Lipopolysaccharides of Herbaspirillum species and their relevance for bacterium-host interactions

The lipopolysaccharides of Herbaspirillum lusitanum P6-12T (HlP6-12T) and H. frisingense GSF30T (HfGSF30T) was isolated by phenol-water extraction from bacterial cells and was characterized using chemical analysis and SDS-PAGE. It was shown that these bacteria produce LPSs that differ in their physicochemical properties and macromolecular organization. In this paper, the lipid A structure of the HlP6-12T LPS, was characterized through chemical analyses and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. To prove the effect of the size of micelles on their bioavailability, we examined the activity of both LPSs toward the morphology of wheat seedlings. Analysis of the HlP6-12T and HfGSF30T genomes showed no significant differences between the operons that encode proteins involved in the biosynthesis of the lipids A and core oligosaccharides. The difference may be due to the composition of the O-antigen operon. HfGSF30T has two copies of the rfb operon, with the main one divided into two fragments. In contrast, the HlP6-12T genome contains only a single rfb-containing operon, and the other O-antigen operons are not comparable at all. The integrity of O-antigen-related genes may also affect LPS variability of. Specifically, we have observed a hairpin structure in the middle of the O-antigen glycosyltransferase gene, which led to the division of the gene into two fragments, resulting in incorrect protein synthesis and potential abnormalities in O-antigen production.

Significance of Herbaspirillum sp. in biodegradation and biodetoxification of herbicides, pesticides, hydrocarbons and heavy metals - A review

In today's industrialized world, contamination of soil and water with various substances has emerged as a pressing concern. Bioremediation, with its advantages of degradation or detoxification, non-polluting nature, and cost-effectiveness, has become a promising method due to technological advancements. Among the bioremediation agents, bacteria have been highly explored and documented as a productive organism. Recently, few studies have reported on the significance of Herbaspirillum sp., a Gram-negative bacterium, in bioremediating herbicides, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metalloids, and heavy metals, as well as its role in augmenting phytoremediation efforts. Herbaspirillum sp. GW103 leached 66% of Cu from ore materials and significantly enhanced the phytoaccumulation of Pb and Zn in plumule and radical tissues of Zea mays L. plants. Additionally, Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C reduced Se6+ into Se0, resulting in an increased Se0 content in tea plants. Also, Herbaspirillum sp. proved effective in degrading 0.6 mM of 4-chlorophenol, 92.8% of pyrene, 77.4% of fluoranthene, and 16.4% of trifluralin from aqueous solution and soil-water system. Considering these findings, this review underscores the need for further exploration into the pathways of pollutant degradation, the enzymes pivotal in the degradation or detoxification processes, the influence of abiotic factors and pollutants on crucial gene expression, and the potential toxicity of intermediate products generated during the degradation process. This perspective reframes the numerical data to underscore the underutilized potential of Herbaspirillum sp. within the broader context of addressing a significant research gap. This shift in emphasis aligns more closely with the problem-necessity for solution-existing unexplored solution framework.

N-dependent dynamics of root growth and nitrate and ammonium uptake are altered by the bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae in the cereal model Brachypodium distachyon

Nitrogen (N) fixation in cereals by root-associated bacteria is a promising solution for reducing use of chemical N fertilizers in agriculture. However, plant and bacterial responses are unpredictable across environments. We hypothesized that cereal responses to N-fixing bacteria are dynamic, depending on N supply and time. To quantify the dynamics, a gnotobiotic, fabricated ecosystem (EcoFAB) was adapted to analyse N mass balance, to image shoot and root growth, and to measure gene expression of Brachypodium distachyon inoculated with the N-fixing bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae. Phenotyping throughput of EcoFAB-N was 25-30 plants h-1 with open software and imaging systems. Herbaspirillum seropedicae inoculation of B. distachyon shifted root and shoot growth, nitrate versus ammonium uptake, and gene expression with time; directions and magnitude depended on N availability. Primary roots were longer and root hairs shorter regardless of N, with stronger changes at low N. At higher N, H. seropedicae provided 11% of the total plant N that came from sources other than the seed or the nutrient solution. The time-resolved phenotypic and molecular data point to distinct modes of action: at 5 mM NH4NO3 the benefit appears through N fixation, while at 0.5 mM NH4NO3 the mechanism appears to be plant physiological, with H. seropedicae promoting uptake of N from the root medium.Future work could fine-tune plant and root-associated microorganisms to growth and nutrient dynamics.

Inoculation of Herbaspirillum seropedicae strain SmR1 increases biomass in maize roots DKB 390 variety in the early stages of plant development

Herbaspirillum seropedicae is a plant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from diverse plant species. In this work, the main objective was to investigate the efficiency of H. seropedicae strain SmR1 in colonizing and increasing maize growth (DKB 390 variety) in the early stages of development under greenhouse conditions. Inoculation with H. seropedicae resulted in 19.43 % (regarding High and Low N controls) and 10.51% (regarding Low N control) in mean of increase of root biomass, for 1^st and 2^nd greenhouse experiments, respectively, mainly in the initial stages of plant development, at 21 days after emergence (DAE). Quantification of H. seropedicae in roots and leaves was performed by quantitative PCR. H. seropedicae was detected only in maize inoculated roots by qPCR, and a slight decrease in DNA copy number g^-1 of fresh root weight was observed from 7 to 21 DAE, suggesting that there was initial effective colonization on maize plants. H. seropedicae strain SmR1 efficiently increased maize root biomass exhibiting its potential to be used as inoculant in agricultures systems.

Common gene expression patterns are observed in rice roots during associations with plant growth-promoting bacteria, Herbaspirillum seropedicae and Azospirillum brasilense

Non-legume plants such as rice and maize can form beneficial associations with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) such as Herbaspirillum seropedicae and Azospirillum brasilense. Several studies have shown that these PGPB promote plant growth via multiple mechanisms. Our current understanding of the molecular aspects and signaling between plants like rice and PGPB like Herbaspirillum seropedicae is limited. In this study, we used an experimental system where H. seropedicae could colonize the plant roots and promote growth in wild-type rice. Using this experimental setup, we identified 1688 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in rice roots, 1 day post-inoculation (dpi) with H. seropedicae. Several of these DEGs encode proteins involved in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, defense, hormone signaling pathways, and nitrate and sugar transport. We validated the expression pattern of some genes via RT-PCR. Next, we compared the DEGs identified in this study to those we previously identified in rice roots during associations with another PGPB, Azospirillum brasilense. We identified 628 genes that were differentially expressed during both associations. The expression pattern of these genes suggests that some of these are likely to play a significant role(s) during associations with both H. seropedicae and A. brasilense and are excellent targets for future studies.

Differential exopolysaccharide production and composition by Herbaspirillum strains from diverse ecological environments

Bacteria belonging to the genus Herbaspirillum are found in many different ecological niches. Some species are typically endophytic, while others were reported as free-living organisms that occupy various environments. Also, opportunistic herbaspirilli have been found infecting humans affected by several diseases. We have analyzed the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) by Herbaspirillum strains isolated from different sources and with distinct ecological characteristics. The monosaccharide composition was determined for the EPS obtained for selected strains including free-living, plant-associated and clinical isolates, and the relationship with the ecological niches occupied by Herbaspirillum spp. is proposed.

Design and Characterization of Biosensors for the Screening of Modular Assembled Naringenin Biosynthetic Library in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A common challenge in the assembly and optimization of plant natural product biosynthetic pathways in recombinant hosts is the identification of gene orthologues that will result in best production titers. Here, we describe the modular assembly of a naringenin biosynthetic pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that was facilitated by optimized naringenin-inducible prokaryotic transcription activators used as biosensors. The biosensors were designed and developed in S. cerevisiae by a multiparametric engineering strategy, which further was applied for the in vivo, high-throughput screening of the established yeast library. The workflow for assembling naringenin biosynthetic pathways involved Golden gate-directed combinatorial assembly of genes and promoters, resulting in a strain library ideally covering 972 combinations in S. cerevisiae. For improving the performance of our screening biosensor, a series of fundamental components was optimized, affecting the efficiency of the biosensor such as nuclear localization signal (NLS), the detector module and the effector module. One biosensor (pTDH3_NLS_FdeR-N_tPGK1-pGPM1-fdeO_mcherry_tTDH1-MV2) showed better performance, defined as better dynamic range and sensitivity than others established in this study as well as other previously reported naringenin biosensors. Using this biosensor, we were able to identify a recombinant S. cerevisiae strain as the most efficient candidate for the production of naringenin from the established naringenin biosynthetic library. This approach can be exploited for the optimization of other metabolites derived from the flavonoid biosynthetic pathways and more importantly employed in the characterization of putative flavonoid biosynthetic genes.

The aeroponic rhizosphere microbiome: community dynamics in early succession suggest strong selectional forces

In the last decade there has been increased interest in the manipulation of rhizosphere microbial communities in soilless systems (hydroponics) through the addition of plant growth promoting microbes (PGPMs) to increase plant nutrition, lower plant stress response, and control pathogens. This method of crop management requires documenting patterns in communities living in plant roots throughout the growing season to inform decisions on timing of application and composition of the supplemental PGPM consortium. As a contribution to this effort, we measured changes in the bacterial community through early succession (first 26 days) in plant root biofilms growing in an indoor commercial aeroponic system where roots were sprayed with a mist of nutrient-amended water. By 12 days following seed germination, a root-associated community had established that was distinct from the source communities found circulating in the system. Successional patterns in the community over the following 2 weeks (12-26 days) included changes in abundance of bacterial groups that have been documented in published literature as able to utilize plant root exudates, release plant hormones, or augment nutrient availability. Six bacterial families/genera (Hydrogenophilaceae, Rhizobium, Legionellaceae, Methylophilus, Massilia, or Herbaspirillum) were the most abundant in each root sample, comprising 8-37% of the microbiome. Given the absence of soil-associated microbial communities in hydroponic systems, they provide an ideal design for isolating plant-microbial interactions and identifying key components possibly contributing to plant health.

MAW point mutation impairs H. Seropedicae RecA ATP hydrolysis and DNA repair without inducing large conformational changes in its structure

RecA is a multifunctional protein that plays a central role in DNA repair in bacteria. The structural Make ATP Work motif (MAW) is proposed to control the ATPase activity of RecA. In the present work, we report the biochemical activity and structural effects of the L53Q mutation at the MAW motif of the RecA protein from H. seropedicae (HsRecA L53Q). In vitro studies showed that HsRecA L53Q can bind ADP, ATP, and ssDNA, as does wild-type RecA. However, the ATPase and DNA-strand exchange activities were completely lost. In vivo studies showed that the expression of HsRecA L53Q in E. coli recA1 does not change its phenotype when cells were challenged with MMS and UV. Molecular dynamics simulations showed the L53Q point mutation did not cause large conformational changes in the HsRecA structure. However, there is a difference on dynamical cross-correlation movements of the residues involved in contacts within the ATP binding site and regions that hold the DNA binding sites. Additionally, a new hydrogen bond, formed between Q53 and T49, was hypothesized to allow an independent motion of the MAW motif from the hydrophobic core, what could explain the observed loss of activity of HsRecA L53Q.

Bacterial Small RNAs in the Genus Herbaspirillum spp

The genus Herbaspirillum includes several strains isolated from different grasses. The identification of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the genus Herbaspirillum is an important stage studying the interaction of these molecules and the way they modulate physiological responses of different mechanisms, through RNA⁻RNA interaction or RNA⁻protein interaction. This interaction with their target occurs through the perfect pairing of short sequences (cis-encoded ncRNAs) or by the partial pairing of short sequences (trans-encoded ncRNAs). However, the companion Hfq can stabilize interactions in the trans-acting class. In addition, there are Riboswitches, located at the 5' end of mRNA and less often at the 3' end, which respond to environmental signals, high temperatures, or small binder molecules. Recently, CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats), in prokaryotes, have been described that consist of serial repeats of base sequences (spacer DNA) resulting from a previous exposure to exogenous plasmids or bacteriophages. We identified 285 ncRNAs in Herbaspirillum seropedicae (H. seropedicae) SmR1, expressed in different experimental conditions of RNA-seq material, classified as cis-encoded ncRNAs or trans-encoded ncRNAs and detected RNA riboswitch domains and CRISPR sequences. The results provide a better understanding of the participation of this type of RNA in the regulation of the metabolism of bacteria of the genus Herbaspirillum spp.

Trait Differentiation within the Fungus-Feeding (Mycophagous) Bacterial Genus Collimonas

The genus Collimonas consists of facultative, fungus-feeding (mycophagous) bacteria. To date, 3 species (C. fungivorans, C. pratensis and C. arenae) have been described and over 100 strains have been isolated from different habitats. Functional traits of Collimonas bacteria that are potentially involved in interactions with soil fungi mostly negatively (fungal inhibition e.g.), but also positively (mineral weathering e.g.), affect fungal fitness. We hypothesized that variation in such traits between Collimonas strains leads to different mycophagous bacterial feeding patterns. We investigated a) whether phylogenetically closely related Collimonas strains possess similar traits, b) how far phylogenetic resolution influences the detection of phylogenetic signal (possession of similar traits by related strains) and c) if there is a pattern of co-occurrence among the studied traits. We measured genetically encoded (nifH genes, antifungal collimomycin gene cluster e.g.) as well as phenotypically expressed traits (chitinase- and siderophore production, fungal inhibition and others) and related those to a high-resolution phylogeny (MLSA), constructed by sequencing the housekeeping genes gyrB and rpoB and concatenating those with partial 16S rDNA sequences. Additionally, high-resolution and 16S rDNA derived phylogenies were compared. We show that MLSA is superior to 16SrDNA phylogeny when analyzing trait distribution and relating it to phylogeny at fine taxonomic resolution (a single bacterial genus). We observe that several traits involved in the interaction of collimonads and their host fungus (fungal inhibition e.g.) carry phylogenetic signal. Furthermore, we compare Collimonas trait possession with sister genera like Herbaspirillum and Janthinobacterium.

Validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in Herbaspirillum seropedicae

The RT-qPCR technique needs a validated set of reference genes for ensuring the consistency of the results from the gene expression. Expression stabilities for 9 genes from Herbaspirillum seropedicae, strain HRC54, grown with different carbon sources were calculated using geNorm and NormFinder, and the gene rpoA showed the best stability values.

RNA-seq transcriptional profiling of Herbaspirillum seropedicae colonizing wheat (Triticum aestivum) roots

Herbaspirillum seropedicae is a diazotrophic and endophytic bacterium that associates with economically important grasses promoting plant growth and increasing productivity. To identify genes related to bacterial ability to colonize plants, wheat seedlings growing hydroponically in Hoagland's medium were inoculated with H. seropedicae and incubated for 3 days. Total mRNA from the bacteria present in the root surface and in the plant medium were purified, depleted from rRNA and used for RNA-seq profiling. RT-qPCR analyses were conducted to confirm regulation of selected genes. Comparison of RNA profile of root attached and planktonic bacteria revealed extensive metabolic adaptations to the epiphytic life style. These adaptations include expression of specific adhesins and cell wall re-modeling to attach to the root. Additionally, the metabolism was adapted to the microxic environment and nitrogen-fixation genes were expressed. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) synthesis was activated, and PHB granules were stored as observed by microscopy. Genes related to plant growth promotion, such as auxin production were expressed. Many ABC transporter genes were regulated in the bacteria attached to the roots. The results provide new insights into the adaptation of H. seropedicae to the interaction with the plant.

[Microbiological properties of two endophytic bacteria isolated from tea (Camellia sinensis L.)]

OBJECTIVE

We investigated biological activities, physiological and biochemical properties of two endophytic bacteria isolated from fresh leaves of tea plants.

METHOD

We did morphological observation, biological activity test, physiological and biochemical assays, 16S rDNA analysis, and compared their genotype and phenotype with those of 13 Herbaspirillum species.

RESULTS

Their colonies were round, opaque, central uplift and regular edge with a milky white color. Their cells were Gram-negative, rod-shaped with the size of (0.5-0.7) mm x (1.4-1.8) mm and flagellers, but without spore. Both isolates produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (18.7 mg/L for WT00C and 24.9 mg/L for WT00F), ammonia and siderophores, but no nitrogen-fixing activity. The 16S rDNA had sequences similarities of 99.7% each other and 99% with 13 Herbaspirillum species. Two isolates used carbon source as described in the genus Herbaspirillum, except for propionate salt. The neighbor-joining tree built using the 16S rDNA showed that two isolates formed an independent group, which kept certain genetic distance from the 13 Herbaspirillum species. Their physiological and biochemical characteristics and genotypes were different from those for 13 Herbaspirillum species.

CONCLUSION

Two isolates WT00C and WT00F were classified as novel members in the genus Herbaspirillum.

[Rice endogenous nitrogen fixing and growth promoting bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae DX35]

OBJECTIVE

To screen efficient nitrogen fixation endophytes from rice and to analyze their growth-promoting properties.

METHOD

We isolated strains from the roots of rice in the field where it has a rice-rice-green manure rotation system for 30 years. Efficient strains were screened by acetylene reduction assay. Phylogenetic analysis is based on 16S rRNA gene, nifH gene and the composition of fatty acid. In addition, we also detected the ability of indole acetic acid secretion through the Salkowski colorimetric method, measured the production of siderophore through the blue plate assay and detected phosphate solubilization, to analyze the growth-promoting properties.

RESULT

A total of 48 strains were isolated, in which DX35 has the highest nitrogenase activity. It belongs to Herbaspirillum seropedicae after identification. Its nitrogenase activity (181.21 nmol C2H4/(mg protein x h)) was 10 times as much as the reference strain Azotobacter chroococcum ACCC10006. In addition, it also can secrete siderophore and solubilize phosphorus.

CONCLUSION

Strain DX35, belonging to Herbaspirillum seropedicae, is an efficient nitrogen fixation endophytes.

Maize root lectins mediate the interaction with Herbaspirillum seropedicae via N-acetyl glucosamine residues of lipopolysaccharides

Herbaspirillum seropedicae is a plant growth-promoting diazotrophic betaproteobacterium which associates with important crops, such as maize, wheat, rice and sugar-cane. We have previously reported that intact lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is required for H. seropedicae attachment and endophytic colonization of maize roots. In this study, we present evidence that the LPS biosynthesis gene waaL (codes for the O-antigen ligase) is induced during rhizosphere colonization by H. seropedicae. Furthermore a waaL mutant strain lacking the O-antigen portion of the LPS is severely impaired in colonization. Since N-acetyl glucosamine inhibits H. seropedicae attachment to maize roots, lectin-like proteins from maize roots (MRLs) were isolated and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis showed that MRL-1 and MRL-2 correspond to maize proteins with a jacalin-like lectin domain, while MRL-3 contains a B-chain lectin domain. These proteins showed agglutination activity against wild type H. seropedicae, but failed to agglutinate the waaL mutant strain. The agglutination reaction was severely diminished in the presence of N-acetyl glucosamine. Moreover addition of the MRL proteins as competitors in H. seropedicae attachment assays decreased 80-fold the adhesion of the wild type to maize roots. The results suggest that N-acetyl glucosamine residues of the LPS O-antigen bind to maize root lectins, an essential step for efficient bacterial attachment and colonization.

Identification of proteins associated with polyhydroxybutyrate granules from Herbaspirillum seropedicae SmR1--old partners, new players

Herbaspirillum seropedicae is a diazotrophic ß-Proteobacterium found associated with important agricultural crops. This bacterium produces polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), an aliphatic polyester, as a carbon storage and/or source of reducing equivalents. The PHB polymer is stored as intracellular insoluble granules coated mainly with proteins, some of which are directly involved in PHB synthesis, degradation and granule biogenesis. In this work, we have extracted the PHB granules from H. seropedicae and identified their associated-proteins by mass spectrometry. This analysis allowed us to identify the main phasin (PhaP1) coating the PHB granule as well as the PHB synthase (PhbC1) responsible for its synthesis. A phbC1 mutant is impaired in PHB synthesis, confirming its role in H. seropedicae. On the other hand, a phaP1 mutant produces PHB granules but coated mainly with the secondary phasin (PhaP2). Furthermore, some novel proteins not previously described to be involved with PHB metabolism were also identified, bringing new possibilities to PHB function in H. seropedicae.

Genome of Herbaspirillum seropedicae strain SmR1, a specialized diazotrophic endophyte of tropical grasses

The molecular mechanisms of plant recognition, colonization, and nutrient exchange between diazotrophic endophytes and plants are scarcely known. Herbaspirillum seropedicae is an endophytic bacterium capable of colonizing intercellular spaces of grasses such as rice and sugar cane. The genome of H. seropedicae strain SmR1 was sequenced and annotated by The Paraná State Genome Programme--GENOPAR. The genome is composed of a circular chromosome of 5,513,887 bp and contains a total of 4,804 genes. The genome sequence revealed that H. seropedicae is a highly versatile microorganism with capacity to metabolize a wide range of carbon and nitrogen sources and with possession of four distinct terminal oxidases. The genome contains a multitude of protein secretion systems, including type I, type II, type III, type V, and type VI secretion systems, and type IV pili, suggesting a high potential to interact with host plants. H. seropedicae is able to synthesize indole acetic acid as reflected by the four IAA biosynthetic pathways present. A gene coding for ACC deaminase, which may be involved in modulating the associated plant ethylene-signaling pathway, is also present. Genes for hemagglutinins/hemolysins/adhesins were found and may play a role in plant cell surface adhesion. These features may endow H. seropedicae with the ability to establish an endophytic life-style in a large number of plant species.

Herbaspirillum rhizosphaerae sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Allium victorialis var. platyphyllum

Two Gram-negative, milky-white-pigmented, motile, slightly curved rod-shaped bacterial isolates, UMS-37T and UMS-40, were isolated from rhizosphere soil of wild edible greens cultivated on Ulleung island, Korea, and their taxonomic positions were investigated by a polyphasic approach. They grew optimally at 25–30 °C and contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 % of total fatty acids) were C16 : 0, cyclo C17 : 0 and C16 : 1 ω7c and/oriso-C15 : 0 2-OH. The DNA G+C contents of the two isolates were 59.8 and 60.0 mol%. Isolates UMS-37T and UMS-40 exhibited no difference in their 16S rRNA gene sequences and possessed a mean DNA–DNA relatedness level of 94 %; they exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of 96.8–98.2 % to the type strains of recognized Herbaspirillum species. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that isolates UMS-37T and UMS-40 formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage within the genus Herbaspirillum. DNA–DNA relatedness levels between isolates UMS-37T and UMS-40 and the type strains of some phylogenetically related Herbaspirillum species were in the range 3–56 %. On the basis of differences in phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness and genomic data, isolates UMS-37T and UMS-40 were classified in the genus Herbaspirillum within a novel species, for which the name Herbaspirillum rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain UMS-37T (=KCTC 12558T =CIP 108917T).

The glnAntrBC operon of Herbaspirillum seropedicae is transcribed by two oppositely regulated promoters upstream of glnA

Herbaspirillum seropedicae is an endophytic bacterium that fixes nitrogen under microaerophilic conditions. The putative promoter sequences glnAp1 (sigma70-dependent) and glnAp2 (sigma54), and two NtrC-binding sites were identified upstream from the glnA, ntrB and ntrC genes of this microorganism. To study their transcriptional regulation, we used lacZ fusions to the H. seropedicae glnA gene, and the glnA-ntrB and ntrB-ntrC intergenic regions. Expression of glnA was up-regulated under low ammonium, but no transcription activity was detected from the intergenic regions under any condition tested, suggesting that glnA, ntrB and ntrC are co-transcribed from the promoters upstream of glnA. Ammonium regulation was lost in the ntrC mutant strain. A point mutation was introduced in the conserved -25/-24 dinucleotide (GG-->TT) of the putative sigma54-dependent promoter (glnAp2). Contrary to the wild-type promoter, glnA expression with the mutant glnAp2 promoter was repressed in the wild-type strain under low ammonium levels, but this repression was abolished in an ntrC background. Together our results indicate that the H. seropedicae glnAntrBC operon is regulated from two functional promoters upstream from glnA, which are oppositely regulated by the NtrC protein.

Identification of NH4+-regulated genes of Herbaspirillum seropedicae by random insertional mutagenesis

Random mutagenesis using transposons with promoterless reporter genes has been widely used to examine differential gene expression patterns in bacteria. Using this approach, we have identified 26 genes of the endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacterium Herbaspirillum seropedicae regulated in response to ammonium content in the growth medium. These include nine genes involved in the transport of nitrogen compounds, such as the high-affinity ammonium transporter AmtB, and uptake systems for alternative nitrogen sources; nine genes coding for proteins responsible for restoring intracellular ammonium levels through enzymatic reactions, such as nitrogenase, amidase, and arginase; and a third group includes metabolic switch genes, coding for sensor kinases or transcription regulation factors, whose role in metabolism was previously unknown. Also, four genes identified were of unknown function. This paper describes their involvement in response to ammonium limitation. The results provide a preliminary profile of the metabolic response of Herbaspirillum seropedicae to ammonium stress.

[Mobilization of simazine degradation genes by the plasmid pSa]

The plasmid pSa was found to mobilize the genes for simazine degradation (smz) of the rhizosphere bacterium Herbaspirillum sp.B601 by forming hybrid pSa-Smz plasmids. Independent migration of smz genes into various loci of genome during transfer and elimination of the hybrid plasmids indicated that the genes were parts of a "catabolic island" which could be unstable under certain conditions.

Expression, purification and biochemical characterization of a single-stranded DNA binding protein from Herbaspirillum seropedicae

An open reading frame encoding a protein similar in size and sequence to the Escherichia coli single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB protein) was identified in the Herbaspirillum seropedicae genome. This open reading frame was cloned into the expression plasmid pET14b. The SSB protein from H. seropedicae, named Hs_SSB, was overexpressed in E. coli strain BL21(DE3) and purified to homogeneity. Mass spectrometry data confirmed the identity of this protein. The apparent molecular mass of the native Hs_SSB was estimated by gel filtration, suggesting that the native protein is a tetramer made up of four similar subunits. The purified protein binds to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in a similar manner to other SSB proteins. The production of this recombinant protein in good yield opens up the possibility of obtaining its 3D-structure and will help further investigations into DNA metabolism.

The expression ofnifBgene fromHerbaspirillum seropedicaeis dependent upon the NifA and RpoN proteins

The putative nifB promoter region of Herbaspirillum seropedicae contained two sequences homologous to NifA-binding site and a –24/–12 type promoter. A nifB::lacZ fusion was assayed in the backgrounds of both Escherichia coli and H. seropedicae. In E. coli, the expression of nifB::lacZ occurred only in the presence of functional rpoN and Klebsiella pneumoniae nifA genes. In addition, the integration host factor (IHF) stimulated the expression of the nifB::lacZ fusion in this background. In H. seropedicae, nifB expression occurred only in the absence of ammonium and under low levels of oxygen, and it was shown to be strictly dependent on NifA. DNA band shift experiments showed that purified K. pneumoniae RpoN and E. coli IHF proteins were capable of binding to the nifB promoter region, and in vivo dimethylsulfate footprinting showed that NifA binds to both NifA-binding sites. These results strongly suggest that the expression of the nifB promoter of H. seropedicae is dependent on the NifA and RpoN proteins and that the IHF protein stimulates NifA activation of nifB promoter.Key words: Herbaspirillum seropedicae, nif, nitrogen fixation, NifA, RpoN.

A molecular microbial ecology approach to studying hemodialysis water and fluid

Bacteria, or bacteria-derived products, might be responsible for deleterious effects in hemodialysis patients. Most microorganisms in hemodialysis water, including potential pathogens, are difficult to isolate and might subsist in a 'viable but not culturable' state or may need specific culture media. A molecular culture-independent approach based on the analysis of the 16S rDNA obtained from total DNA has been used to better know the diversity of bacteria inhabiting hemodialysis water and fluid, and to address the possible health effects associated with their presence. Four clone libraries from 16S rDNA (274 clones) were analyzed to characterize the species or groups of bacteria present, to assess their distribution in the water circuit, and to compare the results with those previously obtained in culture-dependent analysis. One hundred and ninety-seven clones of four gene libraries were analyzed by sequencing, and were identified phylogenetically. Clones affiliated to the Alphaproteobacteria group led the diversity. The presence in several samples of Alpha-4-proteobacteria, recognized as sphingolipids producers, was to be noted. The most abundant clones were affiliated to the Betaproteobacteria branch, closely related to the genus Herbaspirillum. As known, Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria genomes might present a manifest excess in CpG sequences and most of them show a lipopolysaccharide-rich outer membrane, both described as inducers of innate immunity responses. Another abundant group, belonging to the Cyanobacteria class, a possible source of cyanotoxins, was not related to any previously cultured bacterium. Possible risk implications for hemodialysis patients of the bacterial community detected are discussed.

Iron depletion affects nitrogenase activity and expression ofnifHandnifAgenes inHerbaspirillum seropedicae

Herbaspirillum seropedicae Z67 is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium able to colonize the rhizosphere and the interior of several plants. As iron is a key element for nitrogen fixation, we examined the response of this microorganism to iron deficiency under nitrogen fixing conditions. We identified a H. seropedicae exbD gene that was induced in response to iron limitation and is involved in iron homeostasis. We found that an exbD mutant grown in iron-chelated medium is unable to fix nitrogen. Moreover, we provide evidence that expression of the nifH and nifA genes is iron dependent in a H. seropedicae genetic background.

Three stages of a biofilm community developing at the liquid-liquid interface between polychlorinated biphenyls and water

Soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) was used as an inoculum to grow a complex biofilm community on PCB oil (Aroclor 1242) on a substratum (Permanox). The biofilm was monitored for 31 days by confocal laser scanning microscopy, community fingerprinting using single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP), amplicons of the 16S rRNA genes, and chemical analyses of the PCB congeners. SSCP analysis of the young biofilm revealed a rather diverse microbial community with species of the genera Herbaspirillum and Bradyrhizobium as dominant members. The biofilm developing on the PCB droplets displayed pronounced stages of PCB degradation and biofilm development not described before from pure-culture experiments. The first step was the colonization of the substratum while the PCB oil was hardly populated. When a certain density of bacteria was reached on the Permanox, the PCB was colonized, but soon the degradation of the congeners was markedly reduced and many cells were damaged, as seen by LIVE/DEAD staining. Finally, the biofilm formed aggregates and invaded the PCB oil, showing lower numbers of damaged cells than before and a dramatic increase in PCB degradation. This sequence of biofilm formation is understood as a maturation process prior to PCB oil colonization. This is followed by a thin biofilm on the PCB droplet, an aggregation process forming pockets in the PCB, and finally an invasion of the biofilm into the PCB oil. Only the mature biofilm showed degradation of pentachlorinated PCB congeners, which may be reductively dechlorinated and the resulting trichlorobiphenyls then aerobically metabolized.

Characterization of the orf1glnKamtB operon of Herbaspirillum seropedicae

Herbaspirillum seropedicae is an endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacterium that colonizes economically important grasses. In this organism, the amtB gene is co-transcribed with two other genes: glnK that codes for a PII-like protein and orf1 that codes for a probable periplasmatic protein of unknown function. The expression of the orf1glnKamtB operon is increased under nitrogen-limiting conditions and is dependent on NtrC. An amtB mutant failed to transport methylammonium. Post-translational control of nitrogenase was also partially impaired in this mutant, since a complete switch-off of nitrogenase after ammonium addition was not observed. This result suggests that the AmtB protein is involved in the signaling pathway for the reversible inactivation of nitrogenase in H. seropedicae.

Effect of T- and C-loop mutations on the Herbaspirillum seropedicae GlnB protein in nitrogen signalling

Proteins of the PII family are found in species of all kingdoms. Although these proteins usually share high identity, their functions are specific to the different organisms. Comparison of structural data from Escherichia coli GlnB and GlnK and Herbaspirillum seropedicae GlnB showed that the T-loop and C-terminus were variable regions. To evaluate the role of these regions in signal transduction by the H. seropedicae GlnB protein, four mutants were constructed: Y51F, G108A/P109a, G108W and Q3R/T5A. The activities of the native and mutated proteins were assayed in an E. coli background constitutively expressing the Klebsiella pneumoniae nifLA operon. The results suggested that the T-loop and C-terminus regions of H. seropedicae GlnB are involved in nitrogen signal transduction.

Herbaspirillum chlorophenolicum sp. nov., a 4-chlorophenol-degrading bacterium

A 4-chlorophenol-degrading bacterial strain, formerly designated as a strain of Comamonas testosteroni, was reclassified as a member of the genus Herbaspirillum based on its phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as phylogenetic analysis using 16S rDNA sequences. Phylogenetic inference based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strain CPW301T clusters in a phylogenetic branch that contains Herbaspirillum species. 16S rDNA sequence similarity of strain CPW301T to species of the genus Herbaspirillum with validly published names is in the range 98·7–98·9 %. Despite the considerably high 16S rDNA sequence similarity, strain CPW301T could be distinguished clearly from type strains of Herbaspirillum species with validly published names by DNA–DNA relatedness values, which were <15·7 %. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CPW301T is 61·3 mol%. The predominant ubiquinone is Q-8 and the major cellular fatty acids are C16 : 0 and cyclo-C17 : 0. The strain does not fix nitrogen and is not plant-associated. It is an aerobic rod with one unipolar flagellum. On the basis of these characteristics, a novel Herbaspirillum species, Herbaspirillum chlorophenolicum sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of the novel species is strain CPW301T (=KCTC 12096T=IAM 15024T).

Genes similar to naphthalene dioxygenase genes in trifluralin-degrading bacteria

Trifluralin (alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine) is a dinitroaniline compound which was first produced in the 1960s and has been used extensively as an agricultural herbicide. There are a few publications on the biodegradation of this xenobiotic compound, but to our knowledge nothing has been documented on the genetic aspects of its catabolism. In this article, we report the analysis of DNA isolated from bacteria previously shown to degrade trifluralin, using as probes the catabolic genes ndoB, todC, xyIX, catA and xyIE which encode the enzymes naphthalene 1,2-dioxygenase, toluene dioxygenase, toluate 1,2-dioxygenase, catechol 1,2-dioxygenase and catechol 2,3-dioxygenase respectively. Using PCR and hybridization analysis, the strong hybridization of the ndoB gene with DNA extracted from four trifluralin-degrading isolates was demonstrated, although none of them was able to degrade naphthalene, as indicated by the 'clear zone' test. The results indicated the presence in these bacteria of a dioxygenase gene, whose product could act on trifluralin as its principal substrate, or fortuitously, by cometabolism. This is the first publication on genes in trifluralin-degrading bacteria.

Herbaspirillum lusitanum sp. nov., a novel nitrogen-fixing bacterium associated with root nodules of Phaseolus vulgaris

Several bacterial strains were isolated from root nodules of Phaseolus vulgaris plants grown in a soil from Portugal. The strains were Gram-negative, aerobic, curved rod-shaped and motile. The isolates were catalase- and oxidase-positive. The TP-RAPD (two-primer randomly amplified polymorphic DNA) patterns of all strains were identical, suggesting that they belong to the same species. The complete 16S rDNA sequence of a representative strain was obtained and phylogenetic analysis based on the neighbour-joining method indicated that this bacterium belongs to the beta-Proteobacteria and that the closest related genus is Herbaspirillum. The DNA G+C content ranged from 57.9 to 61.9 mol%. Growth was observed with many different carbohydrates and organic acids including caprate, malate, citrate and phenylacetate. No growth was observed with maltose, meso-inositol, meso-erythritol or adipate as sole carbon source. According to the phenotypic and genotypic data obtained in this work, the bacterium represents a novel species of the genus Herbaspirillum, and the name Herbaspirillum lusitanum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is P6-12(T) (=LMG 21710(T)=CECT 5661(T)).