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Hoover RL, Keffer JL, Polson SW, Chan CS. Gallionellaceae pangenomic analysis reveals insight into phylogeny, metabolic flexibility, and iron oxidation mechanisms. mSystems 2023; 8:e0003823. [PMID: 37882557 PMCID: PMC10734462 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00038-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Neutrophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) produce copious iron (oxyhydr)oxides that can profoundly influence biogeochemical cycles, notably the fate of carbon and many metals. To fully understand environmental microbial iron oxidation, we need a thorough accounting of iron oxidation mechanisms. In this study, we show the Gallionellaceae FeOB genomes encode both characterized iron oxidases as well as uncharacterized multiheme cytochromes (MHCs). MHCs are predicted to transfer electrons from extracellular substrates and likely confer metabolic capabilities that help Gallionellaceae occupy a range of different iron- and mineral-rich niches. Gallionellaceae appear to specialize in iron oxidation, so it would be advantageous for them to have multiple mechanisms to oxidize various forms of iron, given the many iron minerals on Earth, as well as the physiological and kinetic challenges faced by FeOB. The multiple iron/mineral oxidation mechanisms may help drive the widespread ecological success of Gallionellaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene L. Hoover
- Microbiology Graduate Program, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Jessica L. Keffer
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Shawn W. Polson
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Clara S. Chan
- Microbiology Graduate Program, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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2
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Sohn-Hausner N, Kmetiuk LB, da Silva EC, Langoni H, Biondo AW. One Health Approach to Leptospirosis: Dogs as Environmental Sentinels for Identification and Monitoring of Human Risk Areas in Southern Brazil. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:435. [PMID: 37755896 PMCID: PMC10534403 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis has been a neglected, widespread and reemerging zoonotic disease of global importance. The One Health holistic approach combining human, animal and environmental health has been important for control and prevention of zoonotic disease. An urban municipality in Southern Brazil with a high prevalence of leptospirosis was selected by convenience, with asymptomatic human and canine individuals serologically tested using MAT against 30 Leptospira spp. serovars. Epidemiological questionnaires were assessed along with the historical national database, with associated risk factors to dog and human seropositivity analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The spatial distribution of retrospective human leptospirosis cases was analyzed using a Kernel map and overlapped dog seropositivity and historical flooding areas, demonstrating that domestic and asymptomatic dogs may be important environmental sentinels for leptospirosis in such urban areas, even in the absence of human seropositivity and low canine seropositivity. Associated risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs and humans according to multiple regression included healthy dogs (p = 0.02, odds ratio-OR = 0.17, confidence interval of 95%CI 0.03-0.71) with indoor access (p = 0.059, OR = 5.12, 95%CI 1.10-37.7) and human males (p = 0.042, OR = 2.44, 95%CI 1.08-6.11) with presenting calf pain (p = 0.005, OR = 3.14, 95%CI 1.46-7. 14), jaundice (p < 0.001, OR = 4.61, 95%CI 2.11-10.10) and renal failure (p = 0.008, OR = 4.49, 95%CI 1.49-13.76). The greater the rain precipitation (above 3 mm of average annual precipitation), the higher the number of leptospirosis cases in humans. In conclusion, dog active serosurvey and rain precipitation should be systematically reported and plotted altogether as a basis for the early detection and monitoring of human risk areas. Such findings may serve as a basis for public health policies in Brazil and other endemic countries worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Sohn-Hausner
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80035-050, PR, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80035-050, PR, Brazil
| | - Evelyn Cristine da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil
| | - Helio Langoni
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80035-050, PR, Brazil
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3
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Slow S, Anderson T, Murdoch DR, Bloomfield S, Winter D, Biggs PJ. Extensive epigenetic modification with large-scale chromosomal and plasmid recombination characterise the Legionella longbeachae serogroup 1 genome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5810. [PMID: 35388097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09721-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella longbeachae is an environmental bacterium that is the most clinically significant Legionella species in New Zealand (NZ), causing around two-thirds of all notified cases of Legionnaires’ disease. Here we report the sequencing and analysis of the geo-temporal genetic diversity of 54 L. longbeachae serogroup 1 (sg1) clinical isolates, derived from cases from around NZ over a 22-year period, including one complete genome and its associated methylome. The 54 sg1 isolates belonged to two main clades that last shared a common ancestor between 95 BCE and 1694 CE. There was diversity at the genome-structural level, with large-scale arrangements occurring in some regions of the chromosome and evidence of extensive chromosomal and plasmid recombination. This includes the presence of plasmids derived from recombination and horizontal gene transfer between various Legionella species, indicating there has been both intra- and inter-species gene flow. However, because similar plasmids were found among isolates within each clade, plasmid recombination events may pre-empt the emergence of new L. longbeachae strains. Our complete NZ reference genome consisted of a 4.1 Mb chromosome and a 108 kb plasmid. The genome was highly methylated with two known epigenetic modifications, m4C and m6A, occurring in particular sequence motifs within the genome.
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Ahmad A, Munawar N, Khan Z, Qusmani AT, Khan SH, Jamil A, Ashraf S, Ghouri MZ, Aslam S, Mubarik MS, Munir A, Sultan Q, Abd-Elsalam KA, Qari SH. An Outlook on Global Regulatory Landscape for Genome-Edited Crops. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11753. [PMID: 34769204 PMCID: PMC8583973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary technology of CRISPR/Cas systems and their extraordinary potential to address fundamental questions in every field of biological sciences has led to their developers being awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. In agriculture, CRISPR/Cas systems have accelerated the development of new crop varieties with improved traits-without the need for transgenes. However, the future of this technology depends on a clear and truly global regulatory framework being developed for these crops. Some CRISPR-edited crops are already on the market, and yet countries and regions are still divided over their legal status. CRISPR editing does not require transgenes, making CRISPR crops more socially acceptable than genetically modified crops, but there is vigorous debate over how to regulate these crops and what precautionary measures are required before they appear on the market. This article reviews intended outcomes and risks arising from the site-directed nuclease CRISPR systems used to improve agricultural crop plant genomes. It examines how various CRISPR system components, and potential concerns associated with CRISPR/Cas, may trigger regulatory oversight of CRISPR-edited crops. The article highlights differences and similarities between GMOs and CRISPR-edited crops, and discusses social and ethical concerns. It outlines the regulatory framework for GMO crops, which many countries also apply to CRISPR-edited crops, and the global regulatory landscape for CRISPR-edited crops. The article concludes with future prospects for CRISPR-edited crops and their products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aftab Ahmad
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Nayla Munawar
- Department of Chemistry, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Zulqurnain Khan
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, MNS University of Agriculture Multan, Multan 60000, Pakistan;
| | - Alaa T. Qusmani
- Biology Department, Al-Jumum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24243, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sultan Habibullah Khan
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
- Center for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Amer Jamil
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
- Center for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Ashraf
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Muhammad Zubair Ghouri
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
- Center for Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sabin Aslam
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
| | - Muhammad Salman Mubarik
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
| | - Ahmad Munir
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.J.); (S.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Qaiser Sultan
- Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CASAFS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.H.K.); (M.Z.G.); (S.A.); (M.S.M.); (Q.S.)
| | - Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
- Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza 12619, Egypt;
| | - Sameer H. Qari
- Molecular Biology Central Laboratory (GMCL), Department of Biology/Genetics, Aljumum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24243, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Ahmad A, Munawar N, Khan Z, Qusmani AT, Khan SH, Jamil A, Ashraf S, Ghouri MZ, Aslam S, Mubarik MS, Munir A, Sultan Q, Abd-Elsalam KA, Qari SH. An Outlook on Global Regulatory Landscape for Genome-Edited Crops. Int J Mol Sci 2021. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary technology of CRISPR/Cas systems and their extraordinary potential to address fundamental questions in every field of biological sciences has led to their developers being awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. In agriculture, CRISPR/Cas systems have accelerated the development of new crop varieties with improved traits—without the need for transgenes. However, the future of this technology depends on a clear and truly global regulatory framework being developed for these crops. Some CRISPR-edited crops are already on the market, and yet countries and regions are still divided over their legal status. CRISPR editing does not require transgenes, making CRISPR crops more socially acceptable than genetically modified crops, but there is vigorous debate over how to regulate these crops and what precautionary measures are required before they appear on the market. This article reviews intended outcomes and risks arising from the site-directed nuclease CRISPR systems used to improve agricultural crop plant genomes. It examines how various CRISPR system components, and potential concerns associated with CRISPR/Cas, may trigger regulatory oversight of CRISPR-edited crops. The article highlights differences and similarities between GMOs and CRISPR-edited crops, and discusses social and ethical concerns. It outlines the regulatory framework for GMO crops, which many countries also apply to CRISPR-edited crops, and the global regulatory landscape for CRISPR-edited crops. The article concludes with future prospects for CRISPR-edited crops and their products.
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6
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Ahmad A, Munawar N, Khan Z, Qusmani AT, Khan SH, Jamil A, Ashraf S, Ghouri MZ, Aslam S, Mubarik MS, Munir A, Sultan Q, Abd-Elsalam KA, Qari SH. An Outlook on Global Regulatory Landscape for Genome-Edited Crops. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22. [PMID: 34769204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary technology of CRISPR/Cas systems and their extraordinary potential to address fundamental questions in every field of biological sciences has led to their developers being awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. In agriculture, CRISPR/Cas systems have accelerated the development of new crop varieties with improved traits-without the need for transgenes. However, the future of this technology depends on a clear and truly global regulatory framework being developed for these crops. Some CRISPR-edited crops are already on the market, and yet countries and regions are still divided over their legal status. CRISPR editing does not require transgenes, making CRISPR crops more socially acceptable than genetically modified crops, but there is vigorous debate over how to regulate these crops and what precautionary measures are required before they appear on the market. This article reviews intended outcomes and risks arising from the site-directed nuclease CRISPR systems used to improve agricultural crop plant genomes. It examines how various CRISPR system components, and potential concerns associated with CRISPR/Cas, may trigger regulatory oversight of CRISPR-edited crops. The article highlights differences and similarities between GMOs and CRISPR-edited crops, and discusses social and ethical concerns. It outlines the regulatory framework for GMO crops, which many countries also apply to CRISPR-edited crops, and the global regulatory landscape for CRISPR-edited crops. The article concludes with future prospects for CRISPR-edited crops and their products.
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7
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Rubinstein M, Grossman R, Nissan I, Schwaber MJ, Carmeli Y, Kaidar-Shwartz H, Dveyrin Z, Rorman E. Mycobacterium intracellulare subsp. chimaera from Cardio Surgery Heating-Cooling Units and from Clinical Samples in Israel Are Genetically Unrelated. Pathogens 2021; 10:1392. [PMID: 34832548 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic pathogens that cause illness primarily in the elderly, in the immunocompromised or in patients with underlying lung disease. Since 2013, a global outbreak of NTM infection related to heater-cooler units (HCU) used in cardio-thoracic surgery has been identified. This outbreak was caused by a single strain of Mycobacterium intracellulare subsp. chimaera. In order to estimate the prevalence of this outbreak strain in Israel, we sampled Mycobacterium intracellulare subsp. chimaera from several HCU machines in Israel, as well as from patients, sequenced their genomes and compared them to the outbreak strain. The presence of mixed mycobacteria species in the samples complicated the analysis of obtained sequences. By applying a metagenomic binning strategy, we were able to obtain, and characterize, genomes of single strains from the mixed samples. Mycobacterium intracellulare subsp. chimaera strains were compared to each other and to previously reported genomes from other countries. The strain causing the outbreak related to the HCU machines was identified in several such machines in Israel but not in any clinical sample.
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8
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Yap M, Ercolini D, Álvarez-Ordóñez A, O'Toole PW, O'Sullivan O, Cotter PD. Next-Generation Food Research: Use of Meta-Omic Approaches for Characterizing Microbial Communities Along the Food Chain. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol 2021; 13:361-384. [PMID: 34678075 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-food-052720-010751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Microorganisms exist along the food chain and impact the quality and safety of foods in both positive and negative ways. Identifying and understanding the behavior of these microbial communities enable the implementation of preventative or corrective measures in public health and food industry settings. Current culture-dependent microbial analyses are time-consuming and target only specific subsets of microbes. However, the greater use of culture-independent meta-omic approaches has the potential to facilitate a thorough characterization of the microbial communities along the food chain. Indeed, these methods have shown potential in contributing to outbreak investigation, ensuring food authenticity, assessing the spread of antimicrobial resistance, tracking microbial dynamics during fermentation and processing, and uncovering the factors along the food chain that impact food quality and safety. This review examines the community-based approaches, and particularly the application of sequencing-based meta-omics strategies, for characterizing microbial communities along the food chain. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, Volume 13 is March 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yap
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland; .,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Danilo Ercolini
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy.,Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Avelino Álvarez-Ordóñez
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Universidad de León, León, Spain.,Institute of Food Science and Technology, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Paul W O'Toole
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, County Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Orla O'Sullivan
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland; .,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, County Cork, Ireland.,VistaMilk SFI Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul D Cotter
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland; .,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, County Cork, Ireland.,VistaMilk SFI Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
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9
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Kitajima M, Cruz MC, Williams RBH, Wuertz S, Whittle AJ. Microbial abundance and community composition in biofilms on in-pipe sensors in a drinking water distribution system. Sci Total Environ 2021; 766:142314. [PMID: 33077212 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Collecting biofilm samples from drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) is challenging due to limited access to the pipes during regular operations. We report here the analysis of microbial communities in biofilm and water samples collected from sensors installed in a DWDS where monochloramine is used as a residual disinfectant. A total of 52 biofilm samples and 14 bulk water samples were collected from 17 pipe sections representing different water ages. Prokaryotic genome copies (bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes, Mycobacterium spp., ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and cyanobacteria) were quantified with droplet digital PCR, which revealed the abundance of these genes in both biofilm and water samples. Prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis was carried out for a subset of the samples (12 samples from four sites). Mycobacterium and AOB species were dominant in the DWDS sections with low water age and sufficient residual monochloramine, whereas Nitrospira species (nitrite-oxidizing bacteria) dominated in the sections with higher water age and depleted monochloramine level, suggesting the occurrence of nitrification in the studied DWDS. The present study provides novel information on the abundance and identity of prokaryotes in biofilms and water in a full-scale operational DWDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Kitajima
- Center for Environmental Sensing and Modeling, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore 138602, Singapore; Division of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8628, Japan.
| | - Mercedes C Cruz
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
| | - Rohan B H Williams
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Stefan Wuertz
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Andrew J Whittle
- Center for Environmental Sensing and Modeling, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore 138602, Singapore; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
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10
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Maguire F, Jia B, Gray KL, Lau WYV, Beiko RG, Brinkman FSL. Metagenome-assembled genome binning methods with short reads disproportionately fail for plasmids and genomic Islands. Microb Genom 2020; 6:mgen000436. [PMID: 33001022 PMCID: PMC7660262 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metagenomic methods enable the simultaneous characterization of microbial communities without time-consuming and bias-inducing culturing. Metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) binning methods aim to reassemble individual genomes from this data. However, the recovery of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as plasmids and genomic islands (GIs), by binning has not been well characterized. Given the association of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and virulence factor (VF) genes with MGEs, studying their transmission is a public-health priority. The variable copy number and sequence composition of MGEs makes them potentially problematic for MAG binning methods. To systematically investigate this issue, we simulated a low-complexity metagenome comprising 30 GI-rich and plasmid-containing bacterial genomes. MAGs were then recovered using 12 current prediction pipelines and evaluated. While 82-94 % of chromosomes could be correctly recovered and binned, only 38-44 % of GIs and 1-29 % of plasmid sequences were found. Strikingly, no plasmid-borne VF nor AMR genes were recovered, and only 0-45 % of AMR or VF genes within GIs. We conclude that short-read MAG approaches, without further optimization, are largely ineffective for the analysis of mobile genes, including those of public-health importance, such as AMR and VF genes. We propose that researchers should explore developing methods that optimize for this issue and consider also using unassembled short reads and/or long-read approaches to more fully characterize metagenomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finlay Maguire
- Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Baofeng Jia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Kristen L. Gray
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Wing Yin Venus Lau
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Robert G. Beiko
- Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Fiona S. L. Brinkman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
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11
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Dharamshi JE, Tamarit D, Eme L, Stairs CW, Martijn J, Homa F, Jørgensen SL, Spang A, Ettema TJG. Marine Sediments Illuminate Chlamydiae Diversity and Evolution. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1032-1048.e7. [PMID: 32142706 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial phylum Chlamydiae is so far composed of obligate symbionts of eukaryotic hosts. Well known for Chlamydiaceae, pathogens of humans and other animals, Chlamydiae also include so-called environmental lineages that primarily infect microbial eukaryotes. Environmental surveys indicate that Chlamydiae are found in a wider range of environments than anticipated previously. However, the vast majority of this chlamydial diversity has been underexplored, biasing our current understanding of their biology, ecological importance, and evolution. Here, we report that previously undetected and active chlamydial lineages dominate microbial communities in deep anoxic marine sediments taken from the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge. Reaching relative abundances of up to 43% of the bacterial community, and a maximum diversity of 163 different species-level taxonomic units, these Chlamydiae represent important community members. Using genome-resolved metagenomics, we reconstructed 24 draft chlamydial genomes, expanding by over a third the known genomic diversity in this phylum. Phylogenomic analyses revealed several novel clades across the phylum, including a previously unknown sister lineage of the Chlamydiaceae, providing new insights into the origin of pathogenicity in this family. We were unable to identify putative eukaryotic hosts for these marine sediment chlamydiae, despite identifying genomic features that may be indicative of host-association. The high abundance and genomic diversity of Chlamydiae in these anoxic marine sediments indicate that some members could play an important, and thus far overlooked, ecological role in such environments and may indicate alternate lifestyle strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennah E Dharamshi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden
| | - Daniel Tamarit
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden; Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6708 WE, the Netherlands
| | - Laura Eme
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden; Unité d'Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Orsay 91400, France
| | - Courtney W Stairs
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden
| | - Joran Martijn
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Felix Homa
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden; Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6708 WE, the Netherlands
| | - Steffen L Jørgensen
- Department of Earth Science, Centre for Deep Sea Research, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Anja Spang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden; Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, and Utrecht University, Den Burg 1790 AB, the Netherlands
| | - Thijs J G Ettema
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75123, Sweden; Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6708 WE, the Netherlands.
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Bierque E, Thibeaux R, Girault D, Soupé-Gilbert ME, Goarant C. A systematic review of Leptospira in water and soil environments. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227055. [PMID: 31986154 PMCID: PMC6984726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic Leptospira, is a zoonosis of global distribution. This infectious disease is mainly transmitted by indirect exposure to urine of asymptomatic animals via the environment. As human cases generally occur after heavy rain, an emerging hypothesis suggests that rainfall re-suspend leptospires together with soil particles. Bacteria are then carried to surface water, where humans get exposed. It is currently assumed that pathogenic leptospires can survive in the environment but do not multiply. However, little is known on their capacity to survive in a soil and freshwater environment. Methods We conducted a systematic review on Leptospira and leptospirosis in the environment in order to collect current knowledge on the lifestyle of Leptospira in soil and water. In total, 86 scientific articles retrieved from online databases or institutional libraries were included in this study. Principals findings/significance This work identified evidence of survival of Leptospira in the environment but major gaps remain about the survival of virulent species associated with human and animal diseases. Studies providing quantitative data on Leptospira in soil and water are a very recent trend, but must be interpreted with caution because of the uncertainty in the species identification. Several studies mentioned the presence of Leptospira in soils more frequently than in waters, supporting the hypothesis of the soil habitat and dispersion of Leptospira with re-suspended soil particles during heavy rain. In a near future, the growing use of high throughput sequencing will offer new opportunities to improve our understanding of the habitat of Leptospira in the environment. This better insight into the risk of leptospirosis will allow implementing efficient control measures and prevention for the human and animal populations exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Bierque
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Roman Thibeaux
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Dominique Girault
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Marie-Estelle Soupé-Gilbert
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Cyrille Goarant
- Leptospirosis Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
- * E-mail:
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Orata FD, Meier-Kolthoff JP, Sauvageau D, Stein LY. Phylogenomic Analysis of the Gammaproteobacterial Methanotrophs (Order Methylococcales) Calls for the Reclassification of Members at the Genus and Species Levels. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:3162. [PMID: 30631317 PMCID: PMC6315193 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The order Methylococcales constitutes the methanotrophs – bacteria that can metabolize methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as their sole source of energy. These bacteria are significant players in the global carbon cycle and can produce value-added products from methane, such as biopolymers, biofuels, and single-cell proteins for animal feed, among others. Previous studies using single-gene phylogenies have shown inconsistencies in the currently established taxonomic structure of this group. This study aimed to determine and resolve these issues by using whole-genome sequence analyses. Phylogenomic analysis and the use of similarity indexes for genomic comparisons – average amino acid identity, digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH), and average nucleotide identity (ANI) – were performed on 91 Methylococcales genomes. Results suggest the reclassification of members at the genus and species levels. Firstly, to resolve polyphyly of the genus Methylomicrobium, Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum, “Methylomicrobium buryatense,” Methylomicrobium japanense, Methylomicrobium kenyense, and Methylomicrobium pelagicum are reclassified to a newly proposed genus, Methylotuvimicrobium gen. nov.; they are therefore renamed to Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum comb. nov., “Methylotuvimicrobium buryatense” comb. nov., Methylotuvimicrobium japanense comb. nov., Methylotuvimicrobium kenyense comb. nov., and Methylotuvimicrobium pelagicum comb. nov., respectively. Secondly, due to the phylogenetic affinity and phenotypic similarities of Methylosarcina lacus with Methylomicrobium agile and Methylomicrobium album, the reclassification of the former species to Methylomicrobium lacus comb. nov. is proposed. Thirdly, using established same-species delineation thresholds (70% dDDH and 95% ANI), Methylobacter whittenburyi is proposed to be a later heterotypic synonym of Methylobacter marinus (89% dDDH and 99% ANI). Also, the effectively but not validly published “Methylomonas denitrificans” was identified as Methylomonas methanica (92% dDDH and 100% ANI), indicating that the former is a later heterotypic synonym of the latter. Lastly, strains MC09, R-45363, and R-45371, currently identified as M. methanica, each represent a putative novel species of the genus Methylomonas (21–35% dDDH and 74–88% ANI against M. methanica) and were reclassified as Methylomonas sp. strains. It is imperative to resolve taxonomic inconsistencies within this group, first and foremost, to avoid confusion with ecological and evolutionary interpretations in subsequent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabini D Orata
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jan P Meier-Kolthoff
- Department of Microorganisms, Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dominic Sauvageau
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Y Stein
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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