The respiratory system and diazotrophic activity of Acetobacter diazotrophicus PAL5

Effect of respiratory inhibitors and quinone analogues on the aerobic electron transport system of Eikenella corrodens

The effects of respiratory inhibitors, quinone analogues and artificial substrates on the membrane-bound electron transport system of the fastidious β-proteobacterium Eikenella corrodens grown under O₂-limited conditions were studied. NADH respiration in isolated membrane particles were partially inhibited by rotenone, dicoumarol, quinacrine, flavone, and capsaicin. A similar response was obtained when succinate oxidation was performed in the presence of thenoyltrifluoroacetone and N,N’-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. NADH respiration was resistant to site II inhibitors and cyanide, indicating that a percentage of the electrons transported can reach O₂ without the bc₁ complex. Succinate respiration was sensitive to myxothiazol, antimycin A and 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HQNO). Juglone, plumbagin and menadione had higher reactivity with NADH dehydrogenase. The membrane particles showed the highest oxidase activities with ascorbate-TCHQ (tetrachlorohydroquinone), TCHQ alone, and NADH-TMPD (N,N,N’,N’-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine), and minor activity levels with ascorbate-DCPIP (2,6-dichloro-phenolindophenol) and NADH-DCPIP. The substrates NADH-DCPIP, NADH-TMPD and TCHQ were electron donors to cyanide-sensitive cbb' cytochrome c oxidase. The presence of dissimilatory nitrate reductase in the aerobic respiratory system of E. corrodens ATCC 23834 was demonstrated by first time. Our results indicate that complexes I and II have resistance to their classic inhibitors, that the oxidation of NADH is stimulated by juglone, plumbagin and menadione, and that sensitivity to KCN is stimulated by the substrates TCHQ, NADH-DCPIP and NADH-TMPD.

CowN sustains nitrogenase turnover in the presence of the inhibitor carbon monoxide

Nitrogenase is the only enzyme capable of catalyzing nitrogen fixation, the reduction of dinitrogen gas (N₂) to ammonia (NH₃). Nitrogenase is tightly inhibited by the environmental gas carbon monoxide (CO). Nitrogen-fixing bacteria rely on the protein CowN to grow in the presence of CO. However, the mechanism by which CowN operates is unknown. Here, we present the biochemical characterization of CowN and examine how CowN protects nitrogenase from CO. We determine that CowN interacts directly with nitrogenase and that CowN protection observes hyperbolic kinetics with respect to CowN concentration. At a CO concentration of 0.001 atm, CowN restores nearly full nitrogenase activity. Our results further indicate that CowN's protection mechanism involves decreasing the binding affinity of CO to nitrogenase's active site approximately tenfold without interrupting substrate turnover. Taken together, our work suggests CowN is an important auxiliary protein in nitrogen fixation that engenders CO tolerance to nitrogenase.

The structure of a novel membrane-associated 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase from Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (Gd6PGD) reveals a subfamily of short-chain 6PGDs

The enzyme 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of 6-phosphogluconate to ribulose-5-phosphate. It represents an important reaction in the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, producing a ribose precursor essential for nucleotide and nucleic acid synthesis. We succeeded, for the first time, to determine the three-dimensional structure of this enzyme from an acetic acid bacterium, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (Gd6PGD). Active Gd6PGD, a homodimer (70 kDa), was present in both the soluble and the membrane fractions of the nitrogen-fixing microorganism. The Gd6PGD belongs to the newly described subfamily of short-chain (333 AA) 6PGDs, compared to the long-chain subfamily (480 AA; e.g., Ovis aries, Homo sapiens). The shorter amino acid sequence in Gd6PGD induces the exposition of hydrophobic residues in the C-terminal domain. This distinct structural feature is key for the protein to associate with the membrane. Furthermore, in terms of function, the short-chain 6PGD seems to prefer NAD⁺ over NADP⁺ , delivering NADH to the membrane-bound NADH dehydrogenase of the microorganisms required by the terminal oxidases to reduce dioxygen to water for energy conservation. ENZYME: ECnonbreakingspace1.1.1.343. DATABASE: Structural data are available in PDB database under the accession number 6VPB.

Conformationally Gated Electron Transfer in Nitrogenase. Isolation, Purification, and Characterization of Nitrogenase From Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

Nitrogenase is a complex, bacterial enzyme that catalyzes the ATP-dependent reduction of dinitrogen (N₂) to ammonia (NH₃). In its most prevalent form, it consists of two proteins, the catalytic molybdenum-iron protein (MoFeP) and its specific reductase, the iron protein (FeP). A defining feature of nitrogenase is that electron and proton transfer processes linked to substrate reduction are synchronized by conformational changes driven by ATP-dependent FeP-MoFeP interactions. Yet, despite extensive crystallographic, spectroscopic, and biochemical information on nitrogenase, the structural basis of the ATP-dependent synchronization mechanism is not understood in detail. In this chapter, we summarize some of our efforts toward obtaining such an understanding. Experimental investigations of the structure-function relationships in nitrogenase are challenged by the fact that it cannot be readily expressed heterologously in nondiazotrophic bacteria, and the purification protocols for nitrogenase are only known for a small number of diazotrophic organisms. Here, we present methods for purifying and characterizing nitrogenase from a new model organism, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus. We also describe procedures for observing redox-dependent conformational changes in G. diazotrophicus nitrogenase by X-ray crystallography and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, which have provided new insights into the redox-dependent conformational gating processes in nitrogenase.

Variable Nitrogen Fixation in Wild Populus

The microbiome of plants is diverse, and like that of animals, is important for overall health and nutrient acquisition. In legumes and actinorhizal plants, a portion of essential nitrogen (N) is obtained through symbiosis with nodule-inhabiting, N2-fixing microorganisms. However, a variety of non-nodulating plant species can also thrive in natural, low-N settings. Some of these species may rely on endophytes, microorganisms that live within plants, to fix N2 gas into usable forms. Here we report the first direct evidence of N2 fixation in the early successional wild tree, Populus trichocarpa, a non-leguminous tree, from its native riparian habitat. In order to measure N2 fixation, surface-sterilized cuttings of wild poplar were assayed using both 15N2 incorporation and the commonly used acetylene reduction assay. The 15N label was incorporated at high levels in a subset of cuttings, suggesting a high level of N-fixation. Similarly, acetylene was reduced to ethylene in some samples. The microbiota of the cuttings was highly variable, both in numbers of cultured bacteria and in genetic diversity. Our results indicated that associative N2-fixation occurred within wild poplar and that a non-uniformity in the distribution of endophytic bacteria may explain the variability in N-fixation activity. These results point to the need for molecular studies to decipher the required microbial consortia and conditions for effective endophytic N2-fixation in trees.

The oxidative fermentation of ethanol in Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is a two-step pathway catalyzed by a single enzyme: alcohol-aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ADHa)

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is a N2-fixing bacterium endophyte from sugar cane. The oxidation of ethanol to acetic acid of this organism takes place in the periplasmic space, and this reaction is catalyzed by two membrane-bound enzymes complexes: the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). We present strong evidence showing that the well-known membrane-bound Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADHa) of Ga. diazotrophicus is indeed a double function enzyme, which is able to use primary alcohols (C2-C6) and its respective aldehydes as alternate substrates. Moreover, the enzyme utilizes ethanol as a substrate in a reaction mechanism where this is subjected to a two-step oxidation process to produce acetic acid without releasing the acetaldehyde intermediary to the media. Moreover, we propose a mechanism that, under physiological conditions, might permit a massive conversion of ethanol to acetic acid, as usually occurs in the acetic acid bacteria, but without the transient accumulation of the highly toxic acetaldehyde.

Biochemical and molecular characterisation of the bacterial endophytes from native sugarcane varieties of Himalayan region

Seven endophytic bacterial isolates were finally recovered from native sugarcane varieties at hilly areas namely Berinag, Champawat and Didihat of Uttarakhand state in northern Himalayan region. New isolates and two standard cultures—Azospirillum brasilense and Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, were evaluated for their morphological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. Morphologically all were rod shaped, Gram-negative bacteria. Their plant growth promotory properties were also assessed which proved isolates RtBn and StBn as IAA producing. Except isolate StBn, all were phosphate solubilising and except RtBn all produced siderophores. Molecular characterisation of the isolates was performed using amplified 16S r-DNA restriction analysis. Similarity index in unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean programme clustered the isolates according to their geographical distribution. Native isolates showed insignificant similarity with South American strains used as standards. nifH amplification was observed with all the isolates used in the study which again establish them as potential N-fixers.

Bacterial and Yeast Endophytes from Poplar and Willow Promote Growth in Crop Plants and Grasses

Endophytic associations with plants have a beneficial effect for many different plant species with some of them being host specific. Several endophytes isolated from poplar and willow were screened for their effects on commercially important crops including corn, tomato, pepper, squash, sunflower, and grasses. Most of these endophytes produce growth hormones such as indoleacetic acid (IAA) and have the nitrogenase gene required for nitrogen fixation. The effects of these isolates on plant growth and yield were evaluated under greenhouse conditions. We found that inoculated plants not only had better viability and earlier flowering and fruiting, they also had increased plant growth and fruit yields when grown in nitrogen-limited soil. In a particular variety of perennial rye grass, the endophytes increased the total nitrogen content of the plants, indicative of nitrogen fixation, in addition to promoting plant growth. The use of specific endophytes may be preferable to the use of chemical fertilizers because of the monetary and environmental costs, contributing to more sustainable agricultural systems.

Physiological uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Studies in different yeast species

Under non-phosphorylating conditions a high proton transmembrane gradient inhibits the rate of oxygen consumption mediated by the mitochondrial respiratory chain (state IV). Slow electron transit leads to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) capable of participating in deleterious side reactions. In order to avoid overproducing ROS, mitochondria maintain a high rate of O(2) consumption by activating different exquisitely controlled uncoupling pathways. Different yeast species possess one or more uncoupling systems that work through one of two possible mechanisms: i) Proton sinks and ii) Non-pumping redox enzymes. Proton sinks are exemplified by mitochondrial unspecific channels (MUC) and by uncoupling proteins (UCP). Saccharomyces. cerevisiae and Debaryomyces hansenii express highly regulated MUCs. Also, a UCP was described in Yarrowia lipolytica which promotes uncoupled O(2) consumption. Non-pumping alternative oxido-reductases may substitute for a pump, as in S. cerevisiae or may coexist with a complete set of pumps as in the branched respiratory chains from Y. lipolytica or D. hansenii. In addition, pumps may suffer intrinsic uncoupling (slipping). Promising models for study are unicellular parasites which can turn off their aerobic metabolism completely. The variety of energy dissipating systems in eukaryote species is probably designed to control ROS production in the different environments where each species lives.

Recombinant Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus containing Cry1Ac gene codes for 130-kDa toxin protein

Recombinant Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus containing Cry1Ac gene from Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki borne on pKT230, shuttle vector, was generated. PCR amplification of Cry1Ac gene present in recombinant G. diazotrophicus yielded a 278-bp DNA product. The nitrogenase assay has revealed that the recombinant G. diazotrophicus in sugarcane stem produced similar levels of nitrogenase compared to wild-type G. diazotrophicus. The presence of 130-kDa protein in apoplastic fluid from sugarcane stem harvested from pots inoculated with recombinant G. diazotrophicus shows that the translocated G. diazotrophicus produces 130-kDa protein which is recognized by the hyperimmune antiserum raised against 130-kDa protein. The first instar Eldana saccharina neonate larvae that fed on artificial medium containing recombinant G. diazotrophicus died within 72 h after incubation.

Molecular and catalytic properties of the aldehyde dehydrogenase of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, a quinoheme protein containing pyrroloquinoline quinone, cytochrome b, and cytochrome c

Several aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) complexes have been purified from the membranes of acetic acid bacteria. The enzyme structures and the chemical nature of the prosthetic groups associated with these enzymes remain a matter of debate. We report here on the molecular and catalytic properties of the membrane-bound ALDH complex of the diazotrophic bacterium Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus. The purified ALDH complex is a heterodimer comprising two subunits of 79.7 and 50 kDa, respectively. Reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy led us to demonstrate, for the first time, the unequivocal presence of a pyrroloquinoline quinone prosthetic group associated with an ALDH complex from acetic acid bacteria. In addition, heme b was detected by UV-visible light (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and confirmed by reversed-phase HPLC. The smaller subunit bears three cytochromes c. Aliphatic aldehydes, but not formaldehyde, were suitable substrates. Using ferricyanide as an electron acceptor, the enzyme showed an optimum pH of 3.5 that shifted to pH 7.0 when phenazine methosulfate plus 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol were the electron acceptors. Acetaldehyde did not reduce measurable levels of the cytochrome b and c centers; however, the dithionite-reduced hemes were conveniently oxidized by ubiquinone-1; this finding suggests that cytochrome b and the cytochromes c constitute an intramolecular redox sequence that delivers electrons to the membrane ubiquinone.

Antioxidant pathways are up-regulated during biological nitrogen fixation to prevent ROS-induced nitrogenase inhibition in Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, an endophyte isolated from sugarcane, is a strict aerobe that fixates N₂. This process is catalyzed by nitrogenase and requires copious amounts of ATP. Nitrogenase activity is extremely sensitive to inhibition by oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the elevated oxidative metabolic rates required to sustain biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) may favor an increased production of ROS. Here, we explored this paradox and observed that ROS levels are, in fact, decreased in nitrogen-fixing cells due to the up-regulation of transcript levels of six ROS-detoxifying genes. A cluster analyses based on common expression patterns revealed the existence of a stable cluster with 99.8% similarity made up of the genes encoding the α-subunit of nitrogenase Mo–Fe protein (nifD), superoxide dismutase (sodA) and catalase type E (katE). Finally, nitrogenase activity was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by paraquat, a redox cycler that increases cellular ROS levels. Our data revealed that ROS can strongly inhibit nitrogenase activity, and G. diazotrophicus alters its redox metabolism during BNF by increasing antioxidant transcript levels resulting in a lower ROS generation. We suggest that careful controlled ROS production during this critical phase is an adaptive mechanism to allow nitrogen fixation.

Identification and characterization of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus mutants defective in the solubilization of phosphorus and zinc

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is a plant-growth-promoting bacterium, which is able to colonize sugarcane and other plant species of economic importance. The potentially beneficial effects promoted by this bacterium on plants are nitrogen-fixation, production of phythormones, action against pathogens and mineral nutrient solubilization. In this study, the molecular mechanisms associated with phosphorus and zinc solubilization were analyzed. A transposon mutant library was constructed and screened to select for mutants defective for phosphorous [Ca(5)(PO(4))(3)OH] and zinc (ZnO) solubilization. A total of five mutants were identified in each screen. Both screenings, performed independently, allowed to select the same mutants. The interrupted gene in each mutant was identified by sequencing and the results demonstrate that the production of gluconic acid is a required pathway for solubilization of such nutrients in G. diazotrophicus.

Biotechnological applications of acetic acid bacteria

The acetic acid bacteria (AAB) have important roles in food and beverage production, as well as in the bioproduction of industrial chemicals. In recent years, there have been major advances in understanding their taxonomy, molecular biology, and physiology, and in methods for their isolation and identification. AAB are obligate aerobes that oxidize sugars, sugar alcohols, and ethanol with the production of acetic acid as the major end product. This special type of metabolism differentiates them from all other bacteria. Recently, the AAB taxonomy has been strongly rearranged as new techniques using 16S rRNA sequence analysis have been introduced. Currently, the AAB are classified in ten genera in the family Acetobacteriaceae. AAB can not only play a positive role in the production of selected foods and beverages, but they can also spoil other foods and beverages. AAB occur in sugar- and alcohol-enriched environments. The difficulty of cultivation of AAB on semisolid media in the past resulted in poor knowledge of the species present in industrial processes. The first step of acetic acid production is the conversion of ethanol from a carbohydrate carried out by yeasts, and the second step is the oxidation of ethanol to acetic acid carried out by AAB. Vinegar is traditionally the product of acetous fermentation of natural alcoholic substrates. Depending on the substrate, vinegars can be classified as fruit, starch, or spirit substrate vinegars. Although a variety of bacteria can produce acetic acid, mostly members of Acetobacter, Gluconacetobacter, and Gluconobacter are used commercially. Industrial vinegar manufacturing processes fall into three main categories: slow processes, quick processes, and submerged processes. AAB also play an important role in cocoa production, which represents a significant means of income for some countries. Microbial cellulose, produced by AAB, possesses some excellent physical properties and has potential for many applications. Other products of biotransformations by AAB or their enzymes include 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, which is used for the production of vitamin C; D-tagatose, which is used as a bulking agent in food and a noncalorific sweetener; and shikimate, which is a key intermediate for a large number of antibiotics. Recently, for the first time, a pathogenic acetic acid bacterium was described, representing the newest and tenth genus of AAB.

Protein expression profile of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus PAL5, a sugarcane endophytic plant growth-promoting bacterium

This is the first broad proteomic description of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, an endophytic bacterium, responsible for the major fraction of the atmospheric nitrogen fixed in sugarcane in tropical regions. Proteomic coverage of G. diazotrophicus PAL5 was obtained by two independent approaches: 2-DE followed by MALDI-TOF or TOF-TOF MS and 1-DE followed by chromatography in a C18 column online coupled to an ESI-Q-TOF or ESI-IT mass spectrometer. The 583 identified proteins were sorted into functional categories and used to describe potential metabolic pathways for nucleotides, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, cofactors and energy production, according to the Enzyme Commission of Enzyme Nomenclature (EC) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) databases. The identification of such proteins and their possible insertion in conserved biochemical routes will allow comparisons between G. diazotrophicus and other bacterial species. Furthermore, the 88 proteins classified as conserved unknown or unknown constitute a potential target for functional genomic studies, aiming at the understanding of protein function and regulation of gene expression. The knowledge of metabolic fundamentals and coordination of these actions are crucial for the rational, safe and sustainable interference on crops. The entire dataset, including peptide sequence information, is available as Supporting Information and is the major contribution of this work.

Ecological occurrence of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus and nitrogen-fixing Acetobacteraceae members: their possible role in plant growth promotion

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus has a long-standing history of bacterial-plant interrelationship as a symbiotic endophyte capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. In low nitrogen fertilized sugarcane fields it plays a significant role and its occurrence was realised in most of the sugarcane growing countries. In this mini review, the association of G. diazotrophicus with sugarcane, other crop plants and with various hosts is discussed. The factors affecting survival in the rhizosphere and the putative soil mode of transmission are emphasized. In addition, other N(2)-fixing Acetobacteraceae members, including Gluconacetobacter azotocaptans, Gluconacetobacter johannae and Swaminathania salitolerans, occurring in coffee, corn and rice plants are also covered. Lastly, the plant-growth-promoting traits identified in this group of bacteria, including N(2) fixation, phytohormone synthesis, P and Zn solubilization and biocontrol, are analysed.

Recent advances in nitrogen-fixing acetic acid bacteria

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient, widely applied as N-fertilizer to improve yield of agriculturally important crops. An interesting alternative to avoid or reduce the use of N-fertilizers could be the exploitation of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), capable of enhancing growth and yield of many plant species, several of agronomic and ecological significance. PGPB belong to diverse genera, including Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Herbaspirillum, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, and Gluconacetobacter, among others. They are capable of promoting plant growth through different mechanisms including (in some cases), the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), the enzymatic reduction of the atmospheric dinitrogen (N(2)) to ammonia, catalyzed by nitrogenase. Aerobic bacteria able to oxidize ethanol to acetic acid in neutral or acid media are candidates of belonging to the family Acetobacteraceae. At present, this family has been divided into ten genera: Acetobacter, Gluconacetobacter, Gluconobacter, Acidomonas, Asaia, Kozakia, Saccharibacter, Swaminathania, Neoasaia, and Granulibacter. Among them, only three genera include N(2)-fixing species: Gluconacetobacter, Swaminathania and Acetobacter. The first N(2)-fixing acetic acid bacterium (AAB) was described in Brazil. It was found inside tissues of the sugarcane plant, and first named as Acetobacter diazotrophicus, but then renamed as Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus. Later, two new species within the genus Gluconacetobacter, associated to coffee plants, were described in Mexico: G. johannae and G. azotocaptans. A salt-tolerant bacterium named Swaminathania salitolerans was found associated to wild rice plants. Recently, N(2)-fixing Acetobacter peroxydans and Acetobacter nitrogenifigens, associated with rice plants and Kombucha tea, respectively, were described in India. In this paper, recent advances involving nitrogen-fixing AAB are presented. Their natural habitats, physiological and genetic aspects, as well as their association with different plants and contribution through BNF are described as an overview.

Respiratory system of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus PAL5 Evidence for a cyanide-sensitive cytochrome bb and cyanide-resistant cytochrome ba quinol oxidases

In highly aerobic environments, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus uses a respiratory protection mechanism to preserve nitrogenase activity from deleterious oxygen. Here, the respiratory system was examined in order to ascertain the nature of the respiratory components, mainly of the cyanide sensitive and resistant pathways. The membranes of G. diazotrophicus contain Q(10), Q(9) and PQQ in a 13:1:6.6 molar ratios. UV(360 nm) photoinactivation indicated that ubiquinone is the electron acceptor for the dehydrogenases of the outer and inner faces of the membrane. Strong inhibition by rotenone and capsaicin and resistance to flavone indicated that NADH-quinone oxidoreductase is a NDH-1 type enzyme. KCN-titration revealed the presence of at least two terminal oxidases that were highly sensitive and resistant to the inhibitor. Tetrachorohydroquinol was preferentially oxidized by the KCN-sensitive oxidase. Neither the quinoprotein alcohol dehydrogenase nor its associated cytochromes c were instrumental components of the cyanide resistant pathway. CO-difference spectrum and photodissociation of heme-CO compounds suggested the presence of cytochromes b-CO and a(1)-CO adducts. Air-oxidation of cytochrome b (432 nm) was arrested by concentrations of KCN lower than 25 microM while cytochrome a(1) (442 nm) was not affected. A KCN-sensitive (I(50)=5 microM) cytochrome bb and a KCN-resistant (I(50)=450 microM) cytochrome ba quinol oxidases were separated by ion exchange chromatography.

Rate of oxidant stress regulates balance between rat gastric mucosa proliferation and apoptosis

We have characterized an experimental model of ethanol-induced chronic gastritis in which a compensatory mucosal cell proliferation is apparently regulated by lipoperoxidative events. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to further assess the participation of oxidant stress during gastric mucosa proliferation, by administering alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) to rats with gastritis. A morphometric analysis was done, and parameters indicative of oxidant stress, cellular proliferation (including cyclin D1 levels), apoptotic events, and activities of endogenous antioxidant systems were measured in gastric mucosa from our experimental groups. After ethanol withdrawal, restitution of surface epithelium coincided with increased lipid peroxidation and cell proliferation and further active apoptosis. High alpha-tocopherol dosing (100 IU/kg bw) showed a clear antioxidant effect, abolished cell proliferation, and promoted an early and progressive apoptosis, despite vitamin E also enhancing levels of endogenous antioxidants. Indicators of cell proliferation inversely correlated with apoptotic events, and this relationship was blunted by administering vitamin E, probably by affecting translocation of active cyclin D1 into the nucleus. In conclusion, alpha-tocopherol administration inhibited cell proliferation, leading to a predominance of apoptotic events in ethanol-induced gastric damage. Therefore, the timing and magnitude of lipoperoxidative events seemed to synchronize in vivo cell proliferative and apoptotic events, probably by changing the cell redox state.

Partial bioenergetic characterization of Gluconacetobacter xylinum cells released from cellulose pellicles by a novel methodology

AIMS

Gluconacetobacter xylinum is well known for its ability to produce large amounts of cellulose, however, little is known about its cell physiology. Our goal was to study the respiratory metabolism and components of the respiratory system of this bacterium in static cultures. To reach our goal, a medium formulation had to be designed to improve cell growth and cellulose production together with a novel method for the recovery of cells from cellulose pellicles.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Successive modifications of a nutrient medium improved G. xylinum cell growth 4.5-fold under static culture conditions. A blender homogenization procedure for the releasing of cells from the cellulose matrix gave a high yield of cells recovered. Respiratory activities of purified cells were greatly stimulated by exogenous substrates and showed to be resistant to KCN. Unexpectedly, exogenous NADH was oxidized at high rates. Cytochromes a, b, c and d were identified after spectral analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial bioenergetic characterization of G. xylinum cells allowed us to propose a scheme for its respiratory system. In addition, the growth medium for biomass production and the procedure for the efficient recovery of cells from cellulose pellicles were significantly improved.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This work provides the first-ever bioenergetic characterization of G. xylinum grown in static cultures. In addition, a novel methodology to obtain purified cells in suitable quantities for biochemical research is described.

Influence of carbon and nitrogen sources on growth, nitrogenase activity, and carbon metabolism ofGluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

The effects of different carbon and nitrogen sources on the growth, nitrogenase activity, and carbon metabolism of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus were investigated. The amino acids asparagine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid affected microbial growth and nitrogenase activity. Several enzymatic activities involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle were affected by the carbon source used. In addition, glucose and gluconate significantly increased the oxygen consumption (respiration rate) of whole cells of G. diazotrophicus grown under aerobic conditions. Enzymes responsible for direct oxidation of glucose and gluconate were especially active in cells grown with sucrose and gluconate. The presence of amino acids in the apoplastic and symplastic sap of sugarcane stems suggests that these compounds might be of importance in the regulation of growth and nitrogenase activity during the symbiotic association. The information obtained from the plant–bacterium association together with the results of other biochemical studies could contribute to the development of biotechnological applications of G. diazotrophicus.Key words: Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, endophyte, metabolism, nitrogen fixation.

Indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis is deficient in Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus strains with mutations in cytochrome c biogenesis genes

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is an endophyte of sugarcane frequently found in plants grown in agricultural areas where nitrogen fertilizer input is low. Recent results from this laboratory, using mutant strains of G. diazotrophicus unable to fix nitrogen, suggested that there are two beneficial effects of G. diazotrophicus on sugarcane growth: one dependent and one not dependent on nitrogen fixation. A plant growth-promoting substance, such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), known to be produced by G. diazotrophicus, could be a nitrogen fixation-independent factor. One strain, MAd10, isolated by screening a library of Tn5 mutants, released only approximately 6% of the amount of IAA excreted by the parent strain in liquid culture. The mutation causing the IAA(-) phenotype was not linked to Tn5. A pLAFR3 cosmid clone that complemented the IAA deficiency was isolated. Sequence analysis of a complementing subclone indicated the presence of genes involved in cytochrome c biogenesis (ccm, for cytochrome c maturation). The G. diazotrophicus ccm operon was sequenced; the individual ccm gene products were 37 to 52% identical to ccm gene products of Escherichia coli and equivalent cyc genes of Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Although several ccm mutant phenotypes have been described in the literature, there are no reports of ccm gene products being involved in IAA production. Spectral analysis, heme-associated peroxidase activities, and respiratory activities of the cell membranes revealed that the ccm genes of G. diazotrophicus are involved in cytochrome c biogenesis.

Effect of some abiotic factors on the biological activity of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

AIMS

The effect of some abiotic factors, dryness, heat and salinity on the growth and biological activity of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, and the influence of a salt stress on some enzymes involved in carbon metabolism of these bacteria is studied under laboratory conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Strain PAL-5 of G. diazotrophicus was incubated under different conditions of drying, heat and salinity. Cells showed tolerance to heat treatments and salt concentrations, and sensitivity to drying conditions. Higher NaCl dosage of 150 and 200 mmol l -1 limited its growth and drastically affected the nitrogenase activity and the enzymes glucose dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, fumarase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase.

CONCLUSIONS

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, despite its endophytic nature, tolerated heat treatments and salinity stress, but its nitrogenase activity and carbon metabolism enzymes were affected by high NaCl dosage.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The investigation of the biological activity of G. diazotrophicus in response to different abiotic factors led to more knowledge of this endophyte and may help to clarify pathways involved in its transmission into the host plant.

Evidence for conformational protection of nitrogenase against oxygen in Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus by a putative FeSII protein

The mechanisms protecting nitrogenase in Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus from damage by oxygen were studied. Evidence is provided suggesting that in G. diazotrophicus these mechanisms include respiratory protection as well as conformational protection in which a putative FeSII Shethna protein is involved.

The aerobic electron transport system of Eikenella corrodens

The respiratory system of the fastidious beta-proteobacterium Eikenella corrodens grown with limited oxygen was studied. Membranes showed the highest oxidase activity with ascorbate plus N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) or succinate and the lowest activity with NADH and formate. The presence of a bc1-type complex was suggested by the inhibition exerted by 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HOQNO), myxothiazol, and antimycin A on respiration with succinate and by the effect of the latter two inhibitors on the succinate-reduced difference spectra. Respiration with succinate or ascorbate-TMPD was abolished by low KCN concentrations, suggesting the presence of a KCN-sensitive terminal oxidase. Cytochromes b and c were spectroscopically detected after reduction with physiological or artificial electron donors, whereas type a and d cytochromes were not detected. The CO difference spectrum of membranes reduced by dithionite and its photodissociation spectrum (77 K) suggested the presence of a single CO compound that had the spectral features of a cytochrome o-like pigment. High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis of membrane haems confirmed the presence of haem B; in contrast, haems A and O were not detected. Peroxidase staining of membrane type c cytochromes using SDS-PAGE revealed the presence of five bands with apparent molecular masses of 44, 33, 30, 26, and 14 kDa. Based on our results, a tentative scheme of the respiratory chain in E. corrodens, comprising (i) dehydrogenases for succinate, NADH, and formate, (ii) a ubiquinone, (iii) a cytochrome bc1, and (iv) a type-cbb' cytochrome c oxidase, is proposed.

Response of the endophytic diazotroph Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus on solid media to changes in atmospheric partial O(2) pressure

Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is an N(2)-fixing endophyte isolated from sugarcane. G. diazotrophicus was grown on solid medium at atmospheric partial O(2) pressures (pO(2)) of 10, 20, and 30 kPa for 5 to 6 days. Using a flowthrough gas exchange system, nitrogenase activity and respiration rate were then measured at a range of atmospheric pO(2) (5 to 60 kPa). Nitrogenase activity was measured by H(2) evolution in N(2)-O(2) and in Ar-O(2), and respiration rate was measured by CO(2) evolution in N(2)-O(2). To validate the use of H(2) production as an assay for nitrogenase activity, a non-N(2)-fixing (Nif(-)) mutant of G. diazotrophicus was tested and found to have a low rate of uptake hydrogenase (Hup(+)) activity (0.016 +/- 0.009 micromol of H(2) 10(10) cells(-1) h(-1)) when incubated in an atmosphere enriched in H(2). However, Hup(+) activity was not detectable under the normal assay conditions used in our experiments. G. diazotrophicus fixed nitrogen at all atmospheric pO(2) tested. However, when the assay atmospheric pO(2) was below the level at which the colonies had been grown, nitrogenase activity was decreased. Optimal atmospheric pO(2) for nitrogenase activity was 0 to 20 kPa above the pO(2) at which the bacteria had been grown. As atmospheric pO(2) was increased in 10-kPa steps to the highest levels (40 to 60 kPa), nitrogenase activity decreased in a stepwise manner. Despite the decrease in nitrogenase activity as atmospheric pO(2) was increased, respiration rate increased marginally. A large single-step increase in atmospheric pO(2) from 20 to 60 kPa caused a rapid 84% decrease in nitrogenase activity. However, upon returning to 20 kPa of O(2), 80% of nitrogenase activity was recovered within 10 min, indicating a "switch-off/switch-on" O(2) protection mechanism of nitrogenase activity. Our study demonstrates that colonies of G. diazotrophicus can fix N(2) at a wide range of atmospheric pO(2) and can adapt to maintain nitrogenase activity in response to both long-term and short-term changes in atmospheric pO(2).

Redundancy of aerobic respiratory chains in bacteria? Routes, reasons and regulation

Bacteria are the most remarkable organisms in the biosphere, surviving and growing in environments that support no other life forms. Underlying this ability is a flexible metabolism controlled by a multitude of environmental sensors and regulators of gene expression. It is not surprising, therefore, that bacterial respiration is complex and highly adaptable: virtually all bacteria have multiple, branched pathways for electron transfer from numerous low-potential reductants to several terminal electron acceptors. Such pathways, particularly those involved in anaerobic respiration, may involve periplasmic components, but the respiratory apparatus is largely membrane-bound and organized such that electron flow is coupled to proton (or sodium ion) transport, generating a protonmotive force. It has long been supposed that the multiplicity of pathways serves to provide flexibility in the face of environmental stresses, but the existence of apparently redundant pathways for electrons to a single acceptor, say dioxygen, is harder to explain. Clues have come from studying the expression of oxidases in response to growth conditions, the phenotypes of mutants lacking one or more oxidases, and biochemical characterization of individual oxidases. Terminal oxidases that share the essential properties of substrate (cytochrome c or quinol) oxidation, dioxygen reduction and, in some cases, proton translocation, differ in subunit architecture and complement of redox centres. Perhaps more significantly, they differ in their affinities for oxidant and reductant, mode of regulation, and inhibitor sensitivity; these differences to some extent rationalize the presence of multiple oxidases. However, intriguing requirements for particular functions in certain physiological functions remain unexplained. For example, a large body of evidence demonstrates that cytochrome bd is essential for growth and survival under certain conditions. In this review, the physiological basis of the many phenotypes of Cyd-mutants is explored, particularly the requirement for this oxidase in diazotrophy, growth at low protonmotive force, survival in the stationary phase, and resistance to oxidative stress and Fe(III) chelators.