BetS is a major glycine betaine/proline betaine transporter required for early osmotic adjustment in Sinorhizobium meliloti

Tepidibacillus marianensis sp. nov., a novel heterotrophic iron-reducing bacterium isolated from Mariana Trench sediment

A novel chemoheterotrophic iron-reducing micro-organism, designated as strain LSZ-M11000T, was isolated from sediment of the Marianas Trench. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain LSZ-M11000T belonged to genus Tepidibacillus, with 97 % identity to that of Tepidibacillus fermentans STGHT, a mesophilic bacterium isolated from the Severo-Stavropolskoye underground gas storage facility in Russia. The polar lipid profile of strain LSZ-M11000T consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, as well as other unidentified phospholipids and lipids. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 (28.4 %), C18 : 0 (15.8 %), iso-C15 : 0 (12.9 %), and anteiso-C15 : 0 (12.0 %). Strain LSZ-M11000T had no menaquinone. Genome sequencing revealed that the genome size of strain LSZ-M11000T was 2.97 Mb and the DNA G+C content was 37.9 mol%. The average nucleotide identity values between strain LSZ-M11000T and its close phylogenetic relatives, Tepidibacillus fermentans STGHT and Tepidibacillus decaturensis Z9T, were 76.4 and 72.6 %, respectively. The corresponding DNA-DNA hybridization estimates were 20.9 and 23.4 %, respectively. Cells of strain LSZ-M11000T were rod-shaped (1.0-1.5×0.3-0.5 µm). Using pyruvate as an electron donor, it was capable of reducing KMnO4, MnO2, As(V), NaNO3, NaNO2, Na2SO4, Na2S2O3, and K2Cr2O7. Based on phenotypic, genotypic, and phylogenetic evidence, strain LSZ-M11000T is proposed to be a novel strain of the genus Tepidibacillus, for which the name Tepdibacillus marianensis is proposed. The type strain is LSZ-M11000T (=CCAM 1008T=JCM 39431T).

Morphological and physiological adaptations of psychrophilic Pseudarthrobacter psychrotolerans YJ56 under temperature stress

Both culture-independent and culture-dependent analyses using Nanopore-based 16S rRNA sequencing showed that short-term exposure of Antarctic soils to low temperature increased biomass with lower bacterial diversity and maintained high numbers of the phylum Proteobacteria, Firmicute, and Actinobacteria including Pseudarthrobacter species. The psychrophilic Pseudarthrobacter psychrotolerans YJ56 had superior growth at 13 °C, but could not grow at 30 °C, compared to other bacteria isolated from the same Antarctic soil. Unlike a single rod-shaped cell at 13 °C, strain YJ56 at 25 °C was morphologically shifted into a filamentous bacterium with several branches. Comparative genomics of strain YJ56 with other genera in the phylum Actinobacteria indicate remarkable copy numbers of rimJ genes that are possibly involved in dual functions, acetylation of ribosomal proteins, and stabilization of ribosomes by direct binding. Our proteomic data suggested that Actinobacteria cells experienced physiological stresses at 25 °C, showing the upregulation of chaperone proteins, GroEL and catalase, KatE. Level of proteins involved in the assembly of 50S ribosomal proteins and L29 in 50S ribosomal proteins increased at 13 °C, which suggested distinct roles of many ribosomal proteins under different conditions. Taken together, our data highlights the cellular filamentation and protein homeostasis of a psychrophilic YJ56 strain in coping with high-temperature stress.

Functional genomics analysis of a phyllospheric Pseudomonas spp with potential for biological control against coffee rust

Background

Pseudomonas spp. promotes plant growth and colonizes a wide range of environments. During the annotation of a Coffea arabica ESTs database, we detected a considerable number of contaminant Pseudomonas sequences, specially associated with leaves. The genome of a Pseudomonas isolated from coffee leaves was sequenced to investigate in silico information that could offer insights about bacterial adaptation to coffee phyllosphere. In parallel, several experiments were performed to confirm certain physiological characteristics that could be associated with phyllospheric behavior. Finally, in vivo and in vitro experiments were carried out to verify whether this isolate could serve as a biocontrol agent against coffee rust and how the isolate could act against the infection. 

Results

The isolate showed several genes that are associated with resistance to environmental stresses, such as genes encoding heat/cold shock proteins, antioxidant enzymes, carbon starvation proteins, proteins that control osmotic balance and biofilm formation. There was an increase of exopolysaccharides synthesis in response to osmotic stress, which may protect cells from dessication on phyllosphere. Metabolic pathways for degradation and incorporation into citrate cycle of phenolic compounds present in coffee were found, and experimentally confirmed. In addition, MN1F was found to be highly tolerant to caffeine. The experiments of biocontrol against coffee leaf rust showed that the isolate can control the progress of the disease, most likely through competition for resources.

Conclusion

Genomic analysis and experimental data suggest that there are adaptations of this Pseudomonas to live in association with coffee leaves and to act as a biocontrol agent.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-022-02637-4.

Glutamate Enhances Osmoadaptation of Anammox Bacteria under High Salinity: Genomic Analysis and Experimental Evidence

An osmoprotectant that alleviates the bacterial osmotic stress can improve the bioreactor treatment of saline wastewater. However, proposed candidates are expensive, and osmoprotectants of anammox bacteria and their ecophysiological roles are not fully understood. In this study, a comparative analysis of 34 high-quality public metagenome-assembled genomes from anammox bacteria revealed two distinct groups of osmoadaptation. Candidatus Scalindua and Kuenenia share a close phylogenomic relation and osmoadaptation gene profile and have pathways for glutamate transport and metabolisms for enhanced osmoadaptation. The batch assay results demonstrated that the reduced Ca. Kuenenia activity in saline conditions was substantially alleviated with the addition and subsequent synergistic effects of potassium and glutamate. The operational test of two reactors demonstrated that the reduced anammox performance under brine conditions rapidly recovered by 35.7-43.1% as a result of glutamate treatment. The Ca. Kuenenia 16S rRNA and hydrazine gene expressions were upregulated significantly (p < 0.05), and the abundance increased by approximately 19.9%, with a decrease in dominant heterotrophs. These data demonstrated the effectiveness of glutamate in alleviating the osmotic stress of Ca. Kuenenia. This study provides genomic insight into group-specific osmoadaptation of anammox bacteria and can facilitate the precision management of anammox reactors under high salinity.

Metabacillus dongyingensis sp. nov. Is Represented by the Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium BY2G20 Isolated from Saline-Alkaline Soil and Enhances the Growth of Zea mays L. under Salt Stress

A novel plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), which was designated strain BY2G20, was isolated from saline-alkaline soil in Dongying, China. Strain BY2G20 can grow at a NaCl range from 0 to 7% and a pH range from 7 to 9 and can prevent the growth of the phytopathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. Based on its phenotypic and genomic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, strain BY2G20 represents a novel species of the genus Metabacillus, for which the name Metabacillus dongyingensis sp. nov. is proposed. Comparative genomic analysis of strain BY2G20 with its closely related species exhibited a high level of evolutionary plasticity derived by horizontal gene transfer, which facilitated adaptative evolution. Different evolutionary constraints have operated on the diverse functions of BY2G20, with the gene adapted to saline-alkaline ecosystems experiencing functional constraints. We determined the genetic properties of saline-alkaline tolerance and plant growth promotion, such as cation-proton antiporters, cation transporters, osmoprotectant synthesis and transport, H⁺-transporting F₁F₀-ATPase, indole-3-acetic acid production, and secondary metabolite synthesis. We also evaluated the effects of strain BY2G20 on the growth of Zea mays L. (maize) under salt stress. The physiological parameters of maize such as plant height, stem diameter, dry biomass, and fresh biomass were significantly higher after inoculating strain BY2G20 under salt stress, indicating that inoculation with BY2G20 enhanced the growth of maize in saline areas. This study demonstrates that M. dongyingensis sp. nov. BY2G20 is a potential candidate for organic agriculture biofertilizers in saline-alkaline areas.

IMPORTANCE Plant growth and yield are adversely affected by soil salinity. PGPRs can promote plant growth and enhance plant tolerance to salt stress. In this study, a saline-alkaline tolerant PGPR strain BY2G20 was isolated from the rhizosphere of Ulmus pumila in Dongying, China. Strain BY2G20 represents a novel species within the genus Metabacillus based on phenotypic, genomic, and phylogenetic analysis. Genomic components have undergone different functional constraints, and the disparity in the evolutionary rate may be associated with the adaptation to a specific niche. Genomic analysis revealed numerous adaptive features of strain BY2G20 to a saline-alkaline environment and rhizosphere, especially genes related to salt tolerance, pH adaptability, and plant growth promotion. Our work also exhibited that inoculation of strain BY2G20 enhanced the growth of maize under salt stress. This study demonstrates that PGPRs play an important role in stimulating salt tolerance in plants and can be used as biofertilizers to enhance the growth of crops in saline-alkaline areas.

Specialization in a Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiosis: Proteome Differences Between Sinorhizobium medicae Bacteria and Bacteroids

Using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), we analyzed the proteome of Sinorhizobium medicae WSM419 growing as free-living cells and in symbiosis with Medicago truncatula. In all, 3,215 proteins were identified, over half of the open reading frames predicted from the genomic sequence. The abundance of 1,361 proteins displayed strong lifestyle bias. In total, 1,131 proteins had similar levels in bacteroids and free-living cells, and the low levels of 723 proteins prevented statistically significant assignments. Nitrogenase subunits comprised approximately 12% of quantified bacteroid proteins. Other major bacteroid proteins included symbiosis-specific cytochromes and FixABCX, which transfer electrons to nitrogenase. Bacteroids had normal levels of proteins involved in amino acid biosynthesis, glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway; however, several amino acid degradation pathways were repressed. This suggests that bacteroids maintain a relatively independent anabolic metabolism. Tricarboxylic acid cycle proteins were highly expressed in bacteroids and no other catabolic pathway emerged as an obvious candidate to supply energy and reductant to nitrogen fixation. Bacterial stress response proteins were induced in bacteroids. Many WSM419 proteins that are not encoded in S. meliloti Rm1021 were detected, and understanding the functions of these proteins might clarify why S. medicae WSM419 forms a more effective symbiosis with M. truncatula than S. meliloti Rm1021.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

The role of solute binding proteins in signal transduction

The solute binding proteins (SBPs) of prokaryotes are present in the extracytosolic space. Although their primary function is providing substrates to transporters, SBPs also stimulate different signaling proteins, including chemoreceptors, sensor kinases, diguanylate cyclases/phosphodiesterases and Ser/Thr kinases, thereby causing a wide range of responses. While relatively few such systems have been identified, several pieces of evidence suggest that SBP-mediated receptor activation is a widespread mechanism. (1) These systems have been identified in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and archaea. (2) There is a structural diversity in the receptor domains that bind SBPs. (3) SBPs belonging to thirteen different families interact with receptor ligand binding domains (LBDs). (4) For the two most abundant receptor LBD families, dCache and four-helix-bundle, there are different modes of interaction with SBPs. (5) SBP-stimulated receptors carry out many different functions. The advantage of SBP-mediated receptor stimulation is attributed to a strict control of SBP levels, which allows a precise adjustment of the systeḿs sensitivity. We have compiled information on the effect of ligands on the transcript/protein levels of their cognate SBPs. In 87 % of the cases analysed, ligands altered SBP expression levels. The nature of the regulatory effect depended on the ligand family. Whereas inorganic ligands typically downregulate SBP expression, an upregulation was observed in response to most sugars and organic acids. A major unknown is the role that SBPs play in signaling and in receptor stimulation. This review attempts to summarize what is known and to present new information to narrow this gap in knowledge.

Comparative genomics reveals broad genetic diversity, extensive recombination and nascent ecological adaptation in Micrococcus luteus

Background

Micrococcus luteus is a group of actinobacteria that is widely used in biotechnology and is being thought as an emerging nosocomial pathogen. With one of the smallest genomes of free-living actinobacteria, it is found in a wide range of environments, but intraspecies genetic diversity and adaptation strategies to various environments remain unclear. Here, comparative genomics, phylogenomics, and genome-wide association studies were used to investigate the genomic diversity, evolutionary history, and the potential ecological differentiation of the species.

Results

High-quality genomes of 66 M. luteus strains were downloaded from the NCBI GenBank database and core and pan-genome analysis revealed a considerable intraspecies heterogeneity. Phylogenomic analysis, gene content comparison, and average nucleotide identity calculation consistently indicated that the species has diverged into three well-differentiated clades. Population structure analysis further suggested the existence of an unknown ancestor or the fourth, yet unsampled, clade. Reconstruction of gene gain/loss events along the evolutionary history revealed both early events that contributed to the inter-clade divergence and recent events leading to the intra-clade diversity. We also found convincing evidence that recombination has played a key role in the evolutionary process of the species, with upto two-thirds of the core genes having been affected by recombination. Furthermore, distribution of mammal-associated strains (including pathogens) on the phylogenetic tree suggested that the last common ancestor had a free-living lifestyle, and a few recently diverged lineages have developed a mammal-associated lifestyle separately. Consistently, genome-wide association analysis revealed that mammal-associated strains from different lineages shared genes functionally relevant to the host-associated lifestyle, indicating a recent ecological adaption to the new host-associated habitats.

Conclusions

These results revealed high intraspecies genomic diversity of M. luteus and highlighted that gene gain/loss events and extensive recombination events played key roles in the genome evolution. Our study also indicated that, as a free-living species, some lineages have recently developed or are developing a mammal-associated lifestyle. This study provides insights into the mechanisms that drive the genome evolution and adaption to various environments of a bacterial species.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07432-5.

Salt tolerance mechanism of a hydrocarbon-degrading strain: Salt tolerance mediated by accumulated betaine in cells

Rhodococcus sp. HX-2 could degrade diesel oil in the presence of 1%-10 % NaCl. The compatible solute betaine accumulated in cells with increasing NaCl concentration, and this was found to be the main mechanism of resistance of HX-2 to high salt concentration. Exogenously added betaine can be transported into cells, which improved cell growth and the percentage degradation of diesel oil in the presence of high [NaCl] in solution and in soil. Scanning electron microscopy data suggested that addition of exogenous betaine facilitated salt tolerance by stimulating exopolysaccharide production. Fourier-transform infrared analysis suggested that surface hydroxyl, amide and phosphate groups may be related to tolerance of high-salt environments. Four betaine transporter-encoding genes (H0, H1, H3, H5) and the betaine producer gene betB were induced in Rhodococcus sp. HX-2 by NaCl stress. The maximal induction of H0, H1, H3 and H5 transcription depended on high salinity plus the presence of betaine. These results demonstrate that salt tolerance is mediated by accumulated betaine in Rhodococcus sp. HX-2 cells, and the potential of this strain for application in bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollution in saline environments.

De novo transcriptome analysis of halotolerant bacterium Staphylococcus sp. strain P-TSB-70 isolated from East coast of India: In search of salt stress tolerant genes

In the present study, we identified salt stress tolerant genes from the marine bacterium Staphylococcus sp. strain P-TSB-70 through transcriptome sequencing. In favour of whole-genome transcriptome profiling of Staphylococcus sp. strain P-TSB-70 (GenBank Accn. No. KP117091) which tolerated upto 20% NaCl stress, the strain was cultured in the laboratory condition with 20% NaCl stress. Transcriptome analyses were performed by SOLiD4.0 sequencing technology from which 10280 and 9612 transcripts for control and treated, respectively, were obtained. The coverage per base (CPB) statistics were analyzed for both the samples. Gene ontology (GO) analysis has been categorized at varied graph levels based on three primary ontology studies viz. cellular components, biological processes, and molecular functions. The KEGG analysis of the assembled transcripts using KAAS showed presumed components of metabolic pathways which perhaps implicated in diverse metabolic pathways responsible for salt tolerance viz. glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, glutathione metabolism, etc. further involving in salt tolerance. Overall, 90 salt stress tolerant genes were identified as of 186 salt-related transcripts. Several genes have been found executing normally in the TCA cycle pathway, integral membrane proteins, generation of the osmoprotectants, enzymatic pathway associated with salt tolerance. Recognized genes fit diverse groups of salt stress genes viz. abc transporter, betaine, sodium antiporter, sodium symporter, trehalose, ectoine, and choline, that belong to different families of genes involved in the pathway of salt stress. The control sample of the bacterium showed elevated high proportion of transcript contigs (29%) while upto 20% salt stress treated sample of the bacterium showed a higher percentage of transcript contigs (31.28%). A total of 1,288 and 1,133 transcript contigs were measured entirely as novel transcript contigs in both control and treated samples, respectively. The structure and function of 10 significant salt stress tolerant genes of Staphylococcus sp. have been analyzed in this study. The information acquired in the present study possibly used to recognize and clone the salt stress tolerant genes and support in developing the salt stress-tolerant plant varieties to expand the agricultural productivity in the saline system.

The genome of Ensifer alkalisoli YIC4027 provides insights for host specificity and environmental adaptations

Background

Ensifer alkalisoli YIC4027, a recently characterized nitrogen-fixing bacterium of the genus Ensifer, has been isolated from root nodules of the host plant Sesbania cannabina. This plant is widely used as green manure and for soil remediation. E. alkalisoli YIC4027 can grow in saline-alkaline soils and is a narrow-host-range strain that establishes a symbiotic relationship with S. cannabina. The complete genome of this strain was sequenced to better understand the genetic basis of host specificity and adaptation to saline-alkaline soils.

Results

E. alkalisoli YIC4027 was found to possess a 6.1-Mb genome consisting of three circular replicons: one chromosome (3.7 Mb), a chromid (1.9 Mb) and a plasmid (0.46 Mb). Genome comparisons showed that strain YIC4027 is phylogenetically related to broad-host-range Ensifer fredii strains. Synteny analysis revealed a strong collinearity between chromosomes of E. alkalisoli YIC4027 and those of the E. fredii NGR234 (3.9 Mb), HH103 (4.3 Mb) and USDA257 (6.48 Mb) strains. Notable differences were found for genes required for biosynthesis of nodulation factors and protein secretion systems, suggesting a role of these genes in host-specific nodulation. In addition, the genome analysis led to the identification of YIC4027 genes that are presumably related to adaptation to saline-alkaline soils, rhizosphere colonization and nodulation competitiveness. Analysis of chemotaxis cluster genes and nodulation tests with constructed che gene mutants indicated a role of chemotaxis and flagella-mediated motility in the symbiotic association between YIC4027 and S. cannabina.

Conclusions

This study provides a basis for a better understanding of host specific nodulation and of adaptation to a saline-alkaline rhizosphere. This information offers the perspective to prepare optimal E. alkalisoli inocula for agriculture use and soil remediation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-6004-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

MtpB, a member of the MttB superfamily from the human intestinal acetogen Eubacterium limosum, catalyzes proline betaine demethylation

The trimethylamine methyltransferase MttB is the founding member of a widely distributed superfamily of microbial proteins. Genes encoding most members of the MttB superfamily lack the codon for pyrrolysine that distinguishes previously characterized trimethylamine methyltransferases, leaving the function(s) of most of the enzymes in this superfamily unknown. Here, investigating the MttB family member MtpB from the human intestinal isolate Eubacterium limosum ATCC 8486, an acetogen that excretes N-methyl proline during growth on proline betaine, we demonstrate that MtpB catalyzes anoxic demethylation of proline betaine. MtpB along with MtqC (a corrinoid protein) and MtqA (a methylcorrinoid:tetrahydrofolate methyltransferase) was much more abundant in E. limosum cells grown on proline betaine than on lactate. We observed that recombinant MtpB methylates Co(I)-MtqC in the presence of proline betaine and that other quaternary amines are much less preferred substrates. MtpB, MtqC, and MtqA catalyze tetrahydrofolate methylation with proline betaine, thereby forming a key intermediate in the Wood-Ljungdahl acetogenesis pathway. To our knowledge, MtpB methylation of Co(I)-MtqC for the subsequent methylation of tetrahydrofolate represents the first described anoxic mechanism of proline betaine demethylation. The activities of MtpB and associated proteins in acetogens or other anaerobes provide a possible mechanism for the production of N-methyl proline by the gut microbiome. MtpB's activity characterized here strengthens the hypothesis that much of the MttB superfamily comprises quaternary amine-dependent methyltransferases.

OpuF, a New Bacillus Compatible Solute ABC Transporter with a Substrate-Binding Protein Fused to the Transmembrane Domain

The accumulation of compatible solutes is a common defense of bacteria against the detrimental effects of high osmolarity. Uptake systems for these compounds are cornerstones in cellular osmostress responses because they allow the energy-preserving scavenging of osmostress protectants from environmental sources. Bacillus subtilis is well studied with respect to the import of compatible solutes and its five transport systems (OpuA, OpuB, OpuC, OpuD, and OpuE), for these stress protectants have previously been comprehensively studied. Building on this knowledge and taking advantage of the unabated appearance of new genome sequences of members of the genus Bacillus, we report here the discovery, physiological characterization, and phylogenomics of a new member of the Opu family of transporters, OpuF (OpuFA-OpuFB). OpuF is not present in B. subtilis but it is widely distributed in members of the large genus Bacillus OpuF is a representative of a subgroup of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in which the substrate-binding protein (SBP) is fused to the transmembrane domain (TMD). We studied the salient features of the OpuF transporters from Bacillus infantis and Bacillus panaciterrae by functional reconstitution in a B. subtilis chassis strain lacking known Opu transporters. A common property of the examined OpuF systems is their substrate profile; OpuF mediates the import of glycine betaine, proline betaine, homobetaine, and the marine osmolyte dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP). An in silico model of the SBP domain of the TMD-SBP hybrid protein OpuFB was established. It revealed the presence of an aromatic cage, a structural feature commonly present in ligand-binding sites of compatible solute importers.IMPORTANCE The high-affinity import of compatible solutes from environmental sources is an important aspect of the cellular defense of many bacteria and archaea against the harmful effects of high external osmolarity. The accumulation of these osmostress protectants counteracts high-osmolarity-instigated water efflux, a drop in turgor to nonphysiological values, and an undue increase in molecular crowding of the cytoplasm; they thereby foster microbial growth under osmotically unfavorable conditions. Importers for compatible solutes allow the energy-preserving scavenging of osmoprotective and physiologically compliant organic solutes from environmental sources. We report here the discovery, exemplary physiological characterization, and phylogenomics of a new compatible solute importer, OpuF, widely found in members of the Bacillus genus. The OpuF system is a representative of a growing subgroup of ABC transporters in which the substrate-scavenging function of the substrate-binding protein (SBP) and the membrane-embedded substrate translocating subunit (TMD) are fused into a single polypeptide chain.

Rhodobacter sp. Rb3, an aerobic anoxygenic phototroph which thrives in the polyextreme ecosystem of the Salar de Huasco, in the Chilean Altiplano

The Salar de Huasco is an evaporitic basin located in the Chilean Altiplano, which presents extreme environmental conditions for life, i.e. high altitude (3800 m.a.s.l.), negative water balance, a wide salinity range, high daily temperature changes and the occurrence of the highest registered solar radiation on the planet (> 1200 W m^-2). This ecosystem is considered as a natural laboratory to understand different adaptations of microorganisms to extreme conditions. Rhodobacter, an anoxygenic aerobic phototrophic bacterial genus, represents one of the most abundant groups reported based on taxonomic diversity surveys in this ecosystem. The bacterial mat isolate Rhodobacter sp. strain Rb3 was used to study adaptation mechanisms to stress-inducing factors potentially explaining its success in a polyextreme ecosystem. We found that the Rhodobacter sp. Rb3 genome was characterized by a high abundance of genes involved in stress tolerance and adaptation strategies, among which DNA repair and oxidative stress were the most conspicuous. Moreover, many other molecular mechanisms associated with oxidative stress, photooxidation and antioxidants; DNA repair and protection; motility, chemotaxis and biofilm synthesis; osmotic stress, metal, metalloid and toxic anions resistance; antimicrobial resistance and multidrug pumps; sporulation; cold shock and heat shock stress; mobile genetic elements and toxin-antitoxin system were detected and identified as potential survival mechanism features in Rhodobacter sp. Rb3. In total, these results reveal a wide set of strategies used by the isolate to adapt and thrive under environmental stress conditions as a model of polyextreme environmental resistome.

Stable symbiotic nitrogen fixation under water-deficit field conditions by a stress-tolerant alfalfa microsymbiont and its complete genome sequence

We here characterized the stress-tolerant alfalfa microsymbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti B401. B401-treated plants showed high nitrogen fixation rates under humid and semiarid environments. The production of glycine betaine in isolated bacteroids positively correlated with low precipitation levels, suggesting that this compound acts as a critical osmoprotectant under field conditions. Genome analysis revealed that strain B401 contains alternative pathways for the biosynthesis and uptake of glycine betaine and its precursors. Such genomic information will offer substantial insight into the environmental physiology of this biotechnologically valuable nitrogen-fixing bacterium.

Bacterial Survival under Extreme UV Radiation: A Comparative Proteomics Study of Rhodobacter sp., Isolated from High Altitude Wetlands in Chile

Salar de Huasco, defined as a polyextreme environment, is a high altitude saline wetland in the Chilean Altiplano (3800 m.a.s.l.), permanently exposed to the highest solar radiation doses registered in the world. We present here the first comparative proteomics study of a photoheterotrophic bacterium, Rhodobacter sp., isolated from this remote and hostile habitat. We developed an innovative experimental approach using different sources of radiation (in situ sunlight and UVB lamps), cut-off filters (Mylar, Lee filters) and a high-throughput, label-free quantitative proteomics method to comprehensively analyze the effect of seven spectral bands on protein regulation. A hierarchical cluster analysis of 40 common proteins revealed that all conditions containing the most damaging UVB radiation induced similar pattern of protein regulation compared with UVA and visible light spectral bands. Moreover, it appeared that the cellular adaptation of Rhodobacter sp. to osmotic stress encountered in the hypersaline environment from which it was originally isolated, might further a higher resistance to damaging UV radiation. Indeed, proteins involved in the synthesis and transport of key osmoprotectants, such as glycine betaine and inositol, were found in very high abundance under UV radiation compared to the dark control, suggesting the function of osmolytes as efficient reactive oxygen scavengers. Our study also revealed a RecA-independent response and a tightly regulated network of protein quality control involving proteases and chaperones to selectively degrade misfolded and/or damaged proteins.

Transcriptome profiling of Galaxea fascicularis and its endosymbiont Symbiodinium reveals chronic eutrophication tolerance pathways and metabolic mutualism between partners

In the South China Sea, coastal eutrophication in the Beibu Gulf has seriously threatened reef habitats by subjecting corals to chronic physiological stress. To determine how coral holobionts may tolerate such conditions, we examined the transcriptomes of healthy colonies of the galaxy coral Galaxea fascicularis and its endosymbiont Symbiodinium from two reef sites experiencing pristine or eutrophied nutrient regimes. We identified 236 and 205 genes that were differentially expressed in eutrophied hosts and symbionts, respectively. Both gene sets included pathways related to stress responses and metabolic interactions. An analysis of genes originating from each partner revealed striking metabolic integration with respect to vitamins, cofactors, amino acids, fatty acids, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The expression levels of these genes supported the existence of a continuum of mutualism in this coral-algal symbiosis. Additionally, large sets of transcription factors, cell signal transduction molecules, biomineralization components, and galaxin-related proteins were expanded in G. fascicularis relative to other coral species.

Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Tolerance to Environmental Constraints in Grain and Forage Legumes

Despite the agronomical and environmental advantages of the cultivation of legumes, their production is limited by various environmental constraints such as water or nutrient limitation, frost or heat stress and soil salinity, which may be the result of pedoclimatic conditions, intensive use of agricultural lands, decline in soil fertility and environmental degradation. The development of more sustainable agroecosystems that are resilient to environmental constraints will therefore require better understanding of the key mechanisms underlying plant tolerance to abiotic constraints. This review provides highlights of legume tolerance to abiotic constraints with a focus on soil nutrient deficiencies, drought, and salinity. More specifically, recent advances in the physiological and molecular levels of the adaptation of grain and forage legumes to abiotic constraints are discussed. Such adaptation involves complex multigene controlled-traits which also involve multiple sub-traits that are likely regulated under the control of a number of candidate genes. This multi-genetic control of tolerance traits might also be multifunctional, with extended action in response to a number of abiotic constraints. Thus, concrete efforts are required to breed for multifunctional candidate genes in order to boost plant stability under various abiotic constraints.

Choline sulfatase from Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) meliloti: Characterization of the unmodified enzyme

Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) meliloti is a nitrogen-fixing α-proteobacterium able to biosynthesize the osmoprotectant glycine betaine from choline sulfate through a metabolic pathway that starts with the enzyme choline-O-sulfatase. This protein seems to be widely distributed in microorganisms and thought to play an important role in their sulfur metabolism. However, only crude extracts with choline sulfatase activity have been studied. In this work, Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) meliloti choline-O-sulfatase was obtained in a high degree of purity after expression in Escherichia coli. Gel filtration and dynamic light scattering experiments showed that the recombinant enzyme exists as a dimer in solution. Using calorimetry, its catalytic activity against its natural substrate, choline-O-sulfate, gave a k_cat=2.7×10⁻¹ s⁻¹ and a K_M=11.1 mM. For the synthetic substrates p-nitrophenyl sulfate and methylumbelliferyl sulfate, the k_cat values were 3.5×10⁻² s⁻¹ and 4.3×10⁻² s⁻¹, with K_M values of 75.8 and 11.8 mM respectively. The low catalytic activity of the recombinant sulfatase was due to the absence of the formylglycine post-translational modification in its active-site cysteine 54. Nevertheless, unmodified Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) meliloti choline-O-sulfatase is a multiple-turnover enzyme with remarkable catalytic efficiency.

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First biochemical characterization of a recombinant choline-O-sulfatase.

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Recombinant enzyme has no post-translational modification in its active site cysteine.

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The unmodified enzyme exhibits multiple catalytic cycles.

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Despite a low k_cat the enzyme accelerate 10²⁰-fold the uncatalyzed reaction.

Plant growth promoting rhizobia: challenges and opportunities

Modern agriculture faces challenges, such as loss of soil fertility, fluctuating climatic factors and increasing pathogen and pest attacks. Sustainability and environmental safety of agricultural production relies on eco-friendly approaches like biofertilizers, biopesticides and crop residue return. The multiplicity of beneficial effects of microbial inoculants, particularly plant growth promoters (PGP), emphasizes the need for further strengthening the research and their use in modern agriculture. PGP inhabit the rhizosphere for nutrients from plant root exudates. By reaction, they help in (1) increased plant growth through soil nutrient enrichment by nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production and phytohormones production (2) increased plant protection by influencing cellulase, protease, lipase and β-1,3 glucanase productions and enhance plant defense by triggering induced systemic resistance through lipopolysaccharides, flagella, homoserine lactones, acetoin and butanediol against pests and pathogens. In addition, the PGP microbes contain useful variation for tolerating abiotic stresses like extremes of temperature, pH, salinity and drought; heavy metal and pesticide pollution. Seeking such tolerant PGP microbes is expected to offer enhanced plant growth and yield even under a combination of stresses. This review summarizes the PGP related research and its benefits, and highlights the benefits of PGP rhizobia belonging to the family Rhizobiaceae, Phyllobacteriaceae and Bradyrhizobiaceae.

Key roles of microsymbiont amino acid metabolism in rhizobia-legume interactions

Rhizobia are bacteria in the α-proteobacterial genera Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Azorhizobium and Bradyrhizobium that reduce (fix) atmospheric nitrogen in symbiotic association with a compatible host plant. In free-living and/or symbiotically associated rhizobia, amino acids may, in addition to their incorporation into proteins, serve as carbon, nitrogen or sulfur sources, signals of cellular nitrogen status and precursors of important metabolites. Depending on the rhizobia-host plant combination, microsymbiont amino acid metabolism (biosynthesis, transport and/or degradation) is often crucial to the establishment and maintenance of an effective nitrogen-fixing symbiosis and is intimately interconnected with the metabolism of the plant. This review summarizes past findings and current research directions in rhizobial amino acid metabolism and evaluates the genetic, biochemical and genome expression studies from which these are derived. Specific sections deal with the regulation of rhizobial amino acid metabolism, amino acid transport, and finally the symbiotic roles of individual amino acids in different plant-rhizobia combinations.

The BCCT family of carriers: from physiology to crystal structure

Increases in the environmental osmolarity are key determinants for the growth of microorganisms. To ensure a physiologically acceptable level of cellular hydration and turgor at high osmolarity, many bacteria accumulate compatible solutes. Osmotically controlled uptake systems allow the scavenging of these compounds from scarce environmental sources as effective osmoprotectants. A number of these systems belong to the BCCT family (betaine-choline-carnitine-transporter), sodium- or proton-coupled transporters (e.g. BetP and BetT respectively) that are ubiquitous in microorganisms. The BCCT family also contains CaiT, an L-carnitine/γ-butyrobetaine antiporter that is not involved in osmotic stress responses. The glycine betaine transporter BetP from Corynebacterium glutamicum is a representative for osmoregulated symporters of the BCCT family and functions both as an osmosensor and osmoregulator. The crystal structure of BetP in an occluded conformation in complex with its substrate glycine betaine and two crystal structures of CaiT in an inward-facing open conformation in complex with L-carnitine and γ-butyrobetaine were reported recently. These structures and the wealth of biochemical data on the activity control of BetP in response to osmotic stress enable a correlation between the sensing of osmotic stress by a transporter protein with the ensuing regulation of transport activity. Molecular determinants governing the high-affinity binding of the compatible solutes by BetP and CaiT, the coupling in symporters and antiporters, and the osmoregulatory properties are discussed in detail for BetP and various BCCT carriers.

Characterization of the quaternary amine transporters of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841 contains six putative quaternary ammonium transporters (Qat), of the ABC family. Qat6 was strongly induced by hyperosmosis although the solute transported was not identified. All six systems were induced by the quaternary amines choline and glycine betaine. It was confirmed by microarray analysis of the genome that pRL100079-83 (qat6) is the most strongly upregulated transport system under osmotic stress, although other transporters and 104 genes are more than threefold upregulated. A range of quaternary ammonium compounds were tested but all failed to improve growth of strain 3841 under hyperosmotic stress. One Qat system (gbcXWV) was induced 20-fold by glycine betaine and choline and a Tn5::gbcW mutant was severely impaired for both transport and growth on these compounds, demonstrating that it is the principal system for their use as carbon and nitrogen sources. It transports glycine betaine and choline with a high affinity (apparent K(m), 168 and 294 nM, respectively).

Pseudomonas syringae BetT is a low-affinity choline transporter that is responsible for superior osmoprotection by choline over glycine betaine

The plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae derives better osmoprotection from choline than from glycine betaine, unlike most bacteria that have been characterized. In this report, we identified a betaine/carnitine/choline family transporter (BCCT) in P. syringae pv. tomato strain DC3000 that mediates the transport of choline and acetylcholine. This transporter has a particularly low affinity (K(m) of 876 microM) and high capacity (V(max) of 80 nmol/min/mg of protein) for choline transport relative to other known BCCTs. Although BetT activity increased in response to hyperosmolarity, BetT mediated significant uptake under low-osmolarity conditions, suggesting a role in transport for both osmoprotection and catabolism. Growth studies with mutants deficient in BetT and other choline transporters demonstrated that BetT was responsible for the superior osmoprotection conferred to P. syringae by choline over glycine betaine when these compounds were provided at high concentrations (>100 microM). These results suggest that P. syringae has evolved to survive in relatively choline-rich habitats, a prediction that is supported by the common association of P. syringae with plants and the widespread production of choline, but genus- and species-specific production of glycine betaine, by plants. Among the three putative BCCT family transporters in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and six in Pseudomonas putida, different transporters were predicted to function based on similarity to Escherichia coli BetT than to P. syringae BetT. Functional P. putida and P. aeruginosa transporters were identified, and their possession of a long C-terminal tail suggested an osmoregulatory function for this tail; this function was confirmed for P. syringae BetT using deletion derivatives.

Characterization of the osmoprotectant transporter OpuC from Pseudomonas syringae and demonstration that cystathionine-beta-synthase domains are required for its osmoregulatory function

The plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae may cope with osmotic stress on plants, in part, by importing osmoprotective compounds. In this study, we found that P. syringae pv. tomato strain DC3000 was distinct from most bacterial species in deriving greater osmoprotection from exogenous choline than from glycine betaine. This superior osmoprotection was correlated with a higher capacity for uptake of choline than for uptake of glycine betaine. Of four putative osmoregulatory ABC transporters in DC3000, one, designated OpuC, functioned as the primary or sole transporter for glycine betaine and as one of multiple transporters for choline under high osmolarity. Surprisingly, the homolog of the well-characterized ProU transporter from Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium did not function in osmoprotection. The P. syringae pv. tomato OpuC transporter was more closely related to the Bacillus subtilis and Listeria monocytogenes OpuC transporters than to known osmoprotectant transporters in gram-negative bacteria based on sequence similarity and genetic arrangement. The P. syringae pv. tomato OpuC transporter had a high affinity for glycine betaine, a low affinity for choline, and a broad substrate specificity that included acetylcholine, carnitine, and proline betaine. Tandem cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) domains in the ATP-binding component of OpuC were required for transporter function. The presence of these CBS domains was correlated with osmoregulatory function among the putative transporters examined in DC3000 and was found to be predictive of functional osmoregulatory transporters in other pseudomonads. These results provide the first functional evaluation of an osmoprotectant transporter in a Pseudomonas species and demonstrate the usefulness of the CBS domains as predictors of osmoregulatory activity.

Membrane topology and mutational analysis of the osmotically activated BetT choline transporter of Escherichia coli

For osmoprotection, Escherichia coli can synthesize glycine betaine from externally supplied choline by the Bet system (betTIBA products). The major carrier of choline is the high-affinity, proton-driven, secondary transporter BetT, which belongs to the BCCT family of transporters. Fusion proteins consisting of N-terminal fragments of BetT linked to beta-galactosidase (LacZ) or alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) were constructed. By analysis of 51 fusion proteins with 37 unique fusion-points, the predictions that BetT comprised 12 membrane-spanning regions and that its N- and C-terminal extensions of about 12 and 180 amino acid residues, respectively, were situated in the cytoplasm were confirmed. This is believed to represent the first experimental examination of the membrane topology of a BCCT family protein. Osmotic upshock experiments were performed with spectinomycin-treated E. coli cells that had expressed the wild-type or a mutant BetT protein during growth at low osmolality (160 mosmol kg(-1)). The choline transport activity of wild-type BetT increased tenfold when the cells were stressed with 0.4 M NaCl (total osmolality 780 mosmol kg(-1)). The peak activity was recorded 5 min after the upshock and higher or lower concentrations of NaCl reduced the activity. Deletions of 1-12 C-terminal residues of BetT caused a gradual reduction in the degree of osmotic activation from ten- to twofold. Mutant proteins with deletion of 18-101 residues displayed a background transport activity, but they could not be osmotically activated. The data showed that the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain of BetT plays an important role in the regulation of BetT activity and that C-terminal truncations can cause BetT to be permanently locked in a low-transport-activity mode.

Uncoupling of choline-O-sulphate utilization from osmoprotection in Pseudomonas putida

The genomic context of the recognized bet genes for choline-O-sulphate (COS) utilization in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is such that betC (choline sulphatase) lies adjacent to an ATP-binding cassette transporter and a LysR type regulator, but well away from betBA, encoding enzymes for transformation of choline into glycine betaine. The consequences of such genetic layout of the functions for COS metabolism have been examined with a suite of genetic and biochemical approaches. An early clue of the utilities of the betencoded products was exposed by the phenotypes of a betC deletion. This mutant still accumulated intact COS but failed to use this compound as carbon or nitrogen source. Furthermore, betC expression was downregulated at high salt concentrations, showing that the principal role of this gene lied in COS metabolism, not in osmoprotection. In contrast, the betBA genes were required for choline transformation into the highly effective compatible solute glycine betaine (and the concomitant endurance to high salt) and also for its utilization as carbon or nitrogen source. Thus, unlike in the cases of Bacillus subtilis and Sinorhizobium meliloti, betC is unrelated to osmoprotection in Pseudomonas putida while the betBA genes are required for both betaine synthesis and tolerance to high osmotic pressure.

Halotolerant cyanobacterium Aphanothece halophytica contains a betaine transporter active at alkaline pH and high salinity

Aphanothece halophytica is a halotolerant alkaliphilic cyanobacterium which can grow in media of up to 3.0 M NaCl and pH 11. This cyanobacterium can synthesize betaine from glycine by three-step methylation using S-adenosylmethionine as a methyl donor. To unveil the mechanism of betaine uptake and efflux in this alkaliphile, we isolated and characterized a betaine transporter. A gene encoding a protein (BetT(A. halophytica)) that belongs to the betaine-choline-carnitine transporter (BCCT) family was isolated. Although the predicted isoelectric pH of a typical BCCT family transporter, OpuD of Bacillus subtilis, is basic, 9.54, that of BetT(A. halophytica) is acidic, 4.58. BetT(A. halophytica) specifically catalyzed the transport of betaine. Choline, gamma-aminobutyric acid, betaine aldehyde, sarcosine, dimethylglycine, and amino acids such as proline did not compete for the uptake of betaine by BetT(A. halophytica). Sodium markedly enhanced betaine uptake rates, whereas potassium and other cations showed no effect, suggesting that BetT(A. halophytica) is a Na(+)-betaine symporter. Betaine uptake activities of BetT(A. halophytica) were high at alkaline pH values, with the optimum pH around 9.0. Freshwater Synechococcus cells overexpressing BetT(A. halophytica) showed NaCl-activated betaine uptake activities with enhanced salt tolerance, allowing growth in seawater supplemented with betaine. Kinetic properties of betaine uptake in Synechococcus cells overexpressing BetT(A. halophytica) were similar to those in A. halophytica cells. These findings indicate that A. halophytica contains a Na(+)-betaine symporter that contributes to the salt stress tolerance at alkaline pH. BetT(A. halophytica) is the first identified transporter for compatible solutes in cyanobacteria.

Proline betaine uptake in Sinorhizobium meliloti: Characterization of Prb, an opp-like ABC transporter regulated by both proline betaine and salinity stress

Sinorhizobium meliloti uses proline betaine (PB) as an osmoprotectant when osmotically stressed and as an energy source in low-osmolarity environments. To fulfill this dual function, two separate PB transporters, BetS and Hut, that contribute to PB uptake at high and low osmolarity, respectively, have been previously identified. Here, we characterized a novel transport system that mediates the uptake of PB at both high and low osmolarities. Sequence analysis of Tn5-luxAB chromosomal insertions from several PB-inducible mutants has revealed the presence of a four-gene locus encoding the components of an ABC transporter, Prb, which belongs to the oligopeptide permease (Opp) family. Surprisingly, prb mutants were impaired in their ability to transport PB, and oligopeptides were not shown to be competitors for PB uptake. Further analysis of Prb specificity has shown its ability to take up other quaternary ammonium compounds such as choline and, to a lesser extent, glycine betaine. Interestingly, salt stress and PB were found to control prb expression in a positive and synergistic way and to increase Prb transport activity. At low osmolarity, Prb is largely implicated in PB uptake by stationary-phase cells, likely to provide PB as a source of carbon and nitrogen. Furthermore, at high osmolarity, the analysis of prb and betS single and double mutants demonstrated that Prb, together with BetS, is a key system for protection by PB.

Overexpression of BetS, a Sinorhizobium meliloti high-affinity betaine transporter, in bacteroids from Medicago sativa nodules sustains nitrogen fixation during early salt stress adaptation

Sinorhizobium meliloti possesses several betaine transporters to cope with salt stress, and BetS represents a crucial high-affinity glycine and proline betaine uptake system involved in the rapid acquisition of betaines by cells subjected to osmotic upshock. Using a transcriptional lacZ (beta-galactosidase) fusion, we showed that betS is expressed during the establishment of the symbiosis and in mature nitrogen-fixing nodules. However, neither Nod nor Fix phenotypes were impaired in a betS mutant. BetS is functional in isolated bacteroids, and its activity is strongly activated by high osmolarity. In bacteroids from a betS mutant, glycine betaine and proline betaine uptake was reduced by 85 to 65%, indicating that BetS is a major component of the overall betaine uptake activity in bacteroids in response to osmotic stress. Upon betS overexpression (strain UNA349) in free-living cells, glycine betaine transport was 2.3-fold higher than in the wild-type strain. Interestingly, the accumulation of proline betaine, the endogenous betaine synthesized by alfalfa plants, was 41% higher in UNA349 bacteroids from alfalfa plants subjected to 1 week of salinization (0.3 M NaCl) than in wild-type bacteroids. In parallel, a much better maintenance of nitrogen fixation activity was observed in 7-day-salinized plants nodulated with the overexpressing strain than in wild-type nodulated plants. Taken altogether, these results are consistent with the major role of BetS as an emergency system involved in the rapid uptake of betaines in isolated and in planta osmotically stressed bacteroids of S. meliloti.

OusB, a broad-specificity ABC-type transporter from Erwinia chrysanthemi, mediates uptake of glycine betaine and choline with a high affinity

The ability of Erwinia chrysanthemi to cope with environments of elevated osmolality is due in part to the transport and accumulation of osmoprotectants. In this study we have identified a high-affinity glycine betaine and choline transport system in E. chrysanthemi. By using a pool of Tn5-B21 ousA mutants, we isolated a mutant that could grow in the presence of a toxic analogue of glycine betaine (benzyl-glycine betaine) at high osmolalities. This mutant was impaired in its ability to transport all effective osmoprotectants in E. chrysanthemi. The DNA sequence of the regions flanking the transposon insertion site revealed three chromosomal genes (ousVWX) that encode components of an ABC-type transporter (OusB): OusV (ATPase), OusW (permease), and OusX (periplasmic binding protein). The OusB components showed a significant degree of sequence identity to components of ProU from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli. OusB was found to restore the uptake of glycine betaine and choline through functional complementation of an E. coli mutant defective in both ProU and ProP osmoprotectant uptake systems. Competition experiments demonstrated that choline, dimethylsulfoniacetate, dimethylsulfoniopropionate, and ectoine were effective competitors for OusB-mediated betaine transport but that carnitine, pipecolate, and proline were not effective. In addition, the analysis of single and double mutants showed that OusA and OusB were the only osmoprotectant transporters operating in E. chrysanthemi.

Ectoine-induced proteins in Sinorhizobium meliloti include an Ectoine ABC-type transporter involved in osmoprotection and ectoine catabolism

To understand the mechanisms of ectoine-induced osmoprotection in Sinorhizobium meliloti, a proteomic examination of S. meliloti cells grown in minimal medium supplemented with ectoine was undertaken. This revealed the induction of 10 proteins. The protein products of eight genes were identified by using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Five of these genes, with four other genes whose products were not detected on two-dimensional gels, belong to the same gene cluster, which is localized on the pSymB megaplasmid. Four of the nine genes encode the characteristic components of an ATP-binding cassette transporter that was named ehu, for ectoine/hydroxyectoine uptake. This transporter was encoded by four genes (ehuA, ehuB, ehuC, and ehuD) that formed an operon with another gene cluster that contains five genes, named eutABCDE for ectoine utilization. On the basis of sequence homologies, eutABCDE encode enzymes with putative and hypothetical functions in ectoine catabolism. Analysis of the properties of ehuA and eutA mutants suggests that S. meliloti possesses at least one additional ectoine catabolic pathway as well as a lower-affinity transport system for ectoine and hydroxyectoine. The expression of ehuB, as determined by measurements of UidA activity, was shown to be induced by ectoine and hydroxyectoine but not by glycine betaine or by high osmolality.

Functional expression of Sinorhizobium meliloti BetS, a high-affinity betaine transporter, in Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA110

Among the Rhizobiaceae, Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain USDA110 appears to be extremely salt sensitive, and the presence of glycine betaine cannot restore its growth in medium with an increased osmolarity (E. Boncompagni, M. Osteras, M. C. Poggi, and D. Le Rudulier, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65:2072-2077, 1999). In order to improve the salt tolerance of B. japonicum, cells were transformed with the betS gene of Sinorhizobium meliloti. This gene encodes a major glycine betaine/proline betaine transporter from the betaine choline carnitine transporter family and is required for early osmotic adjustment. Whereas betaine transport was absent in the USDA110 strain, such transformation induced glycine betaine and proline betaine uptake in an osmotically dependent manner. Salt-treated transformed cells accumulated large amounts of glycine betaine, which was not catabolized. However, the accumulation was reversed through rapid efflux during osmotic downshock. An increased tolerance of transformant cells to a moderate NaCl concentration (80 mM) was also observed in the presence of glycine betaine or proline betaine, whereas the growth of the wild-type strain was totally abolished at 80 mM NaCl. Surprisingly, the deleterious effect due to a higher salt concentration (100 mM) could not be overcome by glycine betaine, despite a significant accumulation of this compound. Cell viability was not significantly affected in the presence of 100 mM NaCl, whereas 75% cell death occurred at 150 mM NaCl. The absence of a potential gene encoding Na(+)/H(+) antiporters in B. japonicum could explain its very high Na(+) sensitivity.

Salt-tolerance genes involved in cation efflux and osmoregulation of Sinorhizobium fredii RT19 detected by isolation and characterization of Tn5 mutants

Salt-tolerance genes of Sinorhizobium fredii RT19 were identified by the construction and screening of a transposon Tn5-1063 library containing over 30,000 clones. Twenty-one salt-sensitive mutants were obtained and five different genes were identified by sequencing. Eight mutants were found with disruptions in the phaA2 gene, which encodes a cation efflux system protein, while mutations in genes encoding other cation effux system proteins were found in seven (phaD2), two (phaF2) and two (phaG2) mutants. A mutation in the metH gene, encoding 5' methyltetrahydrofolate homocysteine methyltransferase, was found in two of the salt sensitive strains. Growth experiments showed that phaA2, phaD2, phaF2 and phaG2 mutants were hypersensitive to Na+/Li+ and slightly sensitive to K+ and not sensitive to sucrose and that metH mutants were highly sensitive to any of Na+, Li+, K+ and sucrose. Na+ intracellular content measurements established that phaA2, phaD2, phaF2 and phaG2 are mainly involved in the Na+ efflux in S. fredii RT19. Recovery of growth of the metH mutants incubated with different concentrations of NaCl could be obtained by additions of methionine, choline and betaine, which showed that the metH gene is probably involved in osmoregulation in S. fredii RT19.

Isolation of salt-sensitive mutants from Sinorhizobium meliloti and characterization of genes involved in salt tolerance

AIMS

The purpose of our research is to isolate salt-sensitive mutants and to study the genes involved in salt tolerance of the salt-tolerant bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti 042BM.

METHODS

Wild type S. meliloti 042BM bacteria are able to grow at a NaCl concentration of 0.6 mol l(-1). A transposon Tn5-1063a mutagenesis library of S. meliloti 042BM was constructed and eight salt-sensitive mutants were isolated, which were unable to growth on FY plates containing 0.4 mol l(-1) NaCl.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our interest is to provide information about the mechanism of salt tolerance in bacteria by studying the genes involved in salt tolerance. Here, seven different genes were identified. These genes include omp10 encoding a cell outer membrane protein, relA encoding (p)ppGpp synthetase, greA encoding a transcription cleavage factor, nuoL encoding NADH dehydrogenase I chain L transmembrane protein, a putative nuclease/helicase gene and two unknown genes. Based on these findings, we suggest that the regulation of salt tolerance of S. meliloti 042BM is complex and on several levels.

Proline betaine accumulation and metabolism in alfalfa plants under sodium chloride stress. Exploring its compartmentalization in nodules

The osmoprotectant Pro betaine is the main betaine identified in alfalfa (Medicago sativa). We have investigated the long-term responses of nodulated alfalfa plants to salt stress, with a particular interest for Pro betaine accumulation, compartmentalization, and metabolism. Exposure of 3-week-old nodulated alfalfa plants to 0.2 m NaCl for 4 weeks was followed by a 10-, 4-, and 8-fold increase in Pro betaine in shoots, roots, and nodules, respectively. Isotope-labeling studies in alfalfa shoots indicate that [14C]Pro betaine was synthesized from l-[14C]Pro. [14C]Pro betaine was efficiently catabolized through sequential demethylations via N-methylPro and Pro. Salt stress had a minor effect on Pro betaine biosynthesis, whereas it strongly reduced Pro betaine turnover. Analysis of Pro betaine and Pro compartmentalization within nodules revealed that 4 weeks of salinization of the host plants induced a strong increase in cytosol and bacteroids. The estimated Pro betaine and Pro concentrations in salt-stressed bacteroids reached 7.4 and 11.8 mm, respectively, compared to only 0.8 mm in control bacteroids. Na+ content in nodule compartments was also enhanced under salinization, leading to a concentration of 14.7 mm in bacteroids. [14C]Pro betaine and [14C]Pro were taken up by purified symbiosomes and free bacteroids. There was no indication of saturable carrier(s), and the rate of uptake was moderately enhanced by salinization. Ultrastructural analysis showed a large peribacteroid space in salt-stressed nodules, suggesting an increased turgor pressure inside the symbiosomes, which might partially be due to an elevated concentration in Pro, Pro betaine, and Na+ in this compartment.

Role of ectoine in Vibrio cholerae osmoadaptation

Vibrio cholerae is both an intestinal pathogen and a microbe in the estuarine community. To persist in the estuarine environment, V. cholerae must adjust to changes in ionic composition and osmolarity. These changes in the aquatic environment have been correlated with cholera epidemics. In this work, we study the response of V. cholerae to increases in environmental osmolarity. Optimal growth of V. cholerae in minimal medium requires supplementation with 200 mM NaCl and KCl. However, when the NaCl concentration is increased beyond 200 mM, a proportionate delay in growth is observed. During this delay in growth, osmotic equilibrium is reached by cytoplasmic accumulation of small, uncharged solutes that are compatible with growth. We show that synthesis of the compatible solute ectoine and transport of the compatible solute glycine betaine impact the length of the osmoadaptive growth delay. We also demonstrate that high-osmolarity-adapted V. cholerae displays a growth advantage when competed against unadapted cells in high-osmolarity medium. In contrast, low-osmolarity-adapted V. cholerae displays no growth advantage when competed against high-osmolarity-adapted cells in low-osmolarity medium. These results may have implications for V. cholerae population dynamics when seawater and freshwater and their attendant microbes mix.

Osmoregulatory systems of Escherichia coli: identification of betaine-carnitine-choline transporter family member BetU and distributions of betU and trkG among pathogenic and nonpathogenic isolates

Multiple transporters mediate osmoregulatory solute accumulation in Escherichia coli K-12. The larger genomes of naturally occurring strains such as pyelonephritis isolates CFT073 and HU734 may encode additional osmoregulatory systems. CFT073 is more osmotolerant than HU734 in the absence of organic osmoprotectants, yet both strains grew in high osmolality medium at low K(+) (micromolar concentrations) and retained locus trkH, which encodes an osmoregulatory K(+) transporter. Both lacked the trkH homologue trkG. Transporters ProP and ProU account for all glycine-betaine uptake activity in E. coli K-12 and CFT073, but not in HU734, yet elimination of ProP and ProU impairs the growth of HU734, but not CFT073, in high osmolality human urine. No known osmoprotectant stimulated the growth of CFT073 in high osmolality minimal medium, but putative transporters YhjE, YiaMNO, and YehWXYZ may mediate uptake of additional osmoprotectants. Gene betU was isolated from HU734 by functional complementation and shown to encode a betaine uptake system that belongs to the betaine-choline-carnitine transporter family. The incidence of trkG and betU within the ECOR collection, representatives of the E. coli pathotypes (PATH), and additional strains associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) were determined. Gene trkG was present in 66% of the ECOR collection but only in 16% of the PATH and UTI collections. Gene betU was more frequently detected in ECOR groups B2 and D (50% of isolates) than in groups A, B1, and E (20%), but it was similar in overall incidence in the ECOR collection and in the combined UTI and PATH collections (32 and 34%, respectively). Genes trkG and betU may have been acquired by lateral gene transfer, since trkG is part of the rac prophage and betU is flanked by putative insertion sequences. Thus, BetU and TrkG contribute, with other systems, to the osmoregulatory capacity of the species E. coli, but they are not characteristic of a particular phylogenetic group or pathotype.

Construction and validation of a Sinorhizobium meliloti whole genome DNA microarray: genome-wide profiling of osmoadaptive gene expression

Based on the complete Sinorhizobium meliloti genome sequence we established DNA microarrays as a comprehensive tool for systematic genome-wide gene expression analysis in S. meliloti 1021. For these PCR fragment-based microarrays, called Sm6kPCR, a collection of probes for the 6207 predicted protein-coding genes consisting of 6046 gene-specific PCR fragments and 161 70 mer oligonucleotides was arrayed in high density on glass slides. To obtain these PCR fragments primer pairs were designed to amplify internal gene-specific DNA fragments of 80-350 bp. Additionally, these primers were characterized by a 5' extension that allowed for reamplification using standard primers after the first amplification employing the specific primers. In order to ascertain the quality of the Sm6kPCR microarrays and to validate gene expression studies in S. meliloti parallel hybridizations based on RNA samples obtained from cells cultured under identical conditions were performed. In addition, gene expression in S. meliloti in response to an osmotic upshift imposed by the addition of 0.38 M NaCl was monitored. 137 genes were identified showing significant changes in gene expression resulting from the osmotic upshift. From these genes 52 were induced and 85 genes were repressed. Among the genes displaying different RNA levels some functional groups could be identified that are particularly remarkable. Repression was observed for 8 genes related to motility and chemotaxis, 7 genes encoding amino acid biosynthesis enzymes and 15 genes involved in iron uptake whereas 14 genes involved in transport of small molecules and 4 genes related to polysaccharide biosynthesis were induced.