESULTS The diversity of SOB in surface water was higher than in springs (more than 7.27 times). We detected SOB affiliated to β-proteobacteria (72.3 %), α-proteobacteria (22.8 %), and γ-proteobacteria (4.2 %) distributed widely in these lakes and springs. Rhodoferax and Cupriavidus were most frequent in all water samples, while Rhodoferax and Bradyrhizobium are dominant in surface waters but rare in springs. SOB genera in both habitats were positively correlated. Co-occurrence analysis identified Bradyrhizobium, Blastochloris, Methylibium, and Metyhlobacterium as potential keystone taxa. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed positive correlations between SOB diversity and total carbon (TC), Fe2+, and total nitrogen (TN) in all water samples. CONCLUSION The diversity and community structure of SOB in volcanic lakes and springs in the Wudalianchi volcanic group were clarified. Moreover, the diversity and abundance of SOB decreased with the variation of water openness, from open lakes to semi-enclosed lakes and enclosed lakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Geng
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xindi Sun
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Weidong Wang
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Low‑carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Hong Pan
- Institute of Natural Resources and Ecology, Heilongjiang Academy of Science, Harbin, 150090, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lei Yan
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Low‑carbon Green Agriculture in Northeastern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs P. R. China, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lipus D, Jia Z, Sondermann M, Bussert R, Bartholomäus A, Yang S, Wagner D, Kallmeyer J. Microbial diversity and biogeochemical interactions in the seismically active and CO 2- rich Eger Rift ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2024; 19:113. [PMID: 39722025 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-024-00651-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/01/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024]
Abstract
The Eger Rift subsurface is characterized by frequent seismic activity and consistently high CO2 concentrations, making it a unique deep biosphere ecosystem and a suitable site to study the interactions between volcanism, tectonics, and microbiological activity. Pulses of geogenic H2 during earthquakes may provide substrates for methanogenic and chemolithoautotrophic processes, but very little is currently known about the role of subsurface microorganisms and their cellular processes in this type of environment. To assess the impact of geologic activity on microbial life, we analyzed the geological, geochemical, and microbiological composition of rock and sediment samples from a 238 m deep drill core, running across six lithostratigraphic zones. We evaluated the diversity and distribution of bacterial and archaeal communities. Our investigation revealed a distinct low-biomass community, with a surprisingly diverse archaeal population, providing strong support that methanogenic archaea reside in the Eger subsurface. Geochemical analysis demonstrated that ion concentrations (mostly sodium and sulfate) were highest in sediments from 50 to 100 m depth and in weathered rock below 200 m, indicating an elevated potential for ion solution in these areas. Microbial communities were dominated by common soil and water bacteria. Together with the occurrence of freshwater cyanobacteria at specific depths, these observations emphasize the heterogenous character of the sediments and are indicators for vertical groundwater movement across the Eger Rift subsurface. Our investigations also found evidence for anaerobic, autotrophic, and acidophilic communities in Eger Rift sediments, as sulfur-cycling taxa like Thiohalophilus and Desulfosporosinus were specifically enriched at depths below 100 m. The detection of methanogenic, halophilic, and ammonia-oxidizing archaeal populations demonstrate that the unique features of the Eger Rift subsurface environment provide the foundation for diverse types of microbial life, including the microbial utilization of geologically derived CO2 and, when available, H2, as a primary energy source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lipus
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Potsdam, Germany.
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Zeyu Jia
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Megan Sondermann
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Robert Bussert
- Section Applied Geochemistry, Institute of Applied Geosciences, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sizhong Yang
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Dirk Wagner
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Potsdam, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Institute of Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jens Kallmeyer
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Potsdam, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Selci M, Correggia M, Cordone A, Guida M, Quero GM, Piredda R, Vetriani C, Ramirez C, Lloyd KG, de Moor JM, Barry PH, Schrenk MO, Giovannelli D. Recreational hot springs as environmental reservoir of potential multidrug-resistant pathogens. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119841. [PMID: 39182755 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Selci
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Department of Marine and Coastal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Monica Correggia
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Angelina Cordone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Grazia Marina Quero
- Institute for Marine Biological and Biotechnological Resources, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberta Piredda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine - University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Costantino Vetriani
- Department of Marine and Coastal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, USA
| | - Carlos Ramirez
- Servicio Geológico Ambiental (SeGeoAm), San Josè, Costa Rica
| | - Karen G Lloyd
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - J Maarten de Moor
- Observatorio Volcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Peter H Barry
- Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MA, USA
| | - Matthew O Schrenk
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Donato Giovannelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Institute for Marine Biological and Biotechnological Resources, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRBIM), Ancona, Italy; Department of Marine and Coastal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MA, USA; Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute for Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Basili M, Rogers TJ, Nakagawa M, Yücel M, de Moor JM, Barry PH, Schrenk MO, Jessen GL, Sánchez-Murillo R, Zahirovic S, Bekaert DV, Ramirez CJ, Bastoni D, Cordone A, Lloyd KG, Giovannelli D. Subsurface microbial community structure shifts along the geological features of the Central American Volcanic Arc. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0308756. [PMID: 39536057 PMCID: PMC11560019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Subduction of the Cocos and Nazca oceanic plates beneath the Caribbean plate drives the upward movement of deep fluids enriched in carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and iron along the Central American Volcanic Arc (CAVA). These compounds fuel diverse subsurface microbial communities that in turn alter the distribution, redox state, and isotopic composition of these compounds. Microbial community structure and functions vary according to deep fluid delivery across the arc, but less is known about how microbial communities differ along the axis of a convergent margin as geological features (e.g., extent of volcanism and subduction geometry) shift. Here, we investigate changes in bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons and geochemical analysis of deeply-sourced seeps along the southern CAVA, where subduction of the Cocos Ridge alters the geological setting. We find shifts in community composition along the convergent margin, with communities in similar geological settings clustering together independently of the proximity of sample sites. Microbial community composition correlates with geological variables such as host rock type, maturity of hydrothermal fluid and slab depth along different segments of the CAVA. This reveals tight coupling between deep Earth processes and subsurface microbial activity, controlling community distribution, structure and composition along a convergent margin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Basili
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR-IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Timothy J. Rogers
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Mayuko Nakagawa
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mustafa Yücel
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - J. Maarten de Moor
- OVSICORI, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Peter H. Barry
- Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America
| | - Matthew O. Schrenk
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Gerdhard L. Jessen
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Center for Oceanographic Research COPAS COASTAL, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ricardo Sánchez-Murillo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Tracer Hydrology Group, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, United States of America
| | - Sabin Zahirovic
- School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Darlington, Australia
| | - David V. Bekaert
- Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America
- CRPG, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | | | - Deborah Bastoni
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Angelina Cordone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Karen G. Lloyd
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
- Earth Science Department, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Donato Giovannelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR-IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
- Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America
- Department of Marine and Coastal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu Y, Macalady JL, Sánchez-España J, Burgos WD. Enrichment of acid-tolerant sulfide-producing microbes from an acidic pit lake. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1475137. [PMID: 39539707 PMCID: PMC11559266 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1475137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
High concentrations of harmful metal(loid)s and extreme acidity are persistent environmental concerns in acidic pit lakes. In this study, we examine Cueva de la Mora (CM), a meromictic pit lake in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, Spain, as a model system. Our research aims to explore potential bioremediation strategies to mitigate the impacts of metal(loid)s and acidity in such environments. The major strategy applied in this research is to biologically stimulate sulfate reduction (i.e., biosulfidogenesis) in the deep layer of the lake to promote the formation of low-solubility sulfide minerals. Previous omics-based studies of CM have shown that several sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) taxa are present in the deep layer. However, their activities are likely limited by the availability of electron donors for sulfide production. Therefore, different amendments (glycerol, elemental sulfur, and glycerol + elemental sulfur) were tested to promote sulfide production and enrich acid-tolerant sulfide-producing microbes. Our results showed that glycerol stimulated dissimilatory sulfate reduction much faster than elemental sulfur alone, suggesting that electron donor limitations control sulfide production. Furthermore, the combined addition of glycerol and elemental sulfur (S(0)) resulted in the highest level of sulfide production. This indicates that S(0) can play a significant role as an electron acceptor in further promoting sulfide production when a suitable electron donor is present. Microbial community analysis revealed that Desulfosporosinus acididurans, a previously discovered acid-tolerant SRB, was enriched and became the dominant species in incubations with glycerol only (~76-96% abundance) or the combination of glycerol and S(0) (~93-99% abundance).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Macalady
- Department of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Javier Sánchez-España
- Department of Planetology and Habitability, Centro de Astrobiología, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - William D. Burgos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rudenko TS, Trubitsina LI, Terentyev VV, Trubitsin IV, Borshchevskiy VI, Tishchenko SV, Gabdulkhakov AG, Leontievsky AA, Grabovich MY. Mechanism of Intracellular Elemental Sulfur Oxidation in Beggiatoa leptomitoformis, Where Persulfide Dioxygenase Plays a Key Role. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10962. [PMID: 39456744 PMCID: PMC11507549 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252010962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2024] [Revised: 10/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Representatives of the colorless sulfur bacteria of the genus Beggiatoa use reduced sulfur compounds in the processes of lithotrophic growth, which is accompanied by the storage of intracellular sulfur. However, it is still unknown how the transformation of intracellular sulfur occurs in Beggiatoa representatives. Annotation of the genome of Beggiatoa leptomitoformis D-402 did not identify any genes for the oxidation or reduction of elemental sulfur. By searching BLASTP, two putative persulfide dioxygenase (PDO) homologs were found in the genome of B. leptomitoformis. In some heterotrophic prokaryotes, PDO is involved in the oxidation of sulfane sulfur. According to HPLC-MS/MS, the revealed protein was reliably detected in a culture sample grown only in the presence of endogenous sulfur and CO2. The recombinant protein from B. leptomitoformis was active in the presence of glutathione persulfide. The crystal structure of recombinant PDO exhibited consistency with known structures of type I PDO. Thus, it was shown that B. leptomitoformis uses PDO to oxidize endogenous sulfur. Additionally, on the basis of HPLC-MS/MS, RT-qPCR, and the study of PDO reaction products, we predicted the interrelation of PDO and Sox-system function in the oxidation of endogenous sulfur in B. leptomitoformis and the connection of this process with energy metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana S. Rudenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Physiology, Voronezh State University, 394018 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Liubov I. Trubitsina
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Vasily V. Terentyev
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Institute of Basic Biological Problems, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Ivan V. Trubitsin
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Valentin I. Borshchevskiy
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | | | - Azat G. Gabdulkhakov
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Leontievsky
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Margarita Yu. Grabovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Physiology, Voronezh State University, 394018 Voronezh, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Golyshina OV, Lunev EA, Distaso MA, Bargiela R, Gaines MC, Daum B, Ferrer M, Bale NJ, Koenen M, Damsté JSS, Yakimov MM, Golyshin PN. Oxyplasma meridianum gen. nov., sp. nov., an extremely acidophilic organotrophic member of the order Thermoplasmatales. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2024; 74:006499. [PMID: 39190454 PMCID: PMC11349054 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A mesophilic, hyperacidophilic archaeon, strain M1T, was isolated from a rock sample from Vulcano Island, Italy. Cells of this organism were cocci with an average diameter of 1 µm. Some cells possessed filaments. The strain grew in the range of temperatures between 15 and 52 °C and pH 0.5-4.0 with growth optima at 40 °C and pH 1.0. Strain M1T was aerobic and chemoorganotrophic, growing on complex substrates, such as casamino acids, trypticase, tryptone, yeast and beef extracts. No growth at expenses of oxidation of elemental sulphur or reduced sulphur compounds, pyrite, or ferrous sulphate was observed. The core lipids were glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether lipids (membrane spanning) with 0 to 4 cyclopentane moieties and archaeol, with trace amounts of hydroxy archaeol. The dominant quinone was MK-7 : 7. The genome size of M1T was 1.67 Mbp with a G+C content of 39.76 mol%, and both characteristics were well within the common range for Thermoplasmatales. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence placed the strain M1T within the order Thermoplasmatales with sequence identities of 90.9, 90.3 and 90.5% to the closest SSU rRNA gene sequences from organisms with validly published names, Thermoplasma acidophilum, Thermoplasma volcanium and Thermogymnomonas acidicola, respectively. Based on the results of our genomic, phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic studies, we propose that strain M1T (=DSM 116605T=JCM 36570T) represents a new genus and species, Oxyplasma meridianum gen. nov., sp. nov., within the order Thermoplasmatales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga V. Golyshina
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Evgenii A. Lunev
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Marco A. Distaso
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Rafael Bargiela
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
- Instituto de Catalisis y Petroleoquimica (ICP), CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthew C. Gaines
- Living Systems Institute and Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Bertram Daum
- Living Systems Institute and Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Manuel Ferrer
- Instituto de Catalisis y Petroleoquimica (ICP), CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicole J. Bale
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands
| | - Michel Koenen
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands
| | - Jaap S. Sinninghe Damsté
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands
| | | | - Peter N. Golyshin
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Twible LE, Whaley-Martin K, Chen LX, Colenbrander Nelson T, Arrey JL, Jarolimek CV, King JJ, Ramilo L, Sonnenberg H, Banfield JF, Apte SC, Warren LA. pH and thiosulfate dependent microbial sulfur oxidation strategies across diverse environments. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1426584. [PMID: 39101034 PMCID: PMC11294248 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1426584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) play a key role in sulfur cycling in mine tailings impoundment (TI) waters, where sulfur concentrations are typically high. However, our understanding of SOB sulfur cycling via potential S oxidation pathways (sox, rdsr, and S4I) in these globally ubiquitous contexts, remains limited. Here, we identified TI water column SOB community composition, metagenomics derived metabolic repertoires, physicochemistry, and aqueous sulfur concentration and speciation in four Canadian base metal mine, circumneutral-alkaline TIs over four years (2016 - 2019). Identification and examination of genomes from nine SOB genera occurring in these TI waters revealed two pH partitioned, metabolically distinct groups, which differentially influenced acid generation and sulfur speciation. Complete sox (csox) dominant SOB (e.g., Halothiobacillus spp., Thiomonas spp.) drove acidity generation and S2O3 2- consumption via the csox pathway at lower pH (pH ~5 to ~6.5). At circumneutral pH conditions (pH ~6.5 to ~8.5), the presence of non-csox dominant SOB (hosting the incomplete sox, rdsr, and/or other S oxidation reactions; e.g. Thiobacillus spp., Sulfuriferula spp.) were associated with higher [S2O3 2-] and limited acidity generation. The S4I pathway part 1 (tsdA; S2O3 2- to S4O6 2-), was not constrained by pH, while S4I pathway part 2 (S4O6 2- disproportionation via tetH) was limited to Thiobacillus spp. and thus circumneutral pH values. Comparative analysis of low, natural (e.g., hydrothermal vents and sulfur hot springs) and high (e.g., Zn, Cu, Pb/Zn, and Ni tailings) sulfur systems literature data with these TI results, reveals a distinct TI SOB mining microbiome, characterized by elevated abundances of csox dominant SOB, likely sustained by continuous replenishment of sulfur species through tailings or mining impacted water additions. Our results indicate that under the primarily oxic conditions in these systems, S2O3 2- availability plays a key role in determining the dominant sulfur oxidation pathways and associated geochemical and physicochemical outcomes, highlighting the potential for biological management of mining impacted waters via pH and [S2O3 2-] manipulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Twible
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kelly Whaley-Martin
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lin-Xing Chen
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - James L.S. Arrey
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chad V. Jarolimek
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Josh J. King
- Commonwealth Scientific Industrial and Research Organization, Black Mountain, ACT, Australia
| | | | | | - Jillian F. Banfield
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Simon C. Apte
- Commonwealth Scientific Industrial and Research Organization, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lesley A. Warren
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li W, Feng Q, Li Z, Jin T, Zhang Y, Southam G. Inhibition of iron oxidation in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans by low-molecular-weight organic acids: Evaluation of performance and elucidation of mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171919. [PMID: 38554963 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The catalytic role of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) in iron biooxidation is pivotal in the formation of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), which poses a significant threat to the environment. To control AMD generation, treatments with low-molecular-weight organic acids are being studied, yet their exact mechanisms are unclear. In this study, AMD materials, organic acids, and molecular methods were employed to gain a deeper understanding of the inhibitory effects of low-molecular-weight organic acids on the biooxidation of iron by A. ferrooxidans. The inhibition experiments of A. ferrooxidans on the oxidation of Fe2+ showed that to attain a 90 % inhibition efficacy within 72 h, the minimum concentrations required for formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and lactic acid are 0.5, 6, 4, and 10 mmol/L, respectively. Bacterial imaging illustrated the detrimental effects of these organic acids on the cell envelope structure. This includes severe damage to the outer membrane, particularly from formic and acetic acids, which also caused cell wall damage. Coupled with alterations in the types and quantities of protein, carbohydrate, and nucleic acid content in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), indicate the mechanisms underlying these inhibitory treatments. Transcriptomic analysis revealed interference of these organic acids with crucial metabolic pathways, particularly those related to energy metabolism. These findings establish a comprehensive theoretical basis for understanding the inhibition of A. ferrooxidans' biooxidation by low-molecular-weight organic acids, offering a novel opportunity to effectively mitigate the generation of AMD at its source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Li
- School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Mine Ecological Restoration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Qiyan Feng
- School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Mine Ecological Restoration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China.
| | - Ze Li
- School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Mine Ecological Restoration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Tao Jin
- School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Mine Ecological Restoration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- School of Environment and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Mine Ecological Restoration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Gordon Southam
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia; The Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
De Castro O, Avino M, Carraturo F, Di Iorio E, Giovannelli D, Innangi M, Menale B, Mormile N, Troisi J, Guida M. Profiling microbial communities in an extremely acidic environment influenced by a cold natural carbon dioxide spring: A study of the Mefite in Ansanto Valley, Southern Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13241. [PMID: 38407001 PMCID: PMC10895555 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The Ansanto Valley's Mefite, one of the Earth's largest non-volcanic CO2 gas emissions, is distinguished by its cold natural carbon dioxide springs. These emissions originate from the intricate tectonics and geodynamics of the southern Apennines in Italy. Known for over two millennia for its lethal concentration of CO2 and other harmful gases, the Mefite has a reputation for being toxic and dangerous. Despite its historical significance and unique geological features, there is a lack of information on the microbial diversity associated with the Mefite's gas emissions. This study presents an integrated exploration of the microbial diversity in the mud soil, using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA (Prokaryotes) and ITS2 (Fungi), alongside a geochemical site characterisation. Our findings reveal that the Mefite's unique environment imposes a significant bottleneck on microbial diversity, favouring a select few microbial groups such as Actinobacteria and Firmicutes for Prokaryotes, and Basidiomycota for Fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga De Castro
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
- Botanical GardenNaplesItaly
| | - Mariano Avino
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional GenomicsSherbrooke UniversitySherbrookeQuebecCanada
| | | | | | - Donato Giovannelli
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
- National Research CouncilInstitute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies—CNR‐IRBIMAnconaItaly
- Department of Marine and Coastal ScienceRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry DepartmentWoods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionWoods HoleMassachusettsUSA
- Earth‐Life Science InstituteTokyo Institute of TechnologyTokyoJapan
| | - Michele Innangi
- EnvixLab, Department of Biosciences and TerritoryUniversity of Molise Contrada Fonte LapponePesche (IS)Italy
| | - Bruno Menale
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
- Botanical GardenNaplesItaly
| | - Nicolina Mormile
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS)SalernoItaly
- Theoreo srlMontecorvino Pugliano (SA)Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marín-Paredes R, Bolívar-Torres HH, Coronel-Gaytán A, Martínez-Romero E, Servín-Garcidueñas LE. A Metagenome from a Steam Vent in Los Azufres Geothermal Field Shows an Abundance of Thermoplasmatales archaea and Bacteria from the Phyla Actinomycetota and Pseudomonadota. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:5849-5864. [PMID: 37504286 PMCID: PMC10378326 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45070370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Los Azufres National Park is a geothermal field that has a wide number of thermal manifestations; nevertheless, the microbial communities in many of these environments remain unknown. In this study, a metagenome from a sediment sample from Los Azufres National Park was sequenced. In this metagenome, we found that the microbial diversity corresponds to bacteria (Actinomycetota, Pseudomonadota), archaea (Thermoplasmatales and Candidatus Micrarchaeota and Candidatus Parvarchaeota), eukarya (Cyanidiaceae), and viruses (Fussellovirus and Caudoviricetes). The functional annotation showed genes related to the carbon fixation pathway, sulfur metabolism, genes involved in heat and cold shock, and heavy-metal resistance. From the sediment, it was possible to recover two metagenome-assembled genomes from Ferrimicrobium and Cuniculiplasma. Our results showed that there are a large number of microorganisms in Los Azufres that deserve to be studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Marín-Paredes
- Laboratorio de Microbiómica, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia 58341, Mexico
| | - Hermes H Bolívar-Torres
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja 150003, Colombia
| | - Alberto Coronel-Gaytán
- Laboratorio de Microbiómica, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia 58341, Mexico
| | | | - Luis E Servín-Garcidueñas
- Laboratorio de Microbiómica, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia 58341, Mexico
- Laboratorio Nacional de Análisis y Síntesis Ecológica, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia, Morelia 58341, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Arce-Rodríguez A, Libby E, Castellón E, Avendaño R, Cambronero JC, Vargas M, Pieper DH, Bertilsson S, Chavarría M, Puente-Sánchez F. Out of the blue: the independent activity of sulfur-oxidizers and diatoms mediate the sudden color shift of a tropical river. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2023; 18:6. [PMID: 36658604 PMCID: PMC9854191 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00464-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Río Celeste ("Sky-Blue River") is a river located in the Tenorio National Park (Costa Rica) that has become an important hotspot for eco-tourism due to its striking sky-blue color. A previous study indicated that this color is not caused by dissolved chemical species, but by formation of light-scattering aluminosilicate particles at the mixing point of two colorless streams, the acidic Quebrada Agria and the neutral Río Buenavista. RESULTS We now present microbiological information on Río Celeste and its two tributaries, as well as a more detailed characterization of the particles that occur at the mixing point. Our results overturn the previous belief that the light scattering particles are formed by the aggregation of smaller particles coming from Río Buenavista, and rather point to chemical formation of hydroxyaluminosilicate colloids when Quebrada Agria is partially neutralized by Río Buenavista, which also contributes silica to the reaction. The process is mediated by the activities of different microorganisms in both streams. In Quebrada Agria, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria generate an acidic environment, which in turn cause dissolution and mobilization of aluminum and other metals. In Río Buenavista, the growth of diatoms transforms dissolved silicon into colloidal biogenic forms which may facilitate particle precipitation. CONCLUSIONS We show how the sky-blue color of Río Celeste arises from the tight interaction between chemical and biological processes, in what constitutes a textbook example of emergent behavior in environmental microbiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Arce-Rodríguez
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106, Brunswick, Germany
- Microbial Interactions and Processes Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Eduardo Libby
- Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Erick Castellón
- Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales (CICIMA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Roberto Avendaño
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José, 1174-1200, Costa Rica
| | - Juan Carlos Cambronero
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Maribel Vargas
- Centro de Investigaciones en Estructuras Microscópicas (CIEMic), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Dietmar H Pieper
- Microbial Interactions and Processes Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Stefan Bertilsson
- Deparment of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms Väg 9, 756 51, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Max Chavarría
- Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José, 1174-1200, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Fernando Puente-Sánchez
- Deparment of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms Väg 9, 756 51, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Phytochemistry Meets Geochemistry—Blumenol C Sulfate: A New Megastigmane Sulfate from Palicourea luxurians (Rubiaceae: Palicoureeae). Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217284. [PMID: 36364108 PMCID: PMC9658315 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a previously neglected influence of geochemical conditions on plant phytochemistry. In particular, high concentrations of dissolved salts can affect their biosynthesis of natural products. Detoxification is most likely an important aspect for the plant, but additional natural products can also give it an expanded range of bioactivities. During the phytochemical analysis a Palicourea luxurians plant collected in a sulfate-rich environment (near the Río Sucio, Costa Rica) showed an interesting natural product in this regard. The structure of this compound was determined using spectroscopic and computational methods (NMR, MS, UV, IR, CD, optical rotation, quantum chemical calculations) and resulted in a megastigmane sulfate ester possessing a β-ionone core structure, namely blumenol C sulfate (1, C13H22O5S). The levels of sulfur and sulfate ions in the leaves of the plant were determined using elemental analysis and compared to the corresponding levels in comparable plant leaves from a less sulfate-rich environments. The analyses show the leaves from which we isolated blumenol C sulfate (1) to contain 35% more sulfur and 80% more sulfate than the other samples. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of compound 1 were tested against Escherichia coli, E. coli ampR and Bacillus subtilis as well as measured using complementary in vitro FRAP and ATBS assays, respectively. These bioactivities are comparable to those determined for structurally related megastigmanes. The sulfur and sulfate content of the plant leaves from the sulfate-rich environment was significantly higher than that of the other plants. Against this background of salt stress, we discuss a possible biosynthesis of blumenol C sulfate (1). Furthermore, there appears to be no benefit for the plant in terms of extended bioactivities. Hence, the formation of blumenol C sulfate (1) probably primarily serves the plant detoxification process.
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhou N, Keffer JL, Polson SW, Chan CS. Unraveling Fe(II)-Oxidizing Mechanisms in a Facultative Fe(II) Oxidizer, Sideroxydans lithotrophicus Strain ES-1, via Culturing, Transcriptomics, and Reverse Transcription-Quantitative PCR. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0159521. [PMID: 34788064 PMCID: PMC8788666 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01595-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sideroxydans lithotrophicus ES-1 grows autotrophically either by Fe(II) oxidation or by thiosulfate oxidation, in contrast to most other isolates of neutrophilic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB). This provides a unique opportunity to explore the physiology of a facultative FeOB and constrain the genes specific to Fe(II) oxidation. We compared the growth of S. lithotrophicus ES-1 on Fe(II), thiosulfate, and both substrates together. While initial growth rates were similar, thiosulfate-grown cultures had higher yield with or without Fe(II) present, which may give ES-1 an advantage over obligate FeOB. To investigate the Fe(II) and S oxidation pathways, we conducted transcriptomics experiments, validated with reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). We explored the long-term gene expression response at different growth phases (over days to a week) and expression changes during a short-term switch from thiosulfate to Fe(II) (90 min). The dsr and sox sulfur oxidation genes were upregulated in thiosulfate cultures. The Fe(II) oxidase gene cyc2 was among the top expressed genes during both Fe(II) and thiosulfate oxidation, and addition of Fe(II) to thiosulfate-grown cells caused an increase in cyc2 expression. These results support the role of Cyc2 as the Fe(II) oxidase and suggest that ES-1 maintains readiness to oxidize Fe(II), even in the absence of Fe(II). We used gene expression profiles to further constrain the ES-1 Fe(II) oxidation pathway. Notably, among the most highly upregulated genes during Fe(II) oxidation were genes for alternative complex III, reverse electron transport, and carbon fixation. This implies a direct connection between Fe(II) oxidation and carbon fixation, suggesting that CO2 is an important electron sink for Fe(II) oxidation. IMPORTANCE Neutrophilic FeOB are increasingly observed in various environments, but knowledge of their ecophysiology and Fe(II) oxidation mechanisms is still relatively limited. Sideroxydans isolates are widely observed in aquifers, wetlands, and sediments, and genome analysis suggests metabolic flexibility contributes to their success. The type strain ES-1 is unusual among neutrophilic FeOB isolates, as it can grow on either Fe(II) or a non-Fe(II) substrate, thiosulfate. Almost all our knowledge of neutrophilic Fe(II) oxidation pathways comes from genome analyses, with some work on metatranscriptomes. This study used culture-based experiments to test the genes specific to Fe(II) oxidation in a facultative FeOB and refine our model of the Fe(II) oxidation pathway. We gained insight into how facultative FeOB like ES-1 connect Fe, S, and C biogeochemical cycling in the environment and suggest a multigene indicator would improve understanding of Fe(II) oxidation activity in environments with facultative FeOB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanqing Zhou
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Jessica L. Keffer
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Shawn W. Polson
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Clara S. Chan
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Velázquez-Ríos IO, Rincón-Rosales R, Gutiérrez-Miceli FA, Alcántara-Hernández RJ, Ruíz-Valdiviezo VM. Prokaryotic diversity across a pH gradient in the “El Chichón” crater-lake: a naturally thermo-acidic environment. Extremophiles 2022; 26:8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00792-022-01257-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
16
|
Peña-Ocaña BA, Ovando-Ovando CI, Puente-Sánchez F, Tamames J, Servín-Garcidueñas LE, González-Toril E, Gutiérrez-Sarmiento W, Jasso-Chávez R, Ruíz-Valdiviezo VM. Metagenomic and metabolic analyses of poly-extreme microbiome from an active crater volcano lake. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111862. [PMID: 34400165 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
El Chichón volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico. Previous studies have described its poly-extreme conditions and its bacterial composition, although the functional features of the complete microbiome have not been characterized yet. By using metabarcoding analysis, metagenomics, metabolomics and enzymology techniques, the microbiome of the crater lake was characterized in this study. New information is provided on the taxonomic and functional diversity of the representative Archaea phyla, Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota, as well as those that are representative of Bacteria, Thermotogales and Aquificae. With culture of microbial consortia and with the genetic information collected from the natural environment sampling, metabolic interactions were identified between prokaryotes, which can withstand multiple extreme conditions. The existence of a close relationship between the biogeochemical cycles of carbon and sulfur in an active volcano has been proposed, while the relationship in the energy metabolism of thermoacidophilic bacteria and archaea in this multi-extreme environment was biochemically revealed for the first time. These findings contribute towards understanding microbial metabolism under extreme conditions, and provide potential knowledge pertaining to "microbial dark matter", which can be applied to biotechnological processes and evolutionary studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Anaid Peña-Ocaña
- Tecnologico Nacional de México / IT de Tuxtla Gutierrez, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Fernando Puente-Sánchez
- Microbiome Analysis Laboratory, Systems Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Lennart Hjelms väg 9, 756 51, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Javier Tamames
- Microbiome Analysis Laboratory, Systems Biology Department, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo Jasso-Chávez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bergsten P, Vannier P, Klonowski AM, Knobloch S, Gudmundsson MT, Jackson MD, Marteinsson VT. Basalt-Hosted Microbial Communities in the Subsurface of the Young Volcanic Island of Surtsey, Iceland. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:728977. [PMID: 34659155 PMCID: PMC8513691 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.728977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The island of Surtsey was formed in 1963–1967 on the offshore Icelandic volcanic rift zone. It offers a unique opportunity to study the subsurface biosphere in newly formed oceanic crust and an associated hydrothermal-seawater system, whose maximum temperature is currently above 120°C at about 100m below surface. Here, we present new insights into the diversity, distribution, and abundance of microorganisms in the subsurface of the island, 50years after its creation. Samples, including basaltic tuff drill cores and associated fluids acquired at successive depths as well as surface fumes from fumaroles, were collected during expedition 5059 of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program specifically designed to collect microbiological samples. Results of this microbial survey are investigated with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and scanning electron microscopy. To distinguish endemic microbial taxa of subsurface rocks from potential contaminants present in the drilling fluid, we use both methodological and computational strategies. Our 16S rRNA gene analysis results expose diverse and distinct microbial communities in the drill cores and the borehole fluid samples, which harbor thermophiles in high abundance. Whereas some taxonomic lineages detected across these habitats remain uncharacterized (e.g., Acetothermiia, Ammonifexales), our results highlight potential residents of the subsurface that could be identified at lower taxonomic rank such as Thermaerobacter, BRH-c8a (Desulfallas-Sporotomaculum), Thioalkalimicrobium, and Sulfurospirillum. Microscopy images reveal possible biotic structures attached to the basaltic substrate. Finally, microbial colonization of the newly formed basaltic crust and the metabolic potential are discussed on the basis of the data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Bergsten
- Exploration & Utilization of Genetic Resources, Matís, Reykjavík, Iceland.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Pauline Vannier
- Exploration & Utilization of Genetic Resources, Matís, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | - Stephen Knobloch
- Exploration & Utilization of Genetic Resources, Matís, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | - Marie Dolores Jackson
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Viggó Thor Marteinsson
- Exploration & Utilization of Genetic Resources, Matís, Reykjavík, Iceland.,Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sasso Pisano Geothermal Field Environment Harbours Diverse Ktedonobacteria Representatives and Illustrates Habitat-Specific Adaptations. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071402. [PMID: 34209727 PMCID: PMC8306680 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The hydrothermal steam environment of Sasso Pisano (Italy) was selected to investigate the associated microbial community and its metabolic potential. In this context, 16S and 18S rRNA gene partial sequences of thermophilic prokaryotes and eukaryotes inhabiting hot springs and fumaroles as well as mesophilic microbes colonising soil and water were analysed by high-throughput amplicon sequencing. The eukaryotic and prokaryotic communities from hot environments clearly differ from reference microbial communities of colder soil sites, though Ktedonobacteria showed high abundances in various hot spring samples and a few soil samples. This indicates that the hydrothermal steam environments of Sasso Pisano represent not only a vast reservoir of thermophilic but also mesophilic members of this Chloroflexi class. Metabolic functional profiling revealed that the hot spring microbiome exhibits a higher capability to utilise methane and aromatic compounds and is more diverse in its sulphur and nitrogen metabolism than the mesophilic soil microbial consortium. In addition, heavy metal resistance-conferring genes were significantly more abundant in the hot spring microbiome. The eukaryotic diversity at a fumarole indicated high abundances of primary producers (unicellular red algae: Cyanidiales), consumers (Arthropoda: Collembola sp.), and endoparasite Apicomplexa (Gregarina sp.), which helps to hypothesise a simplified food web at this hot and extremely nutrient-deprived acidic environment.
Collapse
|
19
|
Kadnikov VV, Mardanov AV, Beletsky AV, Grigoriev MA, Karnachuk OV, Ravin NV. Thermophilic Chloroflexi Dominate in the Microbial Community Associated with Coal-Fire Gas Vents in the Kuznetsk Coal Basin, Russia. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050948. [PMID: 33924824 PMCID: PMC8146126 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermal ecosystems associated with areas of underground burning coal seams are rare and poorly understood in comparison with geothermal objects. We studied the microbial communities associated with gas vents from the coal-fire in the mining wastes in the Kemerovo region of the Russian Federation. The temperature of the ground heated by the hot coal gases and steam coming out to the surface was 58 °C. Analysis of the composition of microbial communities revealed the dominance of Ktedonobacteria (the phylum Chloroflexi), known to be capable of oxidizing hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Thermophilic hydrogenotrophic Firmicutes constituted a minor part of the community. Among the well-known thermophiles, members of the phyla Aquificae, Deinococcus-Thermus and Bacteroidetes were also found. In the upper ground layer, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, as well as Proteobacteria of the alpha and gamma classes, typical of soils, were detected; their relative abundancies decreased with depth. The phylum Verrucomicrobia was dominated by Candidatus Udaeobacter, aerobic heterotrophs capable of generating energy through the oxidation of hydrogen present in the atmosphere in trace amounts. Archaea made up a small part of the communities and were represented by thermophilic ammonium-oxidizers. Overall, the community was dominated by bacteria, whose cultivated relatives are able to obtain energy through the oxidation of the main components of coal gases, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, under aerobic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly V. Kadnikov
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.K.); (A.V.M.); (A.V.B.)
| | - Andrey V. Mardanov
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.K.); (A.V.M.); (A.V.B.)
| | - Alexey V. Beletsky
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.K.); (A.V.M.); (A.V.B.)
| | - Mikhail A. Grigoriev
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (M.A.G.); (O.V.K.)
| | - Olga V. Karnachuk
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (M.A.G.); (O.V.K.)
| | - Nikolai V. Ravin
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.K.); (A.V.M.); (A.V.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rojas-Gätjens D, Arce-Rodríguez A, Puente-Sánchez F, Avendaño R, Libby E, Mora-Amador R, Rojas-Jimenez K, Fuentes-Schweizer P, Pieper DH, Chavarría M. Temperature and elemental sulfur shape microbial communities in two extremely acidic aquatic volcanic environments. Extremophiles 2021; 25:85-99. [PMID: 33416983 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-020-01213-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic environments of volcanic origin provide an exceptional opportunity to study the adaptations of microorganisms to early planet life conditions. Here, we characterized the prokaryotic communities and physicochemical properties of seepage sites at the bottom of the Poas Volcano crater and the Agrio River, two geologically related extremely acidic environments located in Costa Rica. Both locations hold a low pH (1.79-2.20) and have high sulfate and iron concentrations (Fe = 47-206 mg/L, SO42- = 1170-2460 mg/L), but significant differences in their temperature (90.0-95.0 ºC in the seepages at Poas Volcano, 19.1-26.6 ºC in Agrio River) and in the elemental sulfur content. Based on the analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, we determined that Sulfobacillus spp. represented more than half of the sequences in Poas Volcano seepage sites, while Agrio River was dominated by Leptospirillum and members of the archaeal order Thermoplasmatales. Both environments share some chemical characteristics and part of their microbiota, however, the temperature and the reduced sulfur are likely the main distinguishing features, ultimately shaping their microbial communities. Our data suggest that in the Poas Volcano-Agrio River system there is a common metabolism but with specialization of species that adapt to the physicochemical conditions of each environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rojas-Gätjens
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José, 1174-1200, Costa Rica
| | - Alejandro Arce-Rodríguez
- Microbial Interactions and Processes Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Fernando Puente-Sánchez
- Systems Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), C/Darwin 3, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Avendaño
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José, 1174-1200, Costa Rica
| | - Eduardo Libby
- Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Raúl Mora-Amador
- Escuela Centroamericana de Geología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.,Laboratorio de Ecología Urbana, Universidad Estatal a Distancia, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Keilor Rojas-Jimenez
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Paola Fuentes-Schweizer
- Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.,Centro de Investigación en Electroquímica y Energía Química (CELEQ), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Dietmar H Pieper
- Microbial Interactions and Processes Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Max Chavarría
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José, 1174-1200, Costa Rica. .,Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica. .,Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Arce-Rodríguez A, Puente-Sánchez F, Avendaño R, Libby E, Mora-Amador R, Rojas-Jimenez K, Martínez M, Pieper DH, Chavarría M. Microbial Community Structure Along a Horizontal Oxygen Gradient in a Costa Rican Volcanic Influenced Acid Rock Drainage System. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2020; 80:793-808. [PMID: 32572534 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-020-01530-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We describe the geochemistry and microbial diversity of a pristine environment that resembles an acid rock drainage (ARD) but it is actually the result of hydrothermal and volcanic influences. We designate this environment, and other comparable sites, as volcanic influenced acid rock drainage (VARD) systems. The metal content and sulfuric acid in this ecosystem stem from the volcanic milieu and not from the product of pyrite oxidation. Based on the analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons, we report the microbial community structure in the pristine San Cayetano Costa Rican VARD environment (pH = 2.94-3.06, sulfate ~ 0.87-1.19 g L-1, iron ~ 35-61 mg L-1 (waters), and ~ 8-293 g kg-1 (sediments)). San Cayetano was found to be dominated by microorganisms involved in the geochemical cycling of iron, sulfur, and nitrogen; however, the identity and abundance of the species changed with the oxygen content (0.40-6.06 mg L-1) along the river course. The hypoxic source of San Cayetano is dominated by a putative anaerobic sulfate-reducing Deltaproteobacterium. Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria such as Acidithiobacillus or Sulfobacillus are found in smaller proportions with respect to typical ARD. In the oxic downstream, we identified aerobic iron-oxidizers (Leptospirillum, Acidithrix, Ferrovum) and heterotrophic bacteria (Burkholderiaceae bacterium, Trichococcus, Acidocella). Thermoplasmatales archaea closely related to environmental phylotypes found in other ARD niches were also observed throughout the entire ecosystem. Overall, our study shows the differences and similarities in the diversity and distribution of the microbial communities between an ARD and a VARD system at the source and along the oxygen gradient that establishes on the course of the river.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Arce-Rodríguez
- Microbial Interactions and Processes Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Fernando Puente-Sánchez
- Systems Biology Program, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), C/Darwin 3, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Avendaño
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José, 1174-1200, Costa Rica
| | - Eduardo Libby
- Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Raúl Mora-Amador
- Escuela Centroamericana de Geología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
- Laboratorio de Ecología Urbana, Universidad Estatal a Distancia, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Keilor Rojas-Jimenez
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - María Martínez
- Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica, Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA), Heredia, 2386-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Dietmar H Pieper
- Microbial Interactions and Processes Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Max Chavarría
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José, 1174-1200, Costa Rica.
- Escuela de Química, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA), Universidad de Costa Rica, Sede Central, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Application of Firefly Luciferase (Luc) as a Reporter Gene for the Chemoautotrophic and Acidophilic Acidithiobacillus spp. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:3724-3730. [PMID: 32945904 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02195-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Acidithiobacillus spp. are the most active bacteria in bioleaching and bioremediation, because of their remarkable extreme environmental adaptabilities and unique metabolic characteristics. The researches on regulatory mechanisms of energy metabolism and stress resistance are critical for the understanding and application of Acidithiobacillus spp. However, the lack of an ideal reporter gene has become an obstacle for studying genes expression and regulatory mechanism in these chemoautotrophic bacteria. In this study, we reported the firefly luciferase as a reporter gene for Acidithiobacillus caldus (A. caldus) and created a firefly luciferase (Luc) reporter system. The Luc system was applied for the quantitative analysis of the transcription strength of the promoters of tetH gene and the feoA gene in A. caldus. Moreover, the regulating effect of ferric uptake regulator (Fur) on the feoP gene in A. caldus was determined using the Luc system. The Luc reporter system is not only used in the study of regulatory mechanism of A. caldus, but also applied in the researches of other Acidithiobacillus species. Therefore, this study provides a new useful tool for the studies on the molecular biological mechanism and synthetic biological modification of these chemoautotrophic bacteria, which would promote the industrial application of Acidithiobacillus spp.
Collapse
|
23
|
Microbial Residents of the Atlantis Massif's Shallow Serpentinite Subsurface. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.00356-20. [PMID: 32220840 PMCID: PMC7237769 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00356-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 357—“Serpentinization and Life”—utilized seabed drills to collect rocks from the oceanic crust. The recovered rock cores represent the shallow serpentinite subsurface of the Atlantis Massif, where reactions between uplifted mantle rocks and water, collectively known as serpentinization, produce environmental conditions that can stimulate biological activity and are thought to be analogous to environments that were prevalent on the early Earth and perhaps other planets. The methodology and results of this project have implications for life detection experiments, including sample return missions, and provide a window into the diversity of microbial communities inhabiting subseafloor serpentinites. The Atlantis Massif rises 4,000 m above the seafloor near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and consists of rocks uplifted from Earth’s lower crust and upper mantle. Exposure of the mantle rocks to seawater leads to their alteration into serpentinites. These aqueous geochemical reactions, collectively known as the process of serpentinization, are exothermic and are associated with the release of hydrogen gas (H2), methane (CH4), and small organic molecules. The biological consequences of this flux of energy and organic compounds from the Atlantis Massif were explored by International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 357, which used seabed drills to collect continuous sequences of shallow (<16 m below seafloor) marine serpentinites and mafic assemblages. Here, we report the census of microbial diversity in samples of the drill cores, as measured by environmental 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The problem of contamination of subsurface samples was a primary concern during all stages of this project, starting from the initial study design, continuing to the collection of samples from the seafloor, handling the samples shipboard and in the lab, preparing the samples for DNA extraction, and analyzing the DNA sequence data. To distinguish endemic microbial taxa of serpentinite subsurface rocks from seawater residents and other potential contaminants, the distributions of individual 16S rRNA gene sequences among all samples were evaluated, taking into consideration both presence/absence and relative abundances. Our results highlight a few candidate residents of the shallow serpentinite subsurface, including uncultured representatives of the Thermoplasmata, Acidobacteria, Acidimicrobia, and Chloroflexi. IMPORTANCE The International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 357—“Serpentinization and Life”—utilized seabed drills to collect rocks from the oceanic crust. The recovered rock cores represent the shallow serpentinite subsurface of the Atlantis Massif, where reactions between uplifted mantle rocks and water, collectively known as serpentinization, produce environmental conditions that can stimulate biological activity and are thought to be analogous to environments that were prevalent on the early Earth and perhaps other planets. The methodology and results of this project have implications for life detection experiments, including sample return missions, and provide a window into the diversity of microbial communities inhabiting subseafloor serpentinites.
Collapse
|
24
|
Rameez MJ, Pyne P, Mandal S, Chatterjee S, Alam M, Bhattacharya S, Mondal N, Sarkar J, Ghosh W. Two pathways for thiosulfate oxidation in the alphaproteobacterial chemolithotroph Paracoccus thiocyanatus SST. Microbiol Res 2019; 230:126345. [PMID: 31585234 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2019.126345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Chemolithotrophic bacteria oxidize various sulfur species for energy and electrons, thereby operationalizing biogeochemical sulfur cycles in nature. The best-studied pathway of bacterial sulfur-chemolithotrophy involves direct oxidation of thiosulfate (S2O32-) to sulfate (SO42-) without any free intermediate. This pathway mediated by SoxXAYZBCD is apparently the exclusive mechanism of thiosulfate oxidation in facultatively chemolithotrophic alphaproteobacteria. Here we explore the molecular mechanisms of sulfur oxidation in the thiosulfate- and tetrathionate(S4O62-)-oxidizing alphaproteobacterium Paracoccus thiocyanatus SST, and compare them with the prototypical Sox process of Paracoccus pantotrophus. Our results reveal a unique case where an alphaproteobacterium has Sox as its secondary pathway of thiosulfate oxidation converting ∼10% of the thiosulfate supplied, whilst ∼90% of the substrate is oxidized via a pathway that produces tetrathionate as an intermediate. Sulfur oxidation kinetics of a deletion mutant showed that thiosulfate-to-tetrathionate conversion, in SST, is catalyzed by a thiosulfate dehydrogenase (TsdA) homolog that has far-higher substrate-affinity than the Sox system of this bacterium, which in turn is also less efficient than the P. pantotrophus Sox. Deletion of soxB abolished sulfate-formation from thiosulfate/tetrathionate, while thiosulfate-to-tetrathionate conversion remained unperturbed. Physiological studies revealed the involvement of glutathione in SST tetrathionate oxidation. However, zero impact of the insertional mutation of a thiol dehydrotransferase (thdT) homolog, together with the absence of sulfite as an intermediate, indicated that SST tetrathionate oxidation is mechanistically novel, and distinct from its betaproteobacterial counterpart mediated by glutathione, ThdT, SoxBCD and sulfite:acceptor oxidoreductase. The present findings highlight extensive functional diversification of sulfur-oxidizing enzymes across phylogenetically close, as well as distant, bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moidu Jameela Rameez
- Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Prosenjit Pyne
- Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Subhrangshu Mandal
- Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Sumit Chatterjee
- Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Masrure Alam
- Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | | | - Nibendu Mondal
- Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Jagannath Sarkar
- Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Wriddhiman Ghosh
- Department of Microbiology, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata, 700054, India.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dutta A, Sar P, Sarkar J, Dutta Gupta S, Gupta A, Bose H, Mukherjee A, Roy S. Archaeal Communities in Deep Terrestrial Subsurface Underneath the Deccan Traps, India. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1362. [PMID: 31379755 PMCID: PMC6646420 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Archaeal community structure and potential functions within the deep, aphotic, oligotrophic, hot, igneous provinces of ∼65 Myr old basalt and its Archean granitic basement was explored through archaeal 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing from extracted environmental DNA of rocks. Rock core samples from three distinct horizons, basaltic (BS), transition (weathered granites) (TZ) and granitic (GR) showed limited organic carbon (4–48 mg/kg) and varied concentrations (<1.0–5000 mg/kg) of sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, iron and metal oxides. Quantitative PCR estimated the presence of nearly 103–104 archaeal cells per gram of rock. Archaeal communities within BS and GR horizons were distinct. The absence of any common OTU across the samples indicated restricted dispersal of archaeal cells. Younger, relatively organic carbon- and Fe2O3-rich BS rocks harbor Euryarchaeota, along with varied proportions of Thaumarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. Extreme acid loving, thermotolerant sulfur respiring Thermoplasmataceae, heterotrophic, ferrous-/H-sulfide oxidizing Ferroplasmaceae and Halobacteriaceae were more abundant and closely interrelated within BS rocks. Samples from the GR horizon represent a unique composition with higher proportions of Thaumarchaeota and uneven distribution of Euryarchaeota and Bathyarchaeota affiliated to Methanomicrobia, SAGMCG-1, FHMa11 terrestrial group, AK59 and unclassified taxa. Acetoclastic methanogenic Methanomicrobia, autotrophic SAGMCG-1 and MCG of Thaumarcheaota could be identified as the signature groups within the organic carbon lean GR horizon. Sulfur-oxidizing Sulfolobaceae was relatively more abundant in sulfate-rich amygdaloidal basalt and migmatitic gneiss samples. Methane-oxidizing ANME-3 populations were found to be ubiquitous, but their abundance varied greatly between the analyzed samples. Changes in diversity pattern among the BS and GR horizons highlighted the significance of local rock geochemistry, particularly the availability of organic carbon, Fe2O3 and other nutrients as well as physical constraints (temperature and pressure) in a niche-specific colonization of extremophilic archaeal communities. The study provided the first deep sequencing-based illustration of an intricate association between diverse extremophilic groups (acidophile-halophile-methanogenic), capable of sulfur/iron/methane metabolism and thus shed new light on their potential role in biogeochemical cycles and energy flow in deep biosphere hosted by hot, oligotrophic igneous crust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avishek Dutta
- Environmental Microbiology and Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India.,School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Pinaki Sar
- Environmental Microbiology and Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Jayeeta Sarkar
- Environmental Microbiology and Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Srimanti Dutta Gupta
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Abhishek Gupta
- Environmental Microbiology and Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Himadri Bose
- Environmental Microbiology and Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Abhijit Mukherjee
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India.,Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Sukanta Roy
- Ministry of Earth Sciences, Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory, Karad, India.,CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yang CL, Chen XK, Wang R, Lin JQ, Liu XM, Pang X, Zhang CJ, Lin JQ, Chen LX. Essential Role of σ Factor RpoF in Flagellar Biosynthesis and Flagella-Mediated Motility of Acidithiobacillus caldus. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1130. [PMID: 31178842 PMCID: PMC6543871 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acidithiobacillaceae, an important family of acidophilic and chemoautotrophic sulfur or iron oxidizers, participate in geobiochemical circulation of the elements and drive the release of heavy metals in mining associated habitats. Because of their environmental adaptability and energy metabolic systems, Acidithiobacillus spp. have become the dominant bacteria used in bioleaching for heavy metal recovery. Flagella-driven motility is associated with bacterial chemotaxis and bacterial responses to environmental stimuli. However, little is known about how the flagellum of Acidithiobacillus spp. is regulated and how the flagellum affects the growth of these chemoautotrophic bacteria. In this study, we analyzed the flagellar gene clusters in Acidithiobacillus strains and uncovered the close relationship between flagella and the sulfur-oxidizing systems (Sox system). The σ28 gene (rpoF) knockout and overexpression strains of Acidithiobacillus caldus were constructed. Scanning electron microscopy shows that A. caldus ΔrpoF cells lacked flagella, indicating the essential role of RpoF in regulating flagella synthesis in these chemoautotrophic bacteria. Motility analysis suggests that the deletion of rpoF resulted in the reduction of swarming capability, while this capability was enhanced in the rpoF overexpression strain. Both static cultivation and low concentration of energy substrates (elemental sulfur or tetrathionate) led to weak growth of A. caldus ΔrpoF cells. The deletion of rpoF promoted bacterial attachment to the surface of elemental sulfur in static cultivation. The absence of RpoF caused an obvious change in transcription profile, including genes in flagellar cluster and those involved in biofilm formation. These results provide an understanding on the regulation of flagellar hierarchy and the flagellar function in these sulfur or iron oxidizers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Long Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xian-Ke Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiang-Mei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cheng-Jia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jian-Qun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lin-Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zheng Y, Saitou A, Wang CM, Toyoda A, Minakuchi Y, Sekiguchi Y, Ueda K, Takano H, Sakai Y, Abe K, Yokota A, Yabe S. Genome Features and Secondary Metabolites Biosynthetic Potential of the Class Ktedonobacteria. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:893. [PMID: 31080444 PMCID: PMC6497799 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of antibiotic resistance and the decrease in novel antibiotic discovery in recent years necessitates the identification of potentially novel microbial resources to produce natural products. Ktedonobacteria, a class of deeply branched bacterial lineage in the ancient phylum Chloroflexi, are ubiquitous in terrestrial environments and characterized by their large genome size and complex life cycle. These characteristics indicate Ktedonobacteria as a potential active producer of bioactive compounds. In this study, we observed the existence of a putative "megaplasmid," multiple copies of ribosomal RNA operons, and high ratio of hypothetical proteins with unknown functions in the class Ktedonobacteria. Furthermore, a total of 104 antiSMASH-predicted putative biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for secondary metabolites with high novelty and diversity were identified in nine Ktedonobacteria genomes. Our investigation of domain composition and organization of the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase and polyketide synthase BGCs further supports the concept that class Ktedonobacteria may produce compounds structurally different from known natural products. Furthermore, screening of bioactive compounds from representative Ktedonobacteria strains resulted in the identification of broad antimicrobial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative tested bacterial strains. Based on these findings, we propose the ancient, ubiquitous, and spore-forming Ktedonobacteria as a versatile and promising microbial resource for natural product discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ayana Saitou
- Faculty of Agriculture, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Chiung-Mei Wang
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Yohei Minakuchi
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Yuji Sekiguchi
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kenji Ueda
- Life Science Research Center, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Hideaki Takano
- Life Science Research Center, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Yasuteru Sakai
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keietsu Abe
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akira Yokota
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shuhei Yabe
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Hazaka Plant Research Center, Kennan Eisei Kogyo Co., Ltd., Miyagi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|