1
|
Cereijo AE, Ferretti MV, Iglesias AA, Álvarez HM, Asencion Diez MD. Study of two glycosyltransferases related to polysaccharide biosynthesis in Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. Biol Chem 2024; 405:325-340. [PMID: 38487862 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The bacterial genus Rhodococcus comprises organisms performing oleaginous behaviors under certain growth conditions and ratios of carbon and nitrogen availability. Rhodococci are outstanding producers of biofuel precursors, where lipid and glycogen metabolisms are closely related. Thus, a better understanding of rhodococcal carbon partitioning requires identifying catalytic steps redirecting sugar moieties to storage molecules. Here, we analyzed two GT4 glycosyl-transferases from Rhodococcus jostii (RjoGlgAb and RjoGlgAc) annotated as α-glucan-α-1,4-glucosyl transferases, putatively involved in glycogen synthesis. Both enzymes were produced in Escherichia coli cells, purified to homogeneity, and kinetically characterized. RjoGlgAb and RjoGlgAc presented the "canonical" glycogen synthase activity and were actives as maltose-1P synthases, although to a different extent. Then, RjoGlgAc is a homologous enzyme to the mycobacterial GlgM, with similar kinetic behavior and glucosyl-donor preference. RjoGlgAc was two orders of magnitude more efficient to glucosylate glucose-1P than glycogen, also using glucosamine-1P as a catalytically efficient aglycon. Instead, RjoGlgAb exhibited both activities with similar kinetic efficiency and preference for short-branched α-1,4-glucans. Curiously, RjoGlgAb presented a super-oligomeric conformation (higher than 15 subunits), representing a novel enzyme with a unique structure-to-function relationship. Kinetic results presented herein constitute a hint to infer on polysaccharides biosynthesis in rhodococci from an enzymological point of view.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonela Estefania Cereijo
- Laboratorio de Enzimología Molecular, 603337 Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (UNL-CONICET) & Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas , Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Ferretti
- Laboratorio de Enzimología Molecular, 603337 Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (UNL-CONICET) & Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas , Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Alberto Alvaro Iglesias
- Laboratorio de Enzimología Molecular, 603337 Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (UNL-CONICET) & Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas , Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Héctor Manuel Álvarez
- Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia (INBIOP), 28226 Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco y CONICET , Km 4-Ciudad Universitaria 9000, Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Matías Damian Asencion Diez
- Laboratorio de Enzimología Molecular, 603337 Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (UNL-CONICET) & Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas , Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao ZM, Liu ZH, Zhang T, Meng R, Gong Z, Li Y, Hu J, Ragauskas AJ, Li BZ, Yuan YJ. Unleashing the capacity of Rhodococcus for converting lignin into lipids. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 70:108274. [PMID: 37913947 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Bioconversion of bioresources/wastes (e.g., lignin, chemical pulping byproducts) represents a promising approach for developing a bioeconomy to help address growing energy and materials demands. Rhodococcus, a promising microbial strain, utilizes numerous carbon sources to produce lipids, which are precursors for synthesizing biodiesel and aviation fuels. However, compared to chemical conversion, bioconversion involves living cells, which is a more complex system that needs further understanding and upgrading. Various wastes amenable to bioconversion are reviewed herein to highlight the potential of Rhodococci for producing lipid-derived bioproducts. In light of the abundant availability of these substrates, Rhodococcus' metabolic pathways converting them to lipids are analyzed from a "beginning-to-end" view. Based on an in-depth understanding of microbial metabolic routes, genetic modifications of Rhodococcus by employing emerging tools (e.g., multiplex genome editing, biosensors, and genome-scale metabolic models) are presented for promoting the bioconversion. Co-solvent enhanced lignocellulose fractionation (CELF) strategy facilitates the generation of a lignin-derived aromatic stream suitable for the Rhodococcus' utilization. Novel alkali sterilization (AS) and elimination of thermal sterilization (ETS) approaches can significantly enhance the bioaccessibility of lignin and its derived aromatics in aqueous fermentation media, which promotes lipid titer significantly. In order to achieve value-added utilization of lignin, biodiesel and aviation fuel synthesis from lignin and lipids are further discussed. The possible directions for unleashing the capacity of Rhodococcus through synergistically modifying microbial strains, substrates, and fermentation processes are proposed toward a sustainable biological lignin valorization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Min Zhao
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tongtong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Rongqian Meng
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Zhiqun Gong
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Yibing Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau (Ministry of Education), School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Arthur J Ragauskas
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States; Joint Institute of Biological Science, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States; Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Center for Renewable Carbon, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
| | - Bing-Zhi Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Ying-Jin Yuan
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bird LJ, Mickol RL, Eddie BJ, Thakur M, Yates MD, Glaven SM. Marinobacter: A case study in bioelectrochemical chassis evaluation. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:494-506. [PMID: 36464922 PMCID: PMC9948230 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The junction of bioelectrochemical systems and synthetic biology opens the door to many potentially groundbreaking technologies. When developing these possibilities, choosing the correct chassis organism can save a great deal of engineering effort and, indeed, can mean the difference between success and failure. Choosing the correct chassis for a specific application requires a knowledge of the metabolic potential of the candidate organisms, as well as a clear delineation of the traits, required in the application. In this review, we will explore the metabolic and electrochemical potential of a single genus, Marinobacter. We will cover its strengths, (salt tolerance, biofilm formation and electrochemical potential) and weaknesses (insufficient characterization of many strains and a less developed toolbox for genetic manipulation) in potential synthetic electromicrobiology applications. In doing so, we will provide a roadmap for choosing a chassis organism for bioelectrochemical systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina J Bird
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Rebecca L Mickol
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Brian J Eddie
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Meghna Thakur
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew D Yates
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sarah M Glaven
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Salusjärvi L, Ojala L, Peddinti G, Lienemann M, Jouhten P, Pitkänen JP, Toivari M. Production of biopolymer precursors beta-alanine and L-lactic acid from CO2 with metabolically versatile Rhodococcus opacus DSM 43205. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:989481. [PMID: 36281430 PMCID: PMC9587121 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.989481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen oxidizing autotrophic bacteria are promising hosts for conversion of CO2 into chemicals. In this work, we engineered the metabolically versatile lithoautotrophic bacterium R. opacus strain DSM 43205 for synthesis of polymer precursors. Aspartate decarboxylase (panD) or lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) were expressed for beta-alanine or L-lactic acid production, respectively. The heterotrophic cultivations on glucose produced 25 mg L−1 beta-alanine and 742 mg L−1 L-lactic acid, while autotrophic cultivations with CO2, H2, and O2 resulted in the production of 1.8 mg L−1 beta-alanine and 146 mg L−1 L-lactic acid. Beta-alanine was also produced at 345 μg L−1 from CO2 in electrobioreactors, where H2 and O2 were provided by water electrolysis. This work demonstrates that R. opacus DSM 43205 can be engineered to produce chemicals from CO2 and provides a base for its further metabolic engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Salusjärvi
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, Finland
- *Correspondence: Laura Salusjärvi,
| | - Leo Ojala
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, Finland
| | - Gopal Peddinti
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Paula Jouhten
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Mervi Toivari
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiang W, Gao H, Sun J, Yang X, Jiang Y, Zhang W, Jiang M, Xin F. Current status, challenges and prospects for lignin valorization by using Rhodococcus sp. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108004. [PMID: 35690272 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Lignin represents the most abundant renewable aromatics in nature, which has complicated and heterogeneous structure. The rapid development of biotransformation technology has brought new opportunities to achieve the complete lignin valorization. Especially, Rhodococcus sp. possesses excellent capabilities to metabolize aromatic hydrocarbons degraded from lignin. Furthermore, it can convert these toxic compounds into high value added bioproducts, such as microbial lipids, polyhydroxyalkanoate and carotenoid et al. Accordingly, this review will discuss the potentials of Rhodococcus sp. as a cell factory for lignin biotransformation, including phenol tolerance, lignin depolymerization and lignin-derived aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism. The detailed metabolic mechanism for lignin biotransformation and bioproducts spectrum of Rhodococcus sp. will be comprehensively discussed. The available molecular tools for the conversion of lignin by Rhodococcus sp. will be reviewed, and the possible direction for lignin biotransformation in the future will also be proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wankui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Haiyan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Jingxiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Xinyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Yujia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China.
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China.
| | - Fengxue Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alvarez HM, Hernández MA, Lanfranconi MP, Silva RA, Villalba MS. Rhodococcus as Biofactories for Microbial Oil Production. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164871. [PMID: 34443455 PMCID: PMC8401914 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria belonging to the Rhodococcus genus are frequent components of microbial communities in diverse natural environments. Some rhodococcal species exhibit the outstanding ability to produce significant amounts of triacylglycerols (TAG) (>20% of cellular dry weight) in the presence of an excess of the carbon source and limitation of the nitrogen source. For this reason, they can be considered as oleaginous microorganisms. As occurs as well in eukaryotic single-cell oil (SCO) producers, these bacteria possess specific physiological properties and molecular mechanisms that differentiate them from other microorganisms unable to synthesize TAG. In this review, we summarized several of the well-characterized molecular mechanisms that enable oleaginous rhodococci to produce significant amounts of SCO. Furthermore, we highlighted the ability of these microorganisms to degrade a wide range of carbon sources coupled to lipogenesis. The qualitative and quantitative oil production by rhodococci from diverse industrial wastes has also been included. Finally, we summarized the genetic and metabolic approaches applied to oleaginous rhodococci to improve SCO production. This review provides a comprehensive and integrating vision on the potential of oleaginous rhodococci to be considered as microbial biofactories for microbial oil production.
Collapse
|
7
|
DeLorenzo DM, Diao J, Carr R, Hu Y, Moon TS. An Improved CRISPR Interference Tool to Engineer Rhodococcus opacus. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:786-798. [PMID: 33787248 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus opacus is a nonmodel bacterium that is well suited for valorizing lignin. Despite recent advances in our systems-level understanding of its versatile metabolism, studies of its gene functions at a single gene level are still lagging. Elucidating gene functions in nonmodel organisms is challenging due to limited genetic engineering tools that are convenient to use. To address this issue, we developed a simple gene repression system based on CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). This gene repression system uses a T7 RNA polymerase system to express a small guide RNA, demonstrating improved repression compared to the previously demonstrated CRISPRi system (i.e., the maximum repression efficiency improved from 58% to 85%). Additionally, our cloning strategy allows for building multiple CRISPRi plasmids in parallel without any PCR step, facilitating the engineering of this GC-rich organism. Using the improved CRISPRi system, we confirmed the annotated roles of four metabolic pathway genes, which had been identified by our previous transcriptomic analysis to be related to the consumption of benzoate, vanillate, catechol, and acetate. Furthermore, we showed our tool's utility by demonstrating the inducible accumulation of muconate that is a precursor of adipic acid, an important monomer for nylon production. While the maximum muconate yield obtained using our tool was 30% of the yield obtained using gene knockout, our tool showed its inducibility and partial repressibility. Our CRISPRi tool will be useful to facilitate functional studies of this nonmodel organism and engineer this promising microbial chassis for lignin valorization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Drew M. DeLorenzo
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Jinjin Diao
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Rhiannon Carr
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Yifeng Hu
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liang Y, Yu H. Genetic toolkits for engineering Rhodococcus species with versatile applications. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 49:107748. [PMID: 33823269 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Rhodococcus spp. are a group of non-model gram-positive bacteria with diverse catabolic activities and strong adaptive capabilities, which enable their wide application in whole-cell biocatalysis, environmental bioremediation, and lignocellulosic biomass conversion. Compared with model microorganisms, the engineering of Rhodococcus is challenging because of the lack of universal molecular tools, high genome GC content (61% ~ 71%), and low transformation and recombination efficiencies. Nevertheless, because of the high interest in Rhodococcus species for bioproduction, various genetic elements and engineering tools have been recently developed for Rhodococcus spp., including R. opacus, R. jostii, R. ruber, and R. erythropolis, leading to the expansion of the genetic toolkits for Rhodococcus engineering. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the important developed genetic elements for Rhodococcus, including shuttle vectors, promoters, antibiotic markers, ribosome binding sites, and reporter genes. In addition, we also summarize gene transfer techniques and strategies to improve transformation efficiency, as well as random and precise genome editing tools available for Rhodococcus, including transposition, homologous recombination, recombineering, and CRISPR/Cas9. We conclude by discussing future trends in Rhodococcus engineering. We expect that more synthetic and systems biology tools (such as multiplex genome editing, dynamic regulation, and genome-scale metabolic models) will be adapted and optimized for Rhodococcus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youxiang Liang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis (Tsinghua University), the Ministry of Education, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Huimin Yu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis (Tsinghua University), the Ministry of Education, Beijing 100084, China; Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Biological wax esters offer a sustainable, renewable and biodegradable alternative to many fossil fuel derived chemicals including plastics and paraffins. Many species of bacteria accumulate waxes with similar structure and properties to highly desirable animal and plant waxes such as Spermaceti and Jojoba oils, the use of which is limited by resource requirements, high cost and ethical concerns. While bacterial fermentations overcome these issues, a commercially viable bacterial wax production process would require high yields and renewable, affordable feedstock to make it economically competitive and environmentally beneficial. This review describes recent progress in wax ester generation in both wild type and genetically engineered bacteria, with a focus on comparing substrates and quantifying obtained waxes. The full breadth of wax accumulating species is discussed, with emphasis on species generating high yields and utilising renewable substrates. Key areas of the field that have, thus far, received limited attention are highlighted, such as waste stream valorisation, mixed microbial cultures and efficient wax extraction, as, until effectively addressed, these will slow progress in creating commercially viable wax production methods.
Collapse
|
10
|
Cappelletti M, Presentato A, Piacenza E, Firrincieli A, Turner RJ, Zannoni D. Biotechnology of Rhodococcus for the production of valuable compounds. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:8567-8594. [PMID: 32918579 PMCID: PMC7502451 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10861-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria belonging to Rhodococcus genus represent ideal candidates for microbial biotechnology applications because of their metabolic versatility, ability to degrade a wide range of organic compounds, and resistance to various stress conditions, such as metal toxicity, desiccation, and high concentration of organic solvents. Rhodococcus spp. strains have also peculiar biosynthetic activities that contribute to their strong persistence in harsh and contaminated environments and provide them a competitive advantage over other microorganisms. This review is focused on the metabolic features of Rhodococcus genus and their potential use in biotechnology strategies for the production of compounds with environmental, industrial, and medical relevance such as biosurfactants, bioflocculants, carotenoids, triacylglycerols, polyhydroxyalkanoate, siderophores, antimicrobials, and metal-based nanostructures. These biosynthetic capacities can also be exploited to obtain high value-added products from low-cost substrates (industrial wastes and contaminants), offering the possibility to efficiently recover valuable resources and providing possible waste disposal solutions. Rhodococcus spp. strains have also recently been pointed out as a source of novel bioactive molecules highlighting the need to extend the knowledge on biosynthetic capacities of members of this genus and their potential utilization in the framework of bioeconomy. KEY POINTS: • Rhodococcus possesses promising biosynthetic and bioconversion capacities. • Rhodococcus bioconversion capacities can provide waste disposal solutions. • Rhodococcus bioproducts have environmental, industrial, and medical relevance. Graphical abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cappelletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Presentato
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Piacenza
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Firrincieli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raymond J Turner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Calgary University, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Davide Zannoni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chatterjee A, DeLorenzo DM, Carr R, Moon TS. Bioconversion of renewable feedstocks by Rhodococcus opacus. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 64:10-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
12
|
Anthony WE, Carr RR, DeLorenzo DM, Campbell TP, Shang Z, Foston M, Moon TS, Dantas G. Development of Rhodococcus opacus as a chassis for lignin valorization and bioproduction of high-value compounds. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:192. [PMID: 31404385 PMCID: PMC6683499 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1535-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The current extraction and use of fossil fuels has been linked to extensive negative health and environmental outcomes. Lignocellulosic biomass-derived biofuels and bioproducts are being actively considered as renewable alternatives to the fuels, chemicals, and materials produced from fossil fuels. A major challenge limiting large-scale, economic deployment of second-generation biorefineries is the insufficient product yield, diversity, and value that current conversion technologies can extract from lignocellulose, in particular from the underutilized lignin fraction. Rhodococcus opacus PD630 is an oleaginous gram-positive bacterium with innate catabolic pathways and tolerance mechanisms for the inhibitory aromatic compounds found in depolymerized lignin, as well as native or engineered pathways for hexose and pentose sugars found in the carbohydrate fractions of biomass. As a result, R. opacus holds potential as a biological chassis for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biodiesel precursors and other value-added products. This review begins by examining the important role that lignin utilization will play in the future of biorefineries and by providing a concise survey of the current lignin conversion technologies. The genetic machinery and capabilities of R. opacus that allow the bacterium to tolerate and metabolize aromatic compounds and depolymerized lignin are also discussed, along with a synopsis of the genetic toolbox and synthetic biology methods now available for engineering this organism. Finally, we summarize the different feedstocks that R. opacus has been demonstrated to consume, and the high-value products that it has been shown to produce. Engineered R. opacus will enable lignin valorization over the coming years, leading to cost-effective conversion of lignocellulose into fuels, chemicals, and materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Winston E. Anthony
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Rhiannon R. Carr
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Drew M. DeLorenzo
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Tayte P. Campbell
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Zeyu Shang
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Marcus Foston
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Gautam Dantas
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108 USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Herrero OM, Villalba MS, Lanfranconi MP, Alvarez HM. Rhodococcus bacteria as a promising source of oils from olive mill wastes. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 34:114. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-018-2499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
14
|
DeLorenzo DM, Rottinghaus AG, Henson WR, Moon TS. Molecular Toolkit for Gene Expression Control and Genome Modification in Rhodococcus opacus PD630. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:727-738. [PMID: 29366319 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus opacus PD630 is a non-model Gram-positive bacterium that possesses desirable traits for lignocellulosic biomass conversion. In particular, it has a relatively rapid growth rate, exhibits genetic tractability, produces high quantities of lipids, and can tolerate and consume toxic lignin-derived aromatic compounds. Despite these unique, industrially relevant characteristics, R. opacus has been underutilized because of a lack of reliable genetic parts and engineering tools. In this work, we developed a molecular toolbox for reliable gene expression control and genome modification in R. opacus. To facilitate predictable gene expression, a constitutive promoter library spanning ∼45-fold in output was constructed. To improve the characterization of available plasmids, the copy numbers of four heterologous and nine endogenous plasmids were determined using quantitative PCR. The molecular toolbox was further expanded by screening a previously unreported antibiotic resistance marker (HygR) and constructing a curable plasmid backbone for temporary gene expression (pB264). Furthermore, a system for genome modification was devised, and three neutral integration sites were identified using a novel combination of transcriptomic data, genomic architecture, and growth rate analysis. Finally, the first reported system for targeted, tunable gene repression in Rhodococcus was developed by utilizing CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). Overall, this work greatly expands the ability to manipulate and engineer R. opacus, making it a viable new chassis for bioproduction from renewable feedstocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Drew M. DeLorenzo
- Department of Energy, Environmental
and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Austin G. Rottinghaus
- Department of Energy, Environmental
and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - William R. Henson
- Department of Energy, Environmental
and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental
and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| |
Collapse
|