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Bei Q, Reitz T, Schädler M, Hodgskiss LH, Peng J, Schnabel B, Buscot F, Eisenhauer N, Schleper C, Heintz-Buschart A. Metabolic potential of Nitrososphaera-associated clades. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae086. [PMID: 38742714 PMCID: PMC11131427 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Soil ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) play a crucial role in converting ammonia to nitrite, thereby mobilizing reactive nitrogen species into their soluble form, with a significant impact on nitrogen losses from terrestrial soils. Yet, our knowledge regarding their diversity and functions remains limited. In this study, we reconstructed 97 high-quality AOA metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 180 soil samples collected in Central Germany during 2014-2019 summers. These MAGs were affiliated with the order Nitrososphaerales and clustered into four family-level clades (NS-α/γ/δ/ε). Among these MAGs, 75 belonged to the most abundant but least understood δ-clade. Within the δ-clade, the amoA genes in three MAGs from neutral soils showed a 99.5% similarity to the fosmid clone 54d9, which has served as representative of the δ-clade for the past two decades since even today no cultivated representatives are available. Seventy-two MAGs constituted a distinct δ sub-clade, and their abundance and expression activity were more than twice that of other MAGs in slightly acidic soils. Unlike the less abundant clades (α, γ, and ε), the δ-MAGs possessed multiple highly expressed intracellular and extracellular carbohydrate-active enzymes responsible for carbohydrate binding (CBM32) and degradation (GH5), along with highly expressed genes involved in ammonia oxidation. Together, these results suggest metabolic versatility of uncultured soil AOA and a potential mixotrophic or chemolithoheterotrophic lifestyle among 54d9-like AOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qicheng Bei
- Department of Soil Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Thomas Reitz
- Department of Soil Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Schädler
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Community Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Logan H Hodgskiss
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Unit, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jingjing Peng
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Beatrix Schnabel
- Department of Soil Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - François Buscot
- Department of Soil Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nico Eisenhauer
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christa Schleper
- Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Unit, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Heintz-Buschart
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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2
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Burkhardt C, Baruth L, Neele Meyer-Heydecke, Klippel B, Margaryan A, Paloyan A, Panosyan HH, Antranikian G. Mining thermophiles for biotechnologically relevant enzymes: evaluating the potential of European and Caucasian hot springs. Extremophiles 2023; 28:5. [PMID: 37991546 PMCID: PMC10665251 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-023-01321-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The development of sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial processes is becoming very crucial and demanding for the rapid implementation of innovative bio-based technologies. Natural extreme environments harbor the potential for discovering and utilizing highly specific and efficient biocatalysts that are adapted to harsh conditions. This review focuses on extremophilic microorganisms and their enzymes (extremozymes) from various hot springs, shallow marine vents, and other geothermal habitats in Europe and the Caucasus region. These hot environments have been partially investigated and analyzed for microbial diversity and enzymology. Hotspots like Iceland, Italy, and the Azores harbor unique microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. The latest results demonstrate a great potential for the discovery of new microbial species and unique enzymes that can be explored for the development of Circular Bioeconomy.Different screening approaches have been used to discover enzymes that are active at extremes of temperature (up 120 °C), pH (0.1 to 11), high salt concentration (up to 30%) as well as activity in the presence of solvents (up to 99%). The majority of published enzymes were revealed from bacterial or archaeal isolates by traditional activity-based screening techniques. However, the latest developments in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and genomics have revolutionized life science technologies. Post-genomic era has contributed to the discovery of millions of sequences coding for a huge number of biocatalysts. Both strategies, activity- and sequence-based screening approaches, are complementary and contribute to the discovery of unique enzymes that have not been extensively utilized so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Burkhardt
- Institute of Technical Biocatalysis, Center for Biobased Solutions, Hamburg University of Technology, Am Schwarzenberg-Campus 4, 21073, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leon Baruth
- Institute of Technical Biocatalysis, Center for Biobased Solutions, Hamburg University of Technology, Am Schwarzenberg-Campus 4, 21073, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Neele Meyer-Heydecke
- Institute of Technical Biocatalysis, Center for Biobased Solutions, Hamburg University of Technology, Am Schwarzenberg-Campus 4, 21073, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Klippel
- Institute of Technical Biocatalysis, Center for Biobased Solutions, Hamburg University of Technology, Am Schwarzenberg-Campus 4, 21073, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Armine Margaryan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, 0025, Yerevan, Armenia
- Research Institute of Biology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, 0025, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Ani Paloyan
- Scientific and Production Center, "Armbiotechnology" NAS RA, 14 Gyurjyan Str. 0056, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Hovik H Panosyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, 0025, Yerevan, Armenia
- Research Institute of Biology, Yerevan State University, Alex Manoogian 1, 0025, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Garabed Antranikian
- Institute of Technical Biocatalysis, Center for Biobased Solutions, Hamburg University of Technology, Am Schwarzenberg-Campus 4, 21073, Hamburg, Germany.
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3
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Kirchner L, Müller V, Averhoff B. A temperature dependent pilin promoter for production of thermostable enzymes in Thermus thermophilus. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:187. [PMID: 37726752 PMCID: PMC10507856 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02192-1] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enzymes from thermophiles are of great interest for research and bioengineering due to their stability and efficiency. Thermophilic expression hosts such as Thermus thermophilus [T. thermophilus] can overcome specific challenges experienced with protein production in mesophilic expression hosts, such as leading to better folding, increased protein stability, solubility, and enzymatic activity. However, available inducible promoters for efficient protein production in T. thermophilus HB27 are limited. RESULTS In this study, we characterized the pilA4 promoter region and evaluated its potential as a tool for production of thermostable enzymes in T. thermophilus HB27. Reporter gene analysis using a promoterless β-glucosidase gene revealed that the pilA4 promoter is highly active under optimal growth conditions at 68 °C and downregulated during growth at 80 °C. Furthermore, growth in minimal medium led to significantly increased promoter activity in comparison to growth in complex medium. Finally, we proved the suitability of the pilA4 promoter for heterologous production of thermostable enzymes in T. thermophilus by producing a fully active soluble mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase from Thermoanaerobacter kivui [T. kivui], which is used in degradation of brown algae that are rich in mannitol. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the pilA4 promoter is an efficient tool for gene expression in T. thermophilus with a high potential for use in biotechnology and synthetic biology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Kirchner
- Molecular Microbiology & Bioenergetics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Max-von-Laue- Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Volker Müller
- Molecular Microbiology & Bioenergetics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Max-von-Laue- Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Beate Averhoff
- Molecular Microbiology & Bioenergetics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Max-von-Laue- Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany.
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4
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Lewis AM, Recalde A, Bräsen C, Counts JA, Nussbaum P, Bost J, Schocke L, Shen L, Willard DJ, Quax TEF, Peeters E, Siebers B, Albers SV, Kelly RM. The biology of thermoacidophilic archaea from the order Sulfolobales. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa063. [PMID: 33476388 PMCID: PMC8557808 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermoacidophilic archaea belonging to the order Sulfolobales thrive in extreme biotopes, such as sulfuric hot springs and ore deposits. These microorganisms have been model systems for understanding life in extreme environments, as well as for probing the evolution of both molecular genetic processes and central metabolic pathways. Thermoacidophiles, such as the Sulfolobales, use typical microbial responses to persist in hot acid (e.g. motility, stress response, biofilm formation), albeit with some unusual twists. They also exhibit unique physiological features, including iron and sulfur chemolithoautotrophy, that differentiate them from much of the microbial world. Although first discovered >50 years ago, it was not until recently that genome sequence data and facile genetic tools have been developed for species in the Sulfolobales. These advances have not only opened up ways to further probe novel features of these microbes but also paved the way for their potential biotechnological applications. Discussed here are the nuances of the thermoacidophilic lifestyle of the Sulfolobales, including their evolutionary placement, cell biology, survival strategies, genetic tools, metabolic processes and physiological attributes together with how these characteristics make thermoacidophiles ideal platforms for specialized industrial processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Lewis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Alejandra Recalde
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Bräsen
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - James A Counts
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Phillip Nussbaum
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Bost
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Schocke
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel J Willard
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Tessa E F Quax
- Archaeal Virus–Host Interactions, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eveline Peeters
- Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bettina Siebers
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Institute for Biology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert M Kelly
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University. Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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5
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CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems in Sulfolobales: genetic studies and molecular mechanisms. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 64:678-696. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1745-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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6
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Satomura T, Emoto S, Kurosawa N, Ohshima T, Sakuraba H, Suye SI. Characterization of dye-linked d-amino acid dehydrogenase from Sulfurisphaera tokodaii expressed using an archaeal recombinant protein expression system. J Biosci Bioeng 2020; 130:247-252. [PMID: 32451245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A gene encoding a dye-linked d-amino acid dehydrogenase (Dye-DADH) homologue was found in a hyperthermophilic archaeon, Sulfurisphaera tokodaii. The predicted amino acid sequence suggested that the gene product is a membrane-bound type enzyme. The gene was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, but the recombinant protein was exclusively produced as an inclusion body. In order to avoid production of the inclusion body, an expression system using the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius instead of E. coli as the host cell was constructed. The gene was successfully expressed in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, and its product was purified to homogeneity and characterized. The purified enzyme catalyzed the dehydrogenation of various d-amino acids, with d-phenylalanine being the most preferred substrate. The enzyme retained its full activity after incubation at 90 °C for 30 min and after incubation at pH 4.0-11.0 for 30 min at 50 °C. This is the first report on membrane-bound Dye-DADH from thermophilic archaea that was successfully expressed in an archaeal host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takenori Satomura
- Division of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Fukui, 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Japan; Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Japan.
| | - Shin Emoto
- Department of Applied Chemistry Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
| | - Norio Kurosawa
- Department of Science and Engineering for Sustainable Innovation, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8577, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Ohshima
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology, Ohmiya, 5-16-1 Asahi-ku, Osaka 535-8585, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Sakuraba
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, 2393 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Suye
- Division of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Fukui, 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Japan; Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, 3-9-1 Bunkyo, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
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7
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van der Kolk N, Wagner A, Wagner M, Waßmer B, Siebers B, Albers SV. Identification of XylR, the Activator of Arabinose/Xylose Inducible Regulon in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and Its Application for Homologous Protein Expression. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1066. [PMID: 32528450 PMCID: PMC7264815 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01066] [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: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The thermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius can use different carbon sources for growth, including the pentoses D-xylose and L-arabinose. In this study, we identified the activator XylR (saci_2116) responsible for the transcriptional regulation of the pentose transporter and pentose metabolizing genes in S. acidocaldarius. A xylR deletion mutant showed growth retardation on D-xylose/L-arabinose containing media and the lack of transcription of the respective ABC transporter. In contrast to so far used promoters for expression in S. acidocaldarius, the xylR responsive promoters have a very low background activity. Finally, two XylR dependent promoters next to the long-established maltose inducible promotor were used to construct a high-throughput expression vector system for S. acidocaldarius to efficiently clone and express proteins in S. acidocaldarius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke van der Kolk
- Institute of Biology II, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Wagner
- Institute of Biology II, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michaela Wagner
- Institute of Biology II, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Biotechnologie, Hochschule Niederrhein, Krefeld, Germany
| | - Bianca Waßmer
- Institute of Biology II, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bettina Siebers
- Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Institute of Biology II, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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8
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Engineering Biology to Construct Microbial Chassis for the Production of Difficult-to-Express Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030990. [PMID: 32024292 PMCID: PMC7037952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of the recombinant proteins manufactured today rely on microbe-based expression systems owing to their relatively simple and cost-effective production schemes. However, several issues in microbial protein expression, including formation of insoluble aggregates, low protein yield, and cell death are still highly recursive and tricky to optimize. These obstacles are usually rooted in the metabolic capacity of the expression host, limitation of cellular translational machineries, or genetic instability. To this end, several microbial strains having precisely designed genomes have been suggested as a way around the recurrent problems in recombinant protein expression. Already, a growing number of prokaryotic chassis strains have been genome-streamlined to attain superior cellular fitness, recombinant protein yield, and stability of the exogenous expression pathways. In this review, we outline challenges associated with heterologous protein expression, some examples of microbial chassis engineered for the production of recombinant proteins, and emerging tools to optimize the expression of heterologous proteins. In particular, we discuss the synthetic biology approaches to design and build and test genome-reduced microbial chassis that carry desirable characteristics for heterologous protein expression.
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9
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Stachler AE, Schwarz TS, Schreiber S, Marchfelder A. CRISPRi as an efficient tool for gene repression in archaea. Methods 2020; 172:76-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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10
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Purification and characterization of a novel thermophilic β-galactosidase from Picrophilus torridus of potential industrial application. Extremophiles 2019; 23:783-792. [DOI: 10.1007/s00792-019-01133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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11
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Zeldes BM, Loder AJ, Counts JA, Haque M, Widney KA, Keller LM, Albers S, Kelly RM. Determinants of sulphur chemolithoautotrophy in the extremely thermoacidophilicSulfolobales. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:3696-3710. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M. Zeldes
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695‐7905 USA
| | - Andrew J. Loder
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695‐7905 USA
| | - James A. Counts
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695‐7905 USA
| | - Mashkurul Haque
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695‐7905 USA
| | - Karl A. Widney
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695‐7905 USA
| | - Lisa M. Keller
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695‐7905 USA
| | - Sonja‐Verena Albers
- Institute of Biology II – MicrobiologyUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Robert M. Kelly
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695‐7905 USA
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12
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Straub CT, Counts JA, Nguyen DMN, Wu CH, Zeldes BM, Crosby JR, Conway JM, Otten JK, Lipscomb GL, Schut GJ, Adams MWW, Kelly RM. Biotechnology of extremely thermophilic archaea. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018; 42:543-578. [PMID: 29945179 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuy012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the extremely thermophilic archaea (Topt ≥ 70°C) may be the most primitive extant forms of life, they have been studied to a limited extent relative to mesophilic microorganisms. Many of these organisms have unique biochemical and physiological characteristics with important biotechnological implications. These include methanogens that generate methane, fermentative anaerobes that produce hydrogen gas with high efficiency, and acidophiles that can mobilize base, precious and strategic metals from mineral ores. Extremely thermophilic archaea have also been a valuable source of thermoactive, thermostable biocatalysts, but their use as cellular systems has been limited because of the general lack of facile genetics tools. This situation has changed recently, however, thereby providing an important avenue for understanding their metabolic and physiological details and also opening up opportunities for metabolic engineering efforts. Along these lines, extremely thermophilic archaea have recently been engineered to produce a variety of alcohols and industrial chemicals, in some cases incorporating CO2 into the final product. There are barriers and challenges to these organisms reaching their full potential as industrial microorganisms but, if these can be overcome, a new dimension for biotechnology will be forthcoming that strategically exploits biology at high temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Straub
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
| | - James A Counts
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
| | - Diep M N Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chang-Hao Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Benjamin M Zeldes
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
| | - James R Crosby
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
| | - Jonathan M Conway
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
| | - Jonathan K Otten
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
| | - Gina L Lipscomb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Gerrit J Schut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Michael W W Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Robert M Kelly
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
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13
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Ring nucleases deactivate type III CRISPR ribonucleases by degrading cyclic oligoadenylate. Nature 2018; 562:277-280. [PMID: 30232454 PMCID: PMC6219705 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0557-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR system provides adaptive immunity against mobile genetic elements in prokaryotes, utilising small CRISPR RNAs which direct effector complexes to degrade invading nucleic acids1–3. Type III effector complexes were recently demonstrated to synthesise a novel second messenger, cyclic oligoadenylate (cOA), on binding target RNA4,5. cOA in turn binds to and activates ribonucleases and other factors via a CARF (CRISPR associated Rossman Fold) domain, inducing an antiviral state in the cell that is important for immunity. The mechanism of the “off-switch” that resets the system is not understood. Here, we report the identification of the nuclease that degrades these cOA ring molecules. The “Ring nuclease” is itself a CARF family protein with a metal independent mechanism, which cleaves cA4 rings to generate linear di-adenylate species and switches off the antiviral state. The identification of Ring nucleases adds an important insight to the CRISPR system.
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14
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Bassani F, Romagnoli A, Cacciamani T, Amici A, Benelli D, Londei P, Märtens B, Bläsi U, La Teana A. Modification of translation factor aIF5A from Sulfolobus solfataricus. Extremophiles 2018; 22:769-780. [PMID: 30047030 PMCID: PMC6105217 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-018-1037-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic eIF5A and its bacterial orthologue EF-P are translation elongation factors whose task is to rescue ribosomes from stalling during the synthesis of proteins bearing particular sequences such as polyproline stretches. Both proteins are characterized by unique post-translational modifications, hypusination and lysinylation, respectively, which are essential for their function. An orthologue is present in all Archaea but its function is poorly understood. Here, we show that aIF5A of the crenarchaeum Sulfolobus solfataricus is hypusinated and forms a stable complex with deoxyhypusine synthase, the first enzyme of the hypusination pathway. The recombinant enzyme is able to modify its substrate in vitro resulting in deoxyhypusinated aIF5A. Moreover, with the aim to identify the enzyme involved in the second modification step, i.e. hypusination, a set of proteins interacting with aIF5A was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bassani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Romagnoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - T Cacciamani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Amici
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Ranieri 67, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - D Benelli
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Haematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - P Londei
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Haematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - B Märtens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - U Bläsi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - A La Teana
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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15
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Rigoldi F, Donini S, Redaelli A, Parisini E, Gautieri A. Review: Engineering of thermostable enzymes for industrial applications. APL Bioeng 2018; 2:011501. [PMID: 31069285 PMCID: PMC6481699 DOI: 10.1063/1.4997367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The catalytic properties of some selected enzymes have long been exploited to carry out efficient and cost-effective bioconversions in a multitude of research and industrial sectors, such as food, health, cosmetics, agriculture, chemistry, energy, and others. Nonetheless, for several applications, naturally occurring enzymes are not considered to be viable options owing to their limited stability in the required working conditions. Over the years, the quest for novel enzymes with actual potential for biotechnological applications has involved various complementary approaches such as mining enzyme variants from organisms living in extreme conditions (extremophiles), mimicking evolution in the laboratory to develop more stable enzyme variants, and more recently, using rational, computer-assisted enzyme engineering strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the most relevant enzymes that are used for industrial applications and we discuss the strategies that are adopted to enhance enzyme stability and/or activity, along with some of the most relevant achievements. In all living species, many different enzymes catalyze fundamental chemical reactions with high substrate specificity and rate enhancements. Besides specificity, enzymes also possess many other favorable properties, such as, for instance, cost-effectiveness, good stability under mild pH and temperature conditions, generally low toxicity levels, and ease of termination of activity. As efficient natural biocatalysts, enzymes provide great opportunities to carry out important chemical reactions in several research and industrial settings, ranging from food to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, and other crucial economic sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rigoldi
- Biomolecular Engineering Lab, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Donini
- Center for Nano Science and Technology at Polimi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via G. Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Redaelli
- Biomolecular Engineering Lab, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Emilio Parisini
- Center for Nano Science and Technology at Polimi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via G. Pascoli 70/3, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alfonso Gautieri
- Biomolecular Engineering Lab, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
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16
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Global effect of the lack of inorganic polyphosphate in the extremophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus: A proteomic approach. J Proteomics 2018; 191:143-152. [PMID: 29501848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) are present in all living cells and several important functions have been described for them. They are involved in the response to stress conditions, such as nutrient depletion, oxidative stress and toxic metals amongst others. A recombinant strain of Sulfolobus solfataricus unable to accumulate polyP was designed by the overexpression of its endogenous ppx gene. The overall impact of the lack of polyP on this S. solfataricus polyP (-) strain was analyzed by using quantitative proteomics (isotope-coded protein label, ICPL). Stress-related proteins, such as peroxiredoxins and heat shock proteins, proteins involved in metabolism and several others were produced at higher levels in the ppx expression strain. The polyP deficient strain showed an increased copper sensitivity and an earlier transcriptional up-regulation of copA gene coding for the P-type copper-exporting ATPase. This implies a complementary function of both copper resistance systems. These results strongly suggests that the lack of polyP makes this hyperthermophilic archaeon more sensitive to toxic conditions, such as an exposure to metals or other harmful stimuli, emphasizing the importance of this inorganic phosphate polymers in the adaptations to live in the environmental conditions in which thermoacidophilic archaea thrive. SIGNIFICANCE: Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) are ubiquitous molecules with many functions in living organisms. Few studies related to these polymers have been made in archaea. The construction of a polyP deficient recombinant strain of Sulfolobus solfataricus allowed the study of the global changes in the proteome of this thermoacidophilic archaeon in the absence of polyP compared with the wild type strain. The results obtained using quantitative proteomics suggest an important participation of polyP in the oxidative stress response of the cells and as having a possible metabolic role in the cell, as previously described in bacteria. The polyP deficient strain also showed an increased copper sensitivity and an earlier transcriptional up-regulation of copA, implying a complementary role of both copper resistance systems.
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17
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Gumulya Y, Boxall NJ, Khaleque HN, Santala V, Carlson RP, Kaksonen AH. In a quest for engineering acidophiles for biomining applications: challenges and opportunities. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E116. [PMID: 29466321 PMCID: PMC5852612 DOI: 10.3390/genes9020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomining with acidophilic microorganisms has been used at commercial scale for the extraction of metals from various sulfide ores. With metal demand and energy prices on the rise and the concurrent decline in quality and availability of mineral resources, there is an increasing interest in applying biomining technology, in particular for leaching metals from low grade minerals and wastes. However, bioprocessing is often hampered by the presence of inhibitory compounds that originate from complex ores. Synthetic biology could provide tools to improve the tolerance of biomining microbes to various stress factors that are present in biomining environments, which would ultimately increase bioleaching efficiency. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art tools to genetically modify acidophilic biomining microorganisms and the limitations of these tools. The first part of this review discusses resilience pathways that can be engineered in acidophiles to enhance their robustness and tolerance in harsh environments that prevail in bioleaching. The second part of the paper reviews the efforts that have been carried out towards engineering robust microorganisms and developing metabolic modelling tools. Novel synthetic biology tools have the potential to transform the biomining industry and facilitate the extraction of value from ores and wastes that cannot be processed with existing biomining microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosephine Gumulya
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Floreat WA 6014, Australia.
| | - Naomi J Boxall
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Floreat WA 6014, Australia.
| | - Himel N Khaleque
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Floreat WA 6014, Australia.
| | - Ville Santala
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology (TUT), Tampere, 33101, Finland.
| | - Ross P Carlson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University (MSU), Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Anna H Kaksonen
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Floreat WA 6014, Australia.
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
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18
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Sulfolobus acidocaldarius Transports Pentoses via a Carbohydrate Uptake Transporter 2 (CUT2)-Type ABC Transporter and Metabolizes Them through the Aldolase-Independent Weimberg Pathway. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.01273-17. [PMID: 29150511 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01273-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfolobus spp. possess a great metabolic versatility and grow heterotrophically on various carbon sources, such as different sugars and peptides. Known sugar transporters in Archaea predominantly belong to ABC transport systems. Although several ABC transporters for sugar uptake have been characterized in the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus, only one homologue of these transporters, the maltose/maltooligomer transporter, could be identified in the closely related Sulfolobus acidocaldarius Comparison of the transcriptome of S. acidocaldarius MW001 grown on peptides alone and peptides in the presence of d-xylose allowed for the identification of the ABC transporter for d-xylose and l-arabinose transport and the gaining of deeper insights into pentose catabolism under the respective growth conditions. The d-xylose/l-arabinose substrate binding protein (SBP) (Saci_2122) of the ABC transporter is unique in Archaea and shares more similarity to bacterial SBPs of the carbohydrate uptake transporter-2 (CUT2) family than to any characterized archaeal one. The identified pentose transporter is the first CUT2 family ABC transporter analyzed in the domain of Archaea Single-gene deletion mutants of the ABC transporter subunits exemplified the importance of the transport system for d-xylose and l-arabinose uptake. Next to the transporter operon, enzymes of the aldolase-independent pentose catabolism branch were found to be upregulated in N-Z-Amine and d-xylose medium. The α-ketoglutarate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (KGSADH; Saci_1938) seemed not to be essential for growth on pentoses. However, the deletion mutant of the 2-keto-3-deoxyarabinoate/xylonate dehydratase (KDXD [also known as KDAD]; Saci_1939) was no longer able to catabolize d-xylose or l-arabinose, suggesting the absence of the aldolase-dependent branch in S. acidocaldarius IMPORTANCE Thermoacidophilic microorganisms are emerging model organisms for biotechnological applications, as their optimal growth conditions resemble conditions used in certain biotechnologies such as industrial plant waste degradation. Because of its high genome stability, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius is especially suited as a platform organism for such applications. For use in (ligno)cellulose degradation, it was important to understand pentose uptake and metabolism in S. acidocaldarius This study revealed that only the aldolase-independent Weimberg pathway is required for growth of S. acidocaldarius MW001 on d-xylose and l-arabinose. Moreover, S. acidocaldarius employs a CUT2 ABC transporter for pentose uptake, which is more similar to bacterial than to archaeal ABC transporters. The identification of pentose-inducible promoters will expedite the metabolic engineering of S. acidocaldarius for its development into a platform organism for (ligno)cellulose degradation.
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19
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Quehenberger J, Shen L, Albers SV, Siebers B, Spadiut O. Sulfolobus - A Potential Key Organism in Future Biotechnology. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2474. [PMID: 29312184 PMCID: PMC5733018 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extremophilic organisms represent a potentially valuable resource for the development of novel bioprocesses. They can act as a source for stable enzymes and unique biomaterials. Extremophiles are capable of carrying out microbial processes and biotransformations under extremely hostile conditions. Extreme thermoacidophilic members of the well-characterized genus Sulfolobus are outstanding in their ability to thrive at both high temperatures and low pH. This review gives an overview of the biological system Sulfolobus including its central carbon metabolism and the development of tools for its genetic manipulation. We highlight findings of commercial relevance and focus on potential industrial applications. Finally, the current state of bioreactor cultivations is summarized and we discuss the use of Sulfolobus species in biorefinery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Quehenberger
- Research Division Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Engineering, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry – Biofilm Centre, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology II-Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Bettina Siebers
- Department of Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry – Biofilm Centre, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Spadiut
- Research Division Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Engineering, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
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20
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Märtens B, Sharma K, Urlaub H, Bläsi U. The SmAP2 RNA binding motif in the 3'UTR affects mRNA stability in the crenarchaeum Sulfolobus solfataricus. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:8957-8967. [PMID: 28911098 PMCID: PMC5587771 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sm and Sm-like proteins represent an evolutionarily conserved family with key roles in RNA metabolism in Pro- and Eukaryotes. In this study, a collection of 53 mRNAs that co-purified with Sulfolobus solfataricus (Sso) SmAP2 were surveyed for a specific RNA binding motif (RBM). SmAP2 was shown to bind with high affinity to the deduced consensus RNA binding motif (SmAP2-cRBM) in vitro. Residues in SmAP2 interacting with the SmAP2-cRBM were mapped by UV-induced crosslinking in combination with mass-spectrometry, and verified by mutational analyses. The RNA-binding site on SmAP2 includes a modified uracil binding pocket containing a unique threonine (T40) located on the L3 face and a second residue, K25, located in the pore. To study the function of the SmAP2-RBM in vivo, three authentic RBMs were inserted in the 3′UTR of a lacS reporter gene. The presence of the SmAP2-RBM in the reporter-constructs resulted in decreased LacS activity and reduced steady state levels of lacS mRNA. Moreover, the presence of the SmAP2-cRBM in and the replacement of the lacS 3′UTR with that of Sso2194 encompassing a SmAP2-RBM apparently impacted on the stability of the chimeric transcripts. These results are discussed in light of the function(s) of eukaryotic Lsm proteins in RNA turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Märtens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kundan Sharma
- Bioanalytics Group, Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.,Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytics Group, Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.,Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Udo Bläsi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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21
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Märtens B, Hou L, Amman F, Wolfinger MT, Evguenieva-Hackenberg E, Bläsi U. The SmAP1/2 proteins of the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus interact with the exosome and stimulate A-rich tailing of transcripts. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:7938-7949. [PMID: 28520934 PMCID: PMC5570065 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The conserved Sm and Sm-like proteins are involved in different aspects of RNA metabolism. Here, we explored the interactome of SmAP1 and SmAP2 of the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus (Sso) to shed light on their physiological function(s). Both, SmAP1 and SmAP2 co-purified with several proteins involved in RNA-processing/modification, translation and protein turnover as well as with components of the exosome involved in 3΄ to 5΄ degradation of RNA. In follow-up studies a direct interaction with the poly(A) binding and accessory exosomal subunit DnaG was demonstrated. Moreover, elevated levels of both SmAPs resulted in increased abundance of the soluble exosome fraction, suggesting that they affect the subcellular localization of the exosome in the cell. The increased solubility of the exosome was accompanied by augmented levels of RNAs with A-rich tails that were further characterized using RNASeq. Hence, the observation that the Sso SmAPs impact on the activity of the exosome revealed a hitherto unrecognized function of SmAPs in archaea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Märtens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Linlin Hou
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Fabian Amman
- Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 17/3, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael T Wolfinger
- Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 17/3, 1090 Vienna, Austria.,Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstraße 13, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Elena Evguenieva-Hackenberg
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Udo Bläsi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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22
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Genetic technologies for extremely thermophilic microorganisms of Sulfolobus, the only genetically tractable genus of crenarchaea. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 60:370-385. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-0355-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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23
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Repression of RNA polymerase by the archaeo-viral regulator ORF145/RIP. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13595. [PMID: 27882920 PMCID: PMC5123050 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about how archaeal viruses perturb the transcription machinery of their hosts. Here we provide the first example of an archaeo-viral transcription factor that directly targets the host RNA polymerase (RNAP) and efficiently represses its activity. ORF145 from the temperate Acidianus two-tailed virus (ATV) forms a high-affinity complex with RNAP by binding inside the DNA-binding channel where it locks the flexible RNAP clamp in one position. This counteracts the formation of transcription pre-initiation complexes in vitro and represses abortive and productive transcription initiation, as well as elongation. Both host and viral promoters are subjected to ORF145 repression. Thus, ORF145 has the properties of a global transcription repressor and its overexpression is toxic for Sulfolobus. On the basis of its properties, we have re-named ORF145 RNAP Inhibitory Protein (RIP).
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24
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Efficient CRISPR-Mediated Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing in a Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Using Multiplexed crRNA Expression. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2016; 6:3161-3168. [PMID: 27507792 PMCID: PMC5068938 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.032482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)-mediated RNA degradation is catalyzed by a type III system in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Earlier work demonstrated that the system can be engineered to target specifically mRNA of an endogenous host reporter gene, namely the β-galactosidase in S. solfataricus. Here, we investigated the effect of single and multiple spacers targeting the mRNA of a second reporter gene, α-amylase, at the same, and at different, locations respectively, using a minimal CRISPR (miniCR) locus supplied on a viral shuttle vector. The use of increasing numbers of spacers reduced mRNA levels at progressively higher levels, with three crRNAs (CRISPR RNAs) leading to ∼ 70–80% reduction, and five spacers resulting in an α-amylase gene knockdown of > 90% measured on both mRNA and protein activity levels. Our results indicate that this technology can be used to increase or modulate gene knockdown for efficient post-transcriptional gene silencing in hyperthermophilic archaea, and potentially also in other organisms.
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25
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Zhang J, Graham S, Tello A, Liu H, White MF. Multiple nucleic acid cleavage modes in divergent type III CRISPR systems. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:1789-99. [PMID: 26801642 PMCID: PMC4770243 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas is an RNA-guided adaptive immune system that protects bacteria and archaea from invading nucleic acids. Type III systems (Cmr, Csm) have been shown to cleave RNA targets in vitro and some are capable of transcription-dependent DNA targeting. The crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus has two divergent subtypes of the type III system (Sso-IIID and a Cmr7-containing variant of Sso-IIIB). Here, we report that both the Sso-IIID and Sso-IIIB complexes cleave cognate RNA targets with a ruler mechanism and 6 or 12 nt spacing that relates to the organization of the Cas7 backbone. This backbone-mediated cleavage activity thus appears universal for the type III systems. The Sso-IIIB complex is also known to possess a distinct 'UA' cleavage mode. The predominant activity observed in vitro depends on the relative molar concentration of protein and target RNA. The Sso-IIID complex can cleave plasmid DNA targets in vitro, generating linear DNA products with an activity that is dependent on both the cyclase and HD nuclease domains of the Cas10 subunit, suggesting a role for both nuclease active sites in the degradation of double-stranded DNA targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Shirley Graham
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Agnes Tello
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Huanting Liu
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Malcolm F White
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
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Metagenomics: Retrospect and Prospects in High Throughput Age. BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:121735. [PMID: 26664751 PMCID: PMC4664791 DOI: 10.1155/2015/121735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, metagenomics has emerged as a powerful tool for mining of hidden microbial treasure in a culture independent manner. In the last two decades, metagenomics has been applied extensively to exploit concealed potential of microbial communities from almost all sorts of habitats. A brief historic progress made over the period is discussed in terms of origin of metagenomics to its current state and also the discovery of novel biological functions of commercial importance from metagenomes of diverse habitats. The present review also highlights the paradigm shift of metagenomics from basic study of community composition to insight into the microbial community dynamics for harnessing the full potential of uncultured microbes with more emphasis on the implication of breakthrough developments, namely, Next Generation Sequencing, advanced bioinformatics tools, and systems biology.
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27
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Zeldes BM, Keller MW, Loder AJ, Straub CT, Adams MWW, Kelly RM. Extremely thermophilic microorganisms as metabolic engineering platforms for production of fuels and industrial chemicals. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1209. [PMID: 26594201 PMCID: PMC4633485 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymes from extremely thermophilic microorganisms have been of technological interest for some time because of their ability to catalyze reactions of industrial significance at elevated temperatures. Thermophilic enzymes are now routinely produced in recombinant mesophilic hosts for use as discrete biocatalysts. Genome and metagenome sequence data for extreme thermophiles provide useful information for putative biocatalysts for a wide range of biotransformations, albeit involving at most a few enzymatic steps. However, in the past several years, unprecedented progress has been made in establishing molecular genetics tools for extreme thermophiles to the point that the use of these microorganisms as metabolic engineering platforms has become possible. While in its early days, complex metabolic pathways have been altered or engineered into recombinant extreme thermophiles, such that the production of fuels and chemicals at elevated temperatures has become possible. Not only does this expand the thermal range for industrial biotechnology, it also potentially provides biodiverse options for specific biotransformations unique to these microorganisms. The list of extreme thermophiles growing optimally between 70 and 100°C with genetic toolkits currently available includes archaea and bacteria, aerobes and anaerobes, coming from genera such as Caldicellulosiruptor, Sulfolobus, Thermotoga, Thermococcus, and Pyrococcus. These organisms exhibit unusual and potentially useful native metabolic capabilities, including cellulose degradation, metal solubilization, and RuBisCO-free carbon fixation. Those looking to design a thermal bioprocess now have a host of potential candidates to choose from, each with its own advantages and challenges that will influence its appropriateness for specific applications. Here, the issues and opportunities for extremely thermophilic metabolic engineering platforms are considered with an eye toward potential technological advantages for high temperature industrial biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Zeldes
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Matthew W Keller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andrew J Loder
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Christopher T Straub
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Michael W W Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA
| | - Robert M Kelly
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC, USA
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Mechanisms of Evolutionary Innovation Point to Genetic Control Logic as the Key Difference Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. J Mol Evol 2015. [PMID: 26208881 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-015-9688-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of life from the simplest, original form to complex, intelligent animal life occurred through a number of key innovations. Here we present a new tool to analyze these key innovations by proposing that the process of evolutionary innovation may follow one of three underlying processes, namely a Random Walk, a Critical Path, or a Many Paths process, and in some instances may also constitute a "Pull-up the Ladder" event. Our analysis is based on the occurrence of function in modern biology, rather than specific structure or mechanism. A function in modern biology may be classified in this way either on the basis of its evolution or the basis of its modern mechanism. Characterizing key innovations in this way helps identify the likelihood that an innovation could arise. In this paper, we describe the classification, and methods to classify functional features of modern organisms into these three classes based on the analysis of how a function is implemented in modern biology. We present the application of our categorization to the evolution of eukaryotic gene control. We use this approach to support the argument that there are few, and possibly no basic chemical differences between the functional constituents of the machinery of gene control between eukaryotes, bacteria and archaea. This suggests that the difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes that allows the former to develop the complex genetic architecture seen in animals and plants is something other than their chemistry. We tentatively identify the difference as a difference in control logic, that prokaryotic genes are by default 'on' and eukaryotic genes are by default 'off.' The Many Paths evolutionary process suggests that, from a 'default off' starting point, the evolution of the genetic complexity of higher eukaryotes is a high probability event.
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Blombach F, Salvadori E, Fouqueau T, Yan J, Reimann J, Sheppard C, Smollett KL, Albers SV, Kay CWM, Thalassinos K, Werner F. Archaeal TFEα/β is a hybrid of TFIIE and the RNA polymerase III subcomplex hRPC62/39. eLife 2015; 4:e08378. [PMID: 26067235 PMCID: PMC4495717 DOI: 10.7554/elife.08378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription initiation of archaeal RNA polymerase (RNAP) and eukaryotic RNAPII is assisted by conserved basal transcription factors. The eukaryotic transcription factor TFIIE consists of α and β subunits. Here we have identified and characterised the function of the TFIIEβ homologue in archaea that on the primary sequence level is related to the RNAPIII subunit hRPC39. Both archaeal TFEβ and hRPC39 harbour a cubane 4Fe-4S cluster, which is crucial for heterodimerization of TFEα/β and its engagement with the RNAP clamp. TFEα/β stabilises the preinitiation complex, enhances DNA melting, and stimulates abortive and productive transcription. These activities are strictly dependent on the β subunit and the promoter sequence. Our results suggest that archaeal TFEα/β is likely to represent the evolutionary ancestor of TFIIE-like factors in extant eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Blombach
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Salvadori
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Fouqueau
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jun Yan
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Reimann
- Molecular Biology of Archaea Group, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Carol Sheppard
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine L Smollett
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sonja V Albers
- Molecular Biology of Archaea Group, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christopher W M Kay
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos Thalassinos
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Finn Werner
- Institute for Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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30
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Elleuche S, Schäfers C, Blank S, Schröder C, Antranikian G. Exploration of extremophiles for high temperature biotechnological processes. Curr Opin Microbiol 2015; 25:113-9. [PMID: 26066287 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Industrial processes often take place under harsh conditions that are hostile to microorganisms and their biocatalysts. Microorganisms surviving at temperatures above 60°C represent a chest of biotechnological treasures for high-temperature bioprocesses by producing a large portfolio of biocatalysts (thermozymes). Due to the unique requirements to cultivate thermophilic (60-80°C) and hyperthermophilic (80-110°C) Bacteria and Archaea, less than 5% are cultivable in the laboratory. Therefore, other approaches including sequence-based screenings and metagenomics have been successful in providing novel thermozymes. In particular, polysaccharide-degrading enzymes (amylolytic enzymes, hemicellulases, cellulases, pectinases and chitinases), lipolytic enzymes and proteases from thermophiles have attracted interest due to their potential for versatile applications in pharmaceutical, chemical, food, textile, paper, leather and feed industries as well as in biorefineries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skander Elleuche
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Schäfers
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Saskia Blank
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carola Schröder
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Garabed Antranikian
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany.
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31
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The Heptameric SmAP1 and SmAP2 Proteins of the Crenarchaeon Sulfolobus Solfataricus Bind to Common and Distinct RNA Targets. Life (Basel) 2015; 5:1264-81. [PMID: 25905548 PMCID: PMC4500138 DOI: 10.3390/life5021264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Sm and Sm-like proteins represent an evolutionarily conserved family with key roles in RNA metabolism. Sm-based regulation is diverse and can range in scope from eukaryotic mRNA splicing to bacterial quorum sensing, with at least one step in these processes being mediated by an RNA-associated molecular assembly built on Sm proteins. Despite the availability of several 3D-structures of Sm-like archaeal proteins (SmAPs), their function has remained elusive. The aim of this study was to shed light on the function of SmAP1 and SmAP2 of the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus (Sso). Using co-purification followed by RNASeq different classes of non-coding RNAs and mRNAs were identified that co-purified either with both paralogues or solely with Sso-SmAP1 or Sso-SmAP2. The large number of associated intron-containing tRNAs and tRNA/rRNA modifying RNAs may suggest a role of the two Sso-SmAPs in tRNA/rRNA processing. Moreover, the 3D structure of Sso-SmAP2 was elucidated. Like Sso-SmAP1, Sso-SmAP2 forms homoheptamers. The binding of both proteins to distinct RNA substrates is discussed in terms of surface conservation, structural differences in the RNA binding sites and differences in the electrostatic surface potential of the two Sso-SmAP proteins. Taken together, this study may hint to common and different functions of both Sso-SmAPs in Sso RNA metabolism.
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32
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A standardized protocol for the UV induction of Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus 1. Extremophiles 2014; 19:539-46. [PMID: 25479832 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-014-0717-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The Fuselloviridae prototype member Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus 1 is a model of UV-inducible viruses infecting Crenarchaeota. Previous works on SSV1 UV induction were bases on empirically determined parameters that have not yet been standardized. Thus, in many peer reviewed literature, it is not clear how the fluence and irradiance have been determined. Here, we describe a protocol for the UV induction of SSV1 replication, which is based on the combination of the following instrumentally monitored parameters: (1) the fluence; (2) the irradiance; (3) the exposure time, and (4) the exposure distance. With the aim of finding a good balance between the viral replication induction and the host cells viability, UV-irradiated cultures were monitored for their ability to recover in the aftermath of the UV exposure. This UV irradiation procedure has been set up using the well-characterized Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 strain as model system to study host-virus interaction.
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33
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Sharma S, Vakhlu J. Metagenomics as advanced screening methods for novel microbial metabolites. Microb Biotechnol 2014. [DOI: 10.1201/b17587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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34
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Elleuche S, Schröder C, Sahm K, Antranikian G. Extremozymes--biocatalysts with unique properties from extremophilic microorganisms. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2014; 29:116-23. [PMID: 24780224 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Extremozymes are enzymes derived from extremophilic microorganisms that are able to withstand harsh conditions in industrial processes that were long thought to be destructive to proteins. Heat-stable and solvent-tolerant biocatalysts are valuable tools for processes in which for example hardly decomposable polymers need to be liquefied and degraded, while cold-active enzymes are of relevance for food and detergent industries. Extremophilic microorganisms are a rich source of naturally tailored enzymes, which are more superior over their mesophilic counterparts for applications at extreme conditions. Especially lignocellulolytic, amylolytic, and other biomass processing extremozymes with unique properties are widely distributed in thermophilic prokaryotes and are of high potential for versatile industrial processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skander Elleuche
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carola Schröder
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Sahm
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Garabed Antranikian
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Kasernenstr. 12, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany.
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35
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General Characteristics and Important Model Organisms. ARCHAEA-AN INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2014. [DOI: 10.1128/9781555815516.ch2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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37
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Zebec Z, Manica A, Zhang J, White MF, Schleper C. CRISPR-mediated targeted mRNA degradation in the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:5280-8. [PMID: 24603867 PMCID: PMC4005642 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently discovered clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-mediated virus defense represents an adaptive immune system in many bacteria and archaea. Small CRISPR RNAs cause cleavage of complementary invading nucleic acids in conjunction with an associated protein or a protein complex. Here, we show CRISPR-mediated cleavage of mRNA from an invading virus in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. More than 40% of the targeted mRNA could be cleaved, as demonstrated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cleavage of the mRNA was visualized by northern analyses and cleavage sites were mapped. In vitro, the same substrates were cleaved by the purified CRISPR-associated CMR complex from Sulfolobus solfataricus. The in vivo system was also re-programmed to knock down mRNA of a selected chromosomal gene (β-galactosidase) using an artificial miniCRISPR locus. With a single complementary spacer, ∼50% reduction of the targeted mRNA and of corresponding intracellular protein activity was achieved. Our results demonstrate in vivo cleavage of mRNA in a prokaryote mediated by small RNAs (i.e. analogous to RNA interference in eukaryotes) and the re-programming of the system to silence specific genes of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziga Zebec
- Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Althanstr. 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria and Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology St Andrews University, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
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38
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Molecular biology of fuselloviruses and their satellites. Extremophiles 2014; 18:473-89. [DOI: 10.1007/s00792-014-0634-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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39
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Märtens B, Manoharadas S, Hasenöhrl D, Zeichen L, Bläsi U. Back to translation: removal of aIF2 from the 5'-end of mRNAs by translation recovery factor in the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:2505-11. [PMID: 24271401 PMCID: PMC3936769 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt1169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The translation initiation factor aIF2 of the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus (Sso) recruits initiator tRNA to the ribosome and stabilizes mRNAs by binding via the γ-subunit to their 5'-triphosphate end. It has been hypothesized that the latter occurs predominantly during unfavorable growth conditions, and that aIF2 or aIF2-γ is released on relief of nutrient stress to enable in particular anew translation of leaderless mRNAs. As leaderless mRNAs are prevalent in Sso and aIF2-γ bound to the 5'-end of a leaderless RNA inhibited ribosome binding in vitro, we aimed at elucidating the mechanism underlying aIF2/aIF2-γ recycling from mRNAs. We have identified a protein termed Trf (translation recovery factor) that co-purified with trimeric aIF2 during outgrowth of cells from prolonged stationary phase. Subsequent in vitro studies revealed that Trf triggers the release of trimeric aIF2 from RNA, and that Trf directly interacts with the aIF2-γ subunit. The importance of Trf is further underscored by an impaired protein synthesis during outgrowth from stationary phase in a Sso trf deletion mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Märtens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Salim Manoharadas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - David Hasenöhrl
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Zeichen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Udo Bläsi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohrgasse 9, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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40
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Rouillon C, Zhou M, Zhang J, Politis A, Beilsten-Edmands V, Cannone G, Graham S, Robinson CV, Spagnolo L, White MF. Structure of the CRISPR interference complex CSM reveals key similarities with cascade. Mol Cell 2013; 52:124-34. [PMID: 24119402 PMCID: PMC3807668 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2013.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) system is an adaptive immune system in prokaryotes. Interference complexes encoded by CRISPR-associated (cas) genes utilize small RNAs for homology-directed detection and subsequent degradation of invading genetic elements, and they have been classified into three main types (I-III). Type III complexes share the Cas10 subunit but are subclassifed as type IIIA (CSM) and type IIIB (CMR), depending on their specificity for DNA or RNA targets, respectively. The role of CSM in limiting the spread of conjugative plasmids in Staphylococcus epidermidis was first described in 2008. Here, we report a detailed investigation of the composition and structure of the CSM complex from the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus, using a combination of electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and deep sequencing. This reveals a three-dimensional model for the CSM complex that includes a helical component strikingly reminiscent of the backbone structure of the type I (Cascade) family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Rouillon
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
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41
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel A. Farkas
- Department of Microbiology and Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Jonathan W. Picking
- Department of Microbiology and Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Thomas J. Santangelo
- Department of Microbiology and Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523;
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42
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Kort JC, Esser D, Pham TK, Noirel J, Wright PC, Siebers B. A cool tool for hot and sour Archaea: Proteomics of Sulfolobus solfataricus. Proteomics 2013; 13:2831-50. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201300088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Christin Kort
- Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry; Biofilm Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen; Essen Germany
| | - Dominik Esser
- Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry; Biofilm Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen; Essen Germany
| | - Trong Khoa Pham
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; ChELSI Institute, The University of Sheffield; Sheffield UK
| | - Josselin Noirel
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; ChELSI Institute, The University of Sheffield; Sheffield UK
| | - Phillip C. Wright
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; ChELSI Institute, The University of Sheffield; Sheffield UK
| | - Bettina Siebers
- Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry; Biofilm Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen; Essen Germany
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43
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Polysaccharide-degrading thermophiles generated by heterologous gene expression in Geobacillus kaustophilus HTA426. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:5151-8. [PMID: 23793634 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01506-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermophiles have important advantages over mesophiles as host organisms for high-temperature bioprocesses, functional production of thermostable enzymes, and efficient expression of enzymatic activities in vivo. To capitalize on these advantages of thermophiles, we describe here a new inducible gene expression system in the thermophile Geobacillus kaustophilus HTA426. Six promoter regions in the HTA426 genome were identified and analyzed for expression profiles using β-galactosidase reporter assay. This analysis identified a promoter region upstream of a putative amylose-metabolizing gene cluster that directed high-level expression of the reporter gene. The expression was >280-fold that without a promoter and was further enhanced 12-fold by maltose addition. In association with a multicopy plasmid, this promoter region was used to express heterologous genes. Several genes, including a gene whose product was insoluble when expressed in Escherichia coli, were successfully expressed as soluble proteins, with yields of 0.16 to 59 mg/liter, and conferred new functions to G. kaustophilus strains. Remarkably, cellulase and α-amylase genes conferred the ability to degrade cellulose paper and insoluble starch at high temperatures, respectively, generating thermophiles with the potential to degrade plant biomass. Our results demonstrate that this novel expression system expands the potential applications of G. kaustophilus.
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44
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Reindl S, Ghosh A, Williams GJ, Lassak K, Neiner T, Henche AL, Albers SV, Tainer JA. Insights into FlaI functions in archaeal motor assembly and motility from structures, conformations, and genetics. Mol Cell 2013; 49:1069-82. [PMID: 23416110 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2013.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Superfamily ATPases in type IV pili, type 2 secretion, and archaella (formerly archaeal flagella) employ similar sequences for distinct biological processes. Here, we structurally and functionally characterize prototypical superfamily ATPase FlaI in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, showing FlaI activities in archaeal swimming-organelle assembly and movement. X-ray scattering data of FlaI in solution and crystal structures with and without nucleotide reveal a hexameric crown assembly with key cross-subunit interactions. Rigid building blocks form between N-terminal domains (points) and neighboring subunit C-terminal domains (crown ring). Upon nucleotide binding, these six cross-subunit blocks move with respect to each other and distinctly from secretion and pilus ATPases. Crown interactions and conformations regulate assembly, motility, and force direction via a basic-clamp switching mechanism driving conformational changes between stable, backbone-interconnected moving blocks. Collective structural and mutational results identify in vivo functional components for assembly and motility, phosphate-triggered rearrangements by ATP hydrolysis, and molecular predictors for distinct ATPase superfamily functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Reindl
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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45
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Samson RY, Xu Y, Gadelha C, Stone TA, Faqiri JN, Li D, Qin N, Pu F, Liang YX, She Q, Bell SD. Specificity and function of archaeal DNA replication initiator proteins. Cell Rep 2013; 3:485-96. [PMID: 23375370 PMCID: PMC3607249 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomes with multiple DNA replication origins are a hallmark of Eukaryotes and some Archaea. All eukaryal nuclear replication origins are defined by the origin recognition complex (ORC) that recruits the replicative helicase MCM(2-7) via Cdc6 and Cdt1. We find that the three origins in the single chromosome of the archaeon Sulfolobus islandicus are specified by distinct initiation factors. While two origins are dependent on archaeal homologs of eukaryal Orc1 and Cdc6, the third origin is instead reliant on an archaeal Cdt1 homolog. We exploit the nonessential nature of the orc1-1 gene to investigate the role of ATP binding and hydrolysis in initiator function in vivo and in vitro. We find that the ATP-bound form of Orc1-1 is proficient for replication and implicates hydrolysis of ATP in downregulation of origin activity. Finally, we reveal that ATP and DNA binding by Orc1-1 remodels the protein’s structure rather than that of the DNA template.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Y Samson
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
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Abstract
Extremely thermophilic microorganisms have been sources of thermostable and thermoactive enzymes for over 30 years. However, information and insights gained from genome sequences, in conjunction with new tools for molecular genetics, have opened up exciting new possibilities for biotechnological opportunities based on extreme thermophiles that go beyond single-step biotransformations. Although the pace for discovering novel microorganisms has slowed over the past two decades, genome sequence data have provided clues to novel biomolecules and metabolic pathways, which can be mined for a range of new applications. Furthermore, recent advances in molecular genetics for extreme thermophiles have made metabolic engineering for high temperature applications a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Frock
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905
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Atomi H, Imanaka T, Fukui T. Overview of the genetic tools in the Archaea. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:337. [PMID: 23060865 PMCID: PMC3462420 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This section provides an overview of the genetic systems developed in the Archaea. Genetic manipulation is possible in many members of the halophiles, methanogens, Sulfolobus, and Thermococcales. We describe the selection/counterselection principles utilized in each of these groups, which consist of antibiotics and their resistance markers, and auxotrophic host strains and complementary markers. The latter strategy utilizes techniques similar to those developed in yeast. However, Archaea are resistant to many of the antibiotics routinely used for selection in the Bacteria, and a number of strategies specific to the Archaea have been developed. In addition, examples utilizing the genetic systems developed for each group will be briefly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruyuki Atomi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku Kyoto, Japan ; JST, CREST, Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, Japan
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48
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Wagner M, van Wolferen M, Wagner A, Lassak K, Meyer BH, Reimann J, Albers SV. Versatile Genetic Tool Box for the Crenarchaeote Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:214. [PMID: 22707949 PMCID: PMC3374326 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
For reverse genetic approaches inactivation or selective modification of genes are required to elucidate their putative function. Sulfolobus acidocaldarius is a thermoacidophilic Crenarchaeon which grows optimally at 76°C and pH 3. As many antibiotics do not withstand these conditions the development of a genetic system in this organism is dependent on auxotrophies. Therefore we constructed a pyrE deletion mutant of S. acidocaldarius wild type strain DSM639 missing 322 bp called MW001. Using this strain as the starting point, we describe here different methods using single as well as double crossover events to obtain markerless deletion mutants, tag genes genomically and ectopically integrate foreign DNA into MW001. These methods enable us to construct single, double, and triple deletions strains that can still be complemented with the pRN1 based expression vector. Taken together we have developed a versatile and robust genetic tool box for the crenarchaeote S. acidocaldarius that will promote the study of unknown gene functions in this organism and makes it a suitable host for synthetic biology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Wagner
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology Marburg, Germany
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Iverson E, Stedman K. A genetic study of SSV1, the prototypical fusellovirus. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:200. [PMID: 22679442 PMCID: PMC3367457 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses of thermophilic Archaea are unique in both their structures and genomic sequences. The most widespread and arguably best studied are the lemon-shaped fuselloviruses. The spindle-shaped virus morphology is unique to Archaea but widespread therein. The best studied fusellovirus is SSV1 from Beppu, Japan, which infects Sulfolobus solfataricus. Very little is known about the function of the genes in the SSV1 genome. Recently we have developed genetic tools to analyze these genes. In this study, we have deleted three SSV1 open reading frames (ORFs) ranging from completely conserved to poorly conserved: VP2, d244, and b129. Deletion of the universally conserved ORF b129, which encodes a predicted transcriptional regulator, results in loss of infectivity. Deletion of the poorly conserved predicted DNA-binding protein gene VP2 yields viable virus that is indistinguishable from wild-type. Deletion of the well-conserved ORF d244 that encodes a predicted nuclease yields viable virus. However, infection of S. solfataricus with virus lacking ORF d244 dramatically retards host growth, compared to the wild-type virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Iverson
- Biology Department, Center for Life in Extreme Environments, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
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A synthetic arabinose-inducible promoter confers high levels of recombinant protein expression in hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus islandicus. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:5630-7. [PMID: 22660711 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00855-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major progresses in genetic studies of hyperthermophilic archaea, recombinant protein production in these organisms always suffers from low yields and a robust expression system is still in great demand. Here we report a versatile vector that confers high levels of protein expression in Sulfolobus islandicus, a hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon. Two expression vectors, pSeSD and pEXA, harboring 11 unique restriction sites were constructed. They contain coding sequences of two hexahistidine (6×His) peptide tags and those coding for two protease sites, the latter of which make it possible to remove the peptide tags from expressed recombinant proteins. While pEXA employed an araS promoter for protein expression, pSeSD utilized P(araS-SD), an araS derivative promoter carrying an engineered ribosome-binding site (RBS; a Shine-Dalgarno [SD] sequence). We found that P(araS-SD) directed high levels of target gene expression. More strikingly, N-terminal amino acid sequencing of recombinant proteins unraveled that the protein synthesized from pEXA-N-lacS lacked the designed 6×His tag and that translation initiation did not start at the ATG codon of the fusion gene. Instead, it started at multiple sites downstream of the 6×His codons. Intriguingly, inserting an RBS site upstream of the ATG codon regained the expression of the 6×His tag, as shown with pSeSD-N-lacS. These results have yielded novel insight into the archaeal translation mechanism. The crenarchaeon Sulfolobus can utilize N-terminal coding sequences of proteins to specify translation initiation in the absence of an RBS site.
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