1
|
Valenzuela-García LI, Alarcón-Herrera MT, Ayala-García VM, Barraza-Salas M, Salas-Pacheco JM, Díaz-Valles JF, Pedraza-Reyes M. Design of a Whole-Cell Biosensor Based on Bacillus subtilis Spores and the Green Fluorescent Protein To Monitor Arsenic. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0043223. [PMID: 37284752 PMCID: PMC10433799 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00432-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based whole-cell biosensor (WCB-GFP) for monitoring arsenic (As) was developed in Bacillus subtilis. To this end, we designed a reporter gene fusion carrying the gfpmut3a gene under the control of the promoter/operator region of the arsenic operon (Pars::gfpmut3a) in the extrachromosomal plasmid pAD123. This construct was transformed into B. subtilis 168, and the resultant strain was used as a whole-cell biosensor (BsWCB-GFP) for the detection of As. The BsWCB-GFP was specifically activated by inorganic As(III) and As(V), but not by dimethylarsinic acid [DMA(V)], and exhibited high tolerance to the noxious effects of arsenic. Accordingly, after 12 h exposure, B. subtilis cells carrying the Pars::gfpmut3a fusion exhibited 50 and 90% lethal doses (LD50 and LD90) to As(III) of 0.89 mM and As 1.71 mM, respectively. Notably, dormant spores from the BsWCB-GFP were able to report the presence of As(III) in a concentration range from 0.1 to 1,000 μM 4 h after the onset of germination. In summary, the specificity and high sensitivity for As, as well as its ability to proliferate under concentrations of the metal that are considered toxic in water and soil, makes the B. subtilis biosensor developed here a potentially important tool for monitoring environmental samples contaminated with this pollutant. IMPORTANCE Arsenic (As) contamination of groundwater is associated with serious worldwide health risks. Detection of this pollutant at concentrations that are established as permissible for water consumption by WHO is a matter of significant interest. Here, we report the generation of a whole-cell biosensor for As detection in the Gram-positive spore former B. subtilis. This biosensor reports the presence of inorganic As, activating the expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the promoter/operator of the ars operon. The biosensor can proliferate under concentrations of As(III) that are considered toxic in water and soil and detect this ion at concentrations as low as 0.1 μM. Of note, spores of the Pars-GFP biosensor exhibited the ability to detect As(III) following germination and outgrowth. Therefore, this novel tool has the potential to be directly applied to monitor As contamination in environmental samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luz I. Valenzuela-García
- Department of Sustainable Engineering, Advanced Materials Research Center (CIMAV), Arroyo Seco, Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Víctor M. Ayala-García
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Marcelo Barraza-Salas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - José Manuel Salas-Pacheco
- Instituto de Investigación Científica, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhuang F, Huang J, Li H, Peng X, Xia L, Zhou L, Zhang T, Liu Z, He Q, Luo F, Yin H, Meng D. Biogeochemical behavior and pollution control of arsenic in mining areas: A review. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1043024. [PMID: 37032850 PMCID: PMC10080717 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1043024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is one of the most toxic metalloids that possess many forms. As is constantly migrating from abandoned mining area to the surrounding environment in both oxidation and reducing conditions, threatening human health and ecological safety. The biogeochemical reaction of As included oxidation, reduction, methylation, and demethylation, which is closely associated with microbial metabolisms. The study of the geochemical behavior of arsenic in mining areas and the microbial remediation of arsenic pollution have great potential and are hot spots for the prevention and remediation of arsenic pollution. In this study, we review the distribution and migration of arsenic in the mining area, focus on the geochemical cycle of arsenic under the action of microorganisms, and summarize the factors influencing the biogeochemical cycle of arsenic, and strategies for arsenic pollution in mining areas are also discussed. Finally, the problems of the risk control strategies and the future development direction are prospected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy Ministry of Education, School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy Ministry of Education, School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongguang Li
- Chenzhou Tobacco Company of Hunan Province, Chenzhou, China
| | - Xing Peng
- Hunan Renhe Environment Co., Ltd., Changsha, China
| | - Ling Xia
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy, Beijing, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy Ministry of Education, School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy Ministry of Education, School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Feng Luo
- School of Computing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Huaqun Yin
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy Ministry of Education, School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Delong Meng
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy Ministry of Education, School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Delong Meng
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ersoy Omeroglu E, Sudagidan M, Ogun E. Arsenic Pollution and Anaerobic Arsenic Metabolizing Bacteria in Lake Van, the World's Largest Soda Lake. Life (Basel) 2022; 12. [PMID: 36431035 DOI: 10.3390/life12111900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic is responsible for water pollution in many places around the world and presents a serious health risk for people. Lake Van is the world's largest soda lake, and there are no studies on seasonal arsenic pollution and arsenic-resistant bacteria. We aimed to determine the amount of arsenic in the lake water and sediment, to isolate arsenic-metabolizing anaerobic bacteria and their identification, and determination of arsenic metabolism. Sampling was done from 7.5 m to represent the four seasons. Metal contents were determined by using ICP-MS. Pure cultures were obtained using the Hungate technique. Growth characteristics of the strains were determined at different conditions as well as at arsenate and arsenite concentrations. Molecular studies were also carried out for various resistance genes. Our results showed that Lake Van's total arsenic amount changes seasonally. As a result of 16S rRNA sequencing, it was determined that the isolates were members of 8 genera with arsC resistance genes. In conclusion, to sustain water resources, it is necessary to prevent chemical and microorganism-based pollution. It is thought that the arsenic-resistant bacteria obtained as a result of this study will contribute to the solution of environmental arsenic pollution problems, as they are the first data and provide the necessary basic data for the bioremediation studies of arsenic from contaminated environmental habitats. At the same time, the first data that will contribute to the creation of the seasonal arsenic map of Lake Van are obtained.
Collapse
|
4
|
Bustaffa E, Gorini F, Bianchi F, Minichilli F. Factors Affecting Arsenic Methylation in Contaminated Italian Areas. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17145226. [PMID: 32698366 PMCID: PMC7399830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17145226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic arsenic (As) exposure is a critical public health issue. The As metabolism can be influenced by many factors. The objective of this study is to verify if these factors influence As metabolism in four Italian areas affected by As pollution. Descriptive analyses were conducted on 271 subjects aged 20-49 in order to assess the effect of each factor considered on As methylation. Percentages of metabolites of As in urine, primary and secondary methylation indexes were calculated as indicators for metabolic capacity. The results indicate that women have a better methylation capacity (MC) than men, and drinking As-contaminated water from public aqueducts is associated with poorer MC, especially in areas with natural As pollution. In areas with anthropogenic As pollution occupational exposure is associated with a higher MC while smoking with a poorer MC. Dietary habits and genetic characteristics are probably implicated in As metabolism. BMI, alcohol consumption and polymorphism of the AS3MT gene seem not to influence As MC. Arsenic metabolism may be affected by various factors and in order to achieve a comprehensive risk assessment of As-associated disease, it is crucial to understand how these factors contribute to differences in As metabolism.
Collapse
|
5
|
Cernava T, Vasfiu Q, Erlacher A, Aschenbrenner IA, Francesconi K, Grube M, Berg G. Adaptions of Lichen Microbiota Functioning Under Persistent Exposure to Arsenic Contamination. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2959. [PMID: 30555453 PMCID: PMC6283889 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Host-associated microbiota play an important role in the health and persistence of more complex organisms. In this study, metagenomic analyses were used to reveal microbial community adaptations in three lichen samples as a response to different arsenic concentrations at the sampling sites. Elevated arsenic concentrations at a former mining site expanded the spectrum and number of relevant functions in the lichen-associated microorganisms. Apparent changes affected the abundance of numerous detoxification-related genes, they were substantially enhanced in arsenic-polluted samples. Complementary quantifications of the arsenite S-adenosylmethionine methyltransferase (arsM) gene showed that its abundance is not strictly responding to the environmental arsenic concentrations. The analyzed samples contained rather low numbers of the arsM gene with a maximum of 202 gene copies μl-1 in total community DNA extracts. In addition, bacterial isolates were screened for the presence of arsM. Positive isolates were exposed to different As(III) and As(V) concentrations and tolerated up to 30 mM inorganic arsenic in fluid media, while no substantial biotransformations were observed. Obtained data deepens our understanding related to adaptions of whole microbial communities to adverse environmental conditions. Moreover, this study provides the first evidence that the integrity of bacteria in the lichen holobiont is maintained by acquisition of specific resistances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Cernava
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Qerimane Vasfiu
- Institute of Chemistry, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Armin Erlacher
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Kevin Francesconi
- Institute of Chemistry, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Grube
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gabriele Berg
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Politi J, Spadavecchia J, Fiorentino G, Antonucci I, De Stefano L. Arsenate reductase from Thermus thermophilus conjugated to polyethylene glycol-stabilized gold nanospheres allow trace sensing and speciation of arsenic ions. J R Soc Interface 2017; 13:rsif.2016.0629. [PMID: 27707908 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Water sources pollution by arsenic ions is a serious environmental problem all around the world. Arsenate reductase enzyme (TtArsC) from Thermus thermophilus extremophile bacterium, naturally binds arsenic ions, As(V) and As (III), in aqueous solutions. In this research, TtArsC enzyme adsorption onto hybrid polyethylene glycol-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was studied at different pH values as an innovative nanobiosystem for metal concentration monitoring. Characterizations were performed by UV/Vis and circular dichroism spectroscopies, TEM images and in terms of surface charge changes. The molecular interaction between arsenic ions and the TtArsC-AuNPs nanobiosystem was also monitored at all pH values considered by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Tests performed revealed high sensitivities and limits of detection equal to 10 ± 3 M-12 and 7.7 ± 0.3 M-12 for As(III) and As(V), respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Politi
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Unit of Naples-National Research Council, via P. Castellino 111, 80127 Naples, Italy
| | - Jolanda Spadavecchia
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris VI, Laboratoire de Réactivité de Surface, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France CNRS, UMR 7244, CSPBAT, Laboratoire de Chimie, Structures et Propriétés de Biomateriaux et d'Agents Therapeutiques Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Gabriella Fiorentino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Cynthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Immacolata Antonucci
- Department of Biology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Cynthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca De Stefano
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Unit of Naples-National Research Council, via P. Castellino 111, 80127 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dhankher OP, Rosen BP, McKinney EC, Meagher RB. Hyperaccumulation of arsenic in the shoots of Arabidopsis silenced for arsenate reductase (ACR2). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:5413-8. [PMID: 16567632 PMCID: PMC1459369 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0509770102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous plant arsenate reductase (ACR) activity converts arsenate to arsenite in roots, immobilizing arsenic below ground. By blocking this activity, we hoped to construct plants that would mobilize more arsenate aboveground. We have identified a single gene in the Arabidopsis thaliana genome, ACR2, with moderate sequence homology to yeast arsenate reductase. Expression of ACR2 cDNA in Escherichia coli complemented the arsenate-resistant and arsenate-sensitive phenotypes of various bacterial ars operon mutants. RNA interference reduced ACR2 protein expression in Arabidopsis to as low as 2% of wild-type levels. The various knockdown plant lines were more sensitive to high concentrations of arsenate, but not arsenite, than wild type. The knockdown lines accumulated 10- to 16-fold more arsenic in shoots (350-500 ppm) and retained less arsenic in roots than wild type, when grown on arsenate medium with <8 ppm arsenic. Reducing expression of ACR2 homologs in tree, shrub, and grass species should play a vital role in the phytoremediation of environmental arsenic contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Barry P. Rosen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201
| | | | - Richard B. Meagher
- *Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7223; and
| |
Collapse
|