1
|
Grechishnikova EG, Shemyakina AO, Novikov AD, Lavrov KV, Yanenko AS. Rhodococcus: sequences of genetic parts, analysis of their functionality, and development prospects as a molecular biology platform. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2023; 43:835-850. [PMID: 35786136 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2022.2091976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus bacteria are a fast-growing platform for biocatalysis, biodegradation, and biosynthesis, but not a platform for molecular biology. That is, Rhodococcus are not convenient for genetic engineering. One major issue for the engineering of Rhodococcus is the absence of a publicly available, curated, and commented collection of sequences of genetic parts that are functional in biotechnologically relevant species of Rhodococcus (R. erythropolis, R. rhodochrous, R. ruber, and R. jostii). Here, we present a collection of genetic parts for Rhodococcus (vector replicons, promoter regions, regulators, markers, and reporters) supported by a thorough analysis of their functionality. We also highlight and discuss the gaps in Rhodococcus-related genetic parts and techniques, which should be filled in order to make these bacteria a full-fledged molecular biology platform independent of Escherichia coli. We conclude that all major types of required genetic parts for Rhodococcus are available now, except multicopy replicons. As for model Rhodococcus strains, there is a particular shortage of strains with high electrocompetence levels and strains designed for solving specific genetic engineering tasks. We suggest that these obstacles are surmountable in the near future due to an intensification of research work in the field of genetic techniques for non-conventional bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena G Grechishnikova
- NRC "Kurchatov Institute" - GOSNIIGENETIKA, Kurchatov Genomic Center, Moscow, Russia
- NRC "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna O Shemyakina
- NRC "Kurchatov Institute" - GOSNIIGENETIKA, Kurchatov Genomic Center, Moscow, Russia
- NRC "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey D Novikov
- NRC "Kurchatov Institute" - GOSNIIGENETIKA, Kurchatov Genomic Center, Moscow, Russia
- NRC "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin V Lavrov
- NRC "Kurchatov Institute" - GOSNIIGENETIKA, Kurchatov Genomic Center, Moscow, Russia
- NRC "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S Yanenko
- NRC "Kurchatov Institute" - GOSNIIGENETIKA, Kurchatov Genomic Center, Moscow, Russia
- NRC "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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
|
3
|
Mallick I, Santucci P, Poncin I, Point V, Kremer L, Cavalier JF, Canaan S. Intrabacterial lipid inclusions in mycobacteria: unexpected key players in survival and pathogenesis? FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:6283747. [PMID: 34036305 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab029] [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] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterial species, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rely on lipids to survive and chronically persist within their hosts. Upon infection, opportunistic and strict pathogenic mycobacteria exploit metabolic pathways to import and process host-derived free fatty acids, subsequently stored as triacylglycerols under the form of intrabacterial lipid inclusions (ILI). Under nutrient-limiting conditions, ILI constitute a critical source of energy that fuels the carbon requirements and maintain redox homeostasis, promoting bacterial survival for extensive periods of time. In addition to their basic metabolic functions, these organelles display multiple other biological properties, emphasizing their central role in the mycobacterial lifecycle. However, despite of their importance, the dynamics of ILI metabolism and their contribution to mycobacterial adaptation/survival in the context of infection has not been thoroughly documented. Herein, we provide an overview of the historical ILI discoveries, their characterization, and current knowledge regarding the micro-environmental stimuli conveying ILI formation, storage and degradation. We also review new biological systems to monitor the dynamics of ILI metabolism in extra- and intracellular mycobacteria and describe major molecular actors in triacylglycerol biosynthesis, maintenance and breakdown. Finally, emerging concepts regarding to the role of ILI in mycobacterial survival, persistence, reactivation, antibiotic susceptibility and inter-individual transmission are also discuss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Mallick
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, LISM, IMM FR3479, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Univ., Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Santucci
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, LISM, IMM FR3479, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Poncin
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, LISM, IMM FR3479, Marseille, France
| | - Vanessa Point
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, LISM, IMM FR3479, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Kremer
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), CNRS, UMR 9004, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,IRIM, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Stéphane Canaan
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, LISM, IMM FR3479, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pátek M, Grulich M, Nešvera J. Stress response in Rhodococcus strains. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 53:107698. [PMID: 33515672 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococci are bacteria which can survive under various extreme conditions, in the presence of toxic compounds, and in other hostile habitats. Their tolerance of unfavorable conditions is associated with the structure of their cell wall and their large array of enzymes, which degrade or detoxify harmful compounds. Their physiological and biotechnological properties, together with tools for their genetic manipulation, enable us to apply them in biotransformations, biodegradation and bioremediation. Many such biotechnological applications cause stresses that positively or negatively affect their efficiency. Whereas numerous reviews on rhodococci described their enzyme activities, the optimization of degradation or production processes, and corresponding technological solutions, only a few reviews discussed some specific effects of stresses on the physiology of rhodococci and biotechnological processes. This review aims to comprehensively describe individual stress responses in Rhodococcus strains, the interconnection of different types of stresses and their consequences for cell physiology. We examine here the responses to (1) environmental stresses (desiccation, heat, cold, osmotic and pH stress), (2) the presence of stress-inducing compounds (metals, organic compounds and antibiotics) in the environment (3) starvation and (4) stresses encountered during biotechnological applications. Adaptations of the cell envelope, the formation of multicellular structures and stresses induced by the interactions of hosts with pathogenic rhodococci are also included. The roles of sigma factors of RNA polymerase in the global regulation of stress responses in rhodococci are described as well. Although the review covers a large number of stressful conditions, our intention was to provide an overview of the selected stress responses and their possible connection to biotechnological processes, not an exhaustive survey of the scientific literature. The findings on stress responses summarized in this review and the demonstration of gaps in current knowledge may motivate researchers working to fill these gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Pátek
- Institute of Microbiology of the CAS, v. v. i., Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Michal Grulich
- Institute of Microbiology of the CAS, v. v. i., Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Nešvera
- Institute of Microbiology of the CAS, v. v. i., Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cereijo AE, Kuhn ML, Hernández MA, Ballicora MA, Iglesias AA, Alvarez HM, Asencion Diez MD. Study of duplicated galU genes in Rhodococcus jostii and a putative new metabolic node for glucosamine-1P in rhodococci. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1865:129727. [PMID: 32890704 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGOUND Studying enzymes that determine glucose-1P fate in carbohydrate metabolism is important to better understand microorganisms as biotechnological tools. One example ripe for discovery is the UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase enzyme from Rhodococcus spp. In the R. jostii genome, this gene is duplicated, whereas R. fascians contains only one copy. METHODS We report the molecular cloning of galU genes from R. jostii and R. fascians to produce recombinant proteins RjoGalU1, RjoGalU2, and RfaGalU. Substrate saturation curves were conducted, kinetic parameters were obtained and the catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) was used to analyze enzyme promiscuity. We also investigated the response of R. jostii GlmU pyrophosphorylase activity with different sugar-1Ps, which may compete for substrates with RjoGalU2. RESULTS All enzymes were active as pyrophosphorylases and exhibited substrate promiscuity toward sugar-1Ps. Remarkably, RjoGalU2 exhibited one order of magnitude higher activity with glucosamine-1P than glucose-1P, the canonical substrate. Glucosamine-1P activity was also significant in RfaGalU. The efficient use of the phospho-amino-sugar suggests the feasibility of the reaction to occur in vivo. Also, RjoGalU2 and RfaGalU represent enzymatic tools for the production of (amino)glucosyl precursors for the putative synthesis of novel molecules. CONCLUSIONS Results support the hypothesis that partitioning of glucosamine-1P includes an uncharacterized metabolic node in Rhodococcus spp., which could be important for producing diverse alternatives for carbohydrate metabolism in biotechnological applications. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Results presented here provide a model to study evolutionary enzyme promiscuity, which could be used as a tool to expand an organism's metabolic repertoire by incorporating non-canonical substrates into novel metabolic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A E Cereijo
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, CCT-Santa Fe, Colectora Ruta Nac 168 km 0, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M L Kuhn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - M A Hernández
- Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia (INBIOP), Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco y CONICET, Km 4-Ciudad Universitaria 9000, Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina
| | - M A Ballicora
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Loyola University Chicago, 1068 W. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660, United States
| | - A A Iglesias
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, CCT-Santa Fe, Colectora Ruta Nac 168 km 0, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - H M Alvarez
- Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia (INBIOP), Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco y CONICET, Km 4-Ciudad Universitaria 9000, Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina.
| | - M D Asencion Diez
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, CCT-Santa Fe, Colectora Ruta Nac 168 km 0, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Some species belonging to the Rhodococcus genus, such as Rhodococcus opacus, R. jostii, and R. wratislaviensis, are known to be oleaginous microorganisms, since they are able to accumulate triacylglycerols (TAG) at more than 20% of their weight (dry weight). Oleaginous rhodococci are promising microbial cell factories for the production of lipids to be used as fuels and chemicals. Cells could be engineered to create strains capable of producing high quantities of oils from industrial wastes and a variety of high-value lipids. The comprehensive understanding of carbon metabolism and its regulation will contribute to the design of a reliable process for bacterial oil production. Bacterial oleagenicity requires an integral configuration of metabolism and regulatory processes rather than the sole existence of an efficient lipid biosynthesis pathway. In recent years, several studies have been focused on basic aspects of TAG biosynthesis and accumulation using R. opacus PD630 and R. jostii RHA1 strains as models of oleaginous bacteria. The combination of results obtained in these studies allows us to propose a metabolic landscape for oleaginous rhodococci. In this context, this article provides a comprehensive and integrative view of different metabolic and regulatory attributes and innovations that explain the extraordinary ability of these bacteria to synthesize and accumulate TAG. We hope that the accessibility to such information in an integrated way will help researchers to rationally select new targets for further studies in the field.
Collapse
|
7
|
DeLorenzo DM, Moon TS. Construction of Genetic Logic Gates Based on the T7 RNA Polymerase Expression System in Rhodococcus opacus PD630. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:1921-1930. [PMID: 31362487 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Rhodococcus opacus PD630 (R. opacus) is a nonmodel, Gram-positive bacterium that holds promise as a biological catalyst for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to value-added products. In particular, it demonstrates both a high tolerance for and an ability to consume inhibitory lignin-derived aromatics, generates large quantities of lipids, exhibits a relatively rapid growth rate, and has a growing genetic toolbox for engineering. However, the availability of genetic parts for tunable, high-activity gene expression is still limited in R. opacus. Furthermore, genetic logic circuits for sophisticated gene regulation have never been demonstrated in Rhodococcus spp. To address these shortcomings, two inducible T7 RNA polymerase-based expression systems were implemented for the first time in R. opacus and applied to the construction of AND and NAND genetic logic gates. Additionally, three isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible promoters were created by inserting LacI binding sites into newly characterized constitutive promoters. Furthermore, four novel aromatic sensors for 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, sodium benzoate, and guaiacol were developed, expanding the gene expression toolbox. Finally, the T7 RNA polymerase platform was combined with a synthetic IPTG-inducible promoter to create an IMPLY logic gate. Overall, this work represents the first demonstration of a heterologous RNA polymerase system and synthetic genetic logic in R. opacus, enabling complex and tunable gene regulation in this promising nonmodel host for bioproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Drew M. DeLorenzo
- 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
|
Hernández MA, Alvarez HM. Increasing lipid production using an NADP +-dependent malic enzyme from Rhodococcus jostii. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2018; 165:4-14. [PMID: 30372408 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of NADP+-dependent malic enzymes (NADP+-MEs) in several Rhodococcus strains was analysed. The NADP+-ME number in Rhodococcus genomes seemed to be a strain-dependent property. Total NADP+-ME activity increased by 1.8- and 2.6-fold in the oleaginous Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 and Rhodococcus opacus PD630 strains during cultivation under nitrogen-limiting conditions. Total NADP+-ME activity inhibition by sesamol resulted in a significant decrease of the cellular biomass and lipid production in oleaginous rhodococci. A non-redundant ME coded by the RHA1_RS44255 gene located in a megaplasmid (pRHL3) of R. jostii RHA1 was characterized and its heterologous expression in Escherichia coli resulted in a twofold increase in ME activity in an NADP+-dependent manner. The overexpression of RHA1_RS44255 in RHA1 and PD630 strains grown on glucose promoted an increase in total NADP+-ME activity and an up to 1.9-foldincrease in total fatty acid production without sacrificing cellular biomass. On the other hand, its expression in Rhodococcus fascians F7 grown on glycerol resulted in a 1.3-1.4-foldincrease in total fatty acid content. The results of this study confirmed the contribution of NADP+-MEs to TAG accumulation in oleaginous rhodococci and the utility of these enzymes as an alternative approach to increase bacterial oil production from different carbon sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martín A Hernández
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Ruta Provincial no. 1, Km 4-Ciudad Universitaria, 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Héctor M Alvarez
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Ruta Provincial no. 1, Km 4-Ciudad Universitaria, 9000 Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hernández MA, Gleixner G, Sachse D, Alvarez HM. Carbon Allocation in Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 in Response to Disruption and Overexpression of nlpR Regulatory Gene, Based on 13C-labeling Analysis. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1992. [PMID: 29075252 PMCID: PMC5641563 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen lipid regulator (NlpR) is a pleiotropic regulator that positively controls genes associated with both nitrogen and lipid metabolism in the oleaginous bacterium Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. In this study, we investigated the effect of nlpR disruption and overexpression on the assimilation of 13C-labeled glucose as carbon source, during cultivation of cells under nitrogen-limiting and nitrogen-rich conditions, respectively. Label incorporation into the total lipid extract (TLE) fraction was about 30% lower in the mutant strain in comparison with the wild type strain under low-nitrogen conditions. Moreover, a higher 13C abundance (∼60%) into the extracellular polymeric substance fraction was observed in the mutant strain. nlpR disruption also promoted a decrease in the label incorporation into several TLE-derivative fractions including neutral lipids (NL), glycolipids (GL), phospholipids (PL), triacylglycerols (TAG), diacylglycerols (DAG), and free fatty acids (FFA), with the DAG being the most affected. In contrast, the nlpR overexpression in RHA1 cells under nitrogen-rich conditions produced an increase of the label incorporation into the TLE and its derivative NL and PL fractions, the last one being the highest 13C enriched. In addition, a higher 13C enrichment occurred in the TAG, DAG, and FFA fractions after nlpR induction, with the FFA fraction being the most affected within the TLE. Isotopic-labeling experiments demonstrated that NlpR regulator is contributing in oleaginous phenotype of R. jostii RHA1 to the allocation of carbon into the different lipid fractions in response to nitrogen levels, increasing the rate of carbon flux into lipid metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martín A Hernández
- Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
| | - Gerd Gleixner
- Department of Biogeochemical Processes, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Sachse
- Section 5.1: Geomorphology, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany.,Institute of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Héctor M Alvarez
- Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|