201
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Belilla J, Iniesto M, Moreira D, Benzerara K, Gérard E, López-García JM, Kotopoulou E, López-García P. Active Microbial Airborne Dispersal and Biomorphs as Confounding Factors for Life Detection in the Cell-Degrading Brines of the Polyextreme Dallol Geothermal Field. mBio 2022;:e0030722. [PMID: 35384698 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00307-22] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the precise limits of life in polyextreme environments is challenging. Studies along gradients of polyextreme conditions in the Dallol proto-volcano area (Danakil salt desert, Ethiopia) showed the occurrence of archaea-dominated communities (up to 99%) in several hypersaline systems but strongly suggested that life did not thrive in the hyperacidic (pH ∼0), hypersaline (∼35% [wt/vol],) and sometimes hot (up to 108°C) ponds of the Dallol dome. However, it was recently claimed that archaea flourish in these brines based on the detection of one Nanohaloarchaeotas 16S rRNA gene and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments with archaea-specific probes. Here, we characterized the diversity of microorganisms in aerosols over Dallol, and we show that, in addition to typical bacteria from soil/dust, they transport halophilic archaea likely originating from neighboring hypersaline ecosystems. We also show that cells and DNA from cultures and natural local halophilic communities are rapidly destroyed upon contact with Dallol brine. Furthermore, we confirm the widespread occurrence of mineral particles, including silica-based biomorphs, in Dallol brines. FISH experiments using appropriate controls show that DNA fluorescent probes and dyes unspecifically bind to mineral precipitates in Dallol brines; cellular morphologies were unambiguously observed only in nearby hypersaline ecosystems. Our results show that airborne cell dispersal and unspecific binding of fluorescent probes are confounding factors likely affecting previous inferences of archaea thriving in Dallol. They highlight the need for controls and the consideration of alternative abiotic explanations before safely drawing conclusions about the presence of life in polyextreme terrestrial or extraterrestrial systems.
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202
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Thirumalaisamy G, Malik PK, Trivedi S, Kolte AP, Bhatta R. Effect of Long-Term Supplementation With Silkworm Pupae Oil on the Methane Yield, Ruminal Protozoa, and Archaea Community in Sheep. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:780073. [PMID: 35369442 PMCID: PMC8964344 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.780073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplementation with lipids and oils is one of the most efficient strategies for reducing enteric methane emission. However, high costs and adverse impacts on fiber degradation restrict the use of conventional oils. Silkworm pupae, a non-conventional oil source rarely used for human consumption in India, could be one of the cheaper alternatives for methane mitigation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect on sheep of long-term supplementation (180 days) of silkworm pupae oil (SWPO) with two distinct supplementation regimes (daily and biweekly) on daily enteric methane emission, methane yield, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, ruminal archaea community composition, and protozoal population. The effect of the discontinuation of oil supplementation on enteric methane emission was also investigated. Eighteen adult male sheep, randomly divided into three groups (n = 6), were provisioned with a mixed diet consisting of 10.1% crude protein (CP) and 11.7 MJ/kg metabolizable energy formulated using finger millet straw and concentrate in a 55:45 ratio. SWPO was supplemented at 2% of dry matter intake (DMI) in test groups either daily (CON) or biweekly (INT), while no oil was supplemented in the control group (CTR). DMI (p = 0.15) and CP (p = 0.16) in the CON and INT groups were similar to that of the CTR group; however, the energy intake (MJ/kg) in the supplemented groups (CON and INT) was higher (p < 0.001) than in CTR. In the CON group, body weight gain (kg, p = 0.02) and average daily gain (g, p = 0.02) were both higher than in the CTR. The daily methane emission in the CON (17.5 g/day) and INT (18.0 g/day) groups was lower (p = 0.01) than the CTR group (23.6 g/day), indicating a reduction of 23–25% due to SWPO supplementation. Similarly, compared with the CTR group, methane yields (g/kg DMI) in test groups were also significantly lower (p < 0.01). The transient nature of the anti-methanogenic effect of SWPO was demonstrated in the oil discontinuation study, where daily methane emission reverted to pre-supplementation levels after a short period. The recorded methanogens were affiliated to the families Methanobacteriaceae, Methanomassilliicoccaceae, and Methanosarcinaceae. The long-term supplementation of oil did not induce any significant change in the rumen archaeal community, whereas minor species such as Group3b exhibited differing abundance among the groups. Methanobrevibacter, irrespective of treatment, was the largest genus, while Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii was the dominant species. Oil supplementation in CON and INT compared with CTR decreased (p < 0.01) the numbers of total protozoa (× 107 cells/ml), Entodiniomorphs (× 107 cells/ml), and Holotrichs (× 106 cells/ml). SWPO continuous supplementation (CON group) resulted in the largest reduction in enteric methane emission and relatively higher body weight gain (p = 0.02) in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govindasamy Thirumalaisamy
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India.,ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Malik
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Shraddha Trivedi
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Raghavendra Bhatta
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
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203
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Schiller H, Young C, Schulze S, Tripepi M, Pohlschroder M. A Twist to the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Test: an Accessible Laboratory Experiment Comparing Haloferax volcanii and Escherichia coli Antibiotic Susceptibility to Highlight the Unique Cell Biology of Archaea. J Microbiol Biol Educ 2022; 23:e00234-21. [PMID: 35340443 PMCID: PMC8943627 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00234-21] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Archaea, once thought to only live in extreme environments, are present in many ecosystems, including the human microbiome, and they play important roles ranging from nutrient cycling to bioremediation. Yet this domain is often overlooked in microbiology classes and rarely included in laboratory exercises. Excluding archaea from high school and undergraduate curricula prevents students from learning the uniqueness and importance of this domain. Here, we have modified a familiar and popular microbiology experiment-the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility test-to include, together with the model bacterium Escherichia coli, the model archaeon Haloferax volcanii. Students will learn the differences and similarities between archaea and bacteria by using antibiotics that target, for example, the bacterial peptidoglycan cell wall or the ribosome. Furthermore, the experiment provides a platform to reiterate basic cellular biology concepts that students may have previously discussed. We have developed two versions of this experiment, one designed for an undergraduate laboratory curriculum and the second, limited to H. volcanii, that high school students can perform in their classrooms. This nonpathogenic halophile can be cultured aerobically at ambient temperature in high-salt media, preventing contamination, making the experiment low-cost and safe for use in the high school setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Schiller
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Criston Young
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stefan Schulze
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Manuela Tripepi
- College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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204
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Lee K, Choi GH, Back K. Functional Characterization of Serotonin N-Acetyltransferase in Archaeon Thermoplasma volcanium. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:596. [PMID: 35326246 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin N-acetyltransferase is the penultimate enzyme in the melatonin biosynthetic pathway that catalyzes serotonin into N-acetylserotonin. Many SNAT genes have been cloned and characterized from organisms ranging from bacteria to plants and mammals. However, to date, no SNAT gene has been identified from Archaea. In this study, three archaeal SNAT candidate genes were synthesized and expressed in Escherichia coli, and SNAT enzyme activity was measured using their purified recombinant proteins. Two SNAT candidate genes, from Methanoregulaceae (Archaea) and Pyrococcus furiosus, showed no SNAT enzyme activity, whereas a SNAT candidate gene from Thermoplasma volcanium previously named TvArd1 exhibited SNAT enzyme activity. The substrate affinity and the maximum reaction rate of TvSNAT toward serotonin were 621 μM and 416 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The highest amine substrate was tyramine, followed by tryptamine, serotonin, and 5-methoxytryptamine, which were similar to those of plant SNAT enzymes. Homologs of TvSNAT were found in many Archaea families. Ectopic overexpression of TvSNAT in rice resulted in increased melatonin content, antioxidant activity, and seed size in conjunction with the enhanced expression of seed size-related gene. This study is the first to report the discovery of SNAT gene in Archaea. Future research avenues include the cloning of TvSNAT orthologs in different phyla, and identification of their regulation and functions related to melatonin biosynthesis in living organisms.
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205
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Jüttner M, Ferreira-Cerca S. Looking through the lens of the ribosome biogenesis evolutionary history: possible implications for archaeal phylogeny and eukaryogenesis. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6547259. [PMID: 35275997 PMCID: PMC8997704 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of microbial diversity and its evolutionary relationships has increased substantially over the last decade. Such an understanding has been greatly fueled by culture-independent metagenomics analyses. However, the outcome of some of these studies and their biological and evolutionary implications, such as the origin of the eukaryotic lineage from the recently discovered archaeal Asgard superphylum, is debated. The sequences of the ribosomal constituents are amongst the most used phylogenetic markers. However, the functional consequences underlying the analysed sequence diversity and their putative evolutionary implications are essentially not taken into consideration. Here, we propose to exploit additional functional hallmarks of ribosome biogenesis to help disentangle competing evolutionary hypotheses. Using selected examples, such as the multiple origins of halophily in archaea or the evolutionary relationship between the Asgard archaea and Eukaryotes, we illustrate and discuss how function-aware phylogenetic framework can contribute to refining our understanding of archaeal phylogeny and the origin of eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jüttner
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, Biochemistry III - Institute for Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sébastien Ferreira-Cerca
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, Biochemistry III - Institute for Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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206
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Ithurbide S, Gribaldo S, Albers SV, Pende N. Spotlight on FtsZ-based cell division in Archaea. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:665-678. [PMID: 35246355 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Compared with the extensive knowledge on cell division in model eukaryotes and bacteria, little is known about how archaea divide. Interestingly, both endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-based and FtsZ-based cell division systems are found in members of the Archaea. In the past couple of years, several studies have started to shed light on FtsZ-based cell division processes in members of the Euryarchaeota. In this review we highlight recent findings in this emerging field of research. We present current knowledge of the cell division machinery of halophiles which relies on two FtsZ proteins, and we compare it with that of methanobacteria, which relies on only one FtsZ. Finally, we discuss how these differences relate to the distinct cell envelopes of these two archaeal model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solenne Ithurbide
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simonetta Gribaldo
- Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell Unit, CNRS UMR2001, Department of Microbiology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Nika Pende
- Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell Unit, CNRS UMR2001, Department of Microbiology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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207
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Schorn S, Ahmerkamp S, Bullock E, Weber M, Lott C, Liebeke M, Lavik G, Kuypers MMM, Graf JS, Milucka J. Diverse methylotrophic methanogenic archaea cause high methane emissions from seagrass meadows. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2106628119. [PMID: 35165204 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106628119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine coastlines colonized by seagrasses are a net source of methane to the atmosphere. However, methane emissions from these environments are still poorly constrained, and the underlying processes and responsible microorganisms remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated methane turnover in seagrass meadows of Posidonia oceanica in the Mediterranean Sea. The underlying sediments exhibited median net fluxes of methane into the water column of ca. 106 µmol CH4 ⋅ m-2 ⋅ d-1 Our data show that this methane production was sustained by methylated compounds produced by the plant, rather than by fermentation of buried organic carbon. Interestingly, methane production was maintained long after the living plant died off, likely due to the persistence of methylated compounds, such as choline, betaines, and dimethylsulfoniopropionate, in detached plant leaves and rhizomes. We recovered multiple mcrA gene sequences, encoding for methyl-coenzyme M reductase (Mcr), the key methanogenic enzyme, from the seagrass sediments. Most retrieved mcrA gene sequences were affiliated with a clade of divergent Mcr and belonged to the uncultured Candidatus Helarchaeota of the Asgard superphylum, suggesting a possible involvement of these divergent Mcr in methane metabolism. Taken together, our findings identify the mechanisms controlling methane emissions from these important blue carbon ecosystems.
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208
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Cisek AA, Bąk I, Stefańska I, Binek M. Selection and Optimization of High-Yielding DNA Isolation Protocol for Quantitative Analyses of Methanogenic Archaea. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030523. [PMID: 35336099 PMCID: PMC8950361 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea are a functionally important component of the intestinal microbiota of humans and animals, participating in the utilization of detrimental hydrogen produced during gut fermentation. Despite this, archaeal DNA has rarely been found in intestinal microbiome analyses, which prompts the need to optimize detecting procedures of these microorganisms, including the DNA isolation step. Three commercially available kits for DNA isolation and one extra purification kit that removes PCR inhibitors were evaluated on chicken droppings. In addition, different variants of mechanical lysis and a double elution were tested to ensure the maximum efficiency of DNA isolation from archaea as well as bacteria. A quantitative real-time PCR was used to monitor the optimization progress. As a result, the combination of the selected Genomic Mini AX Bacteria+ kit with a 2-min-long sonication by ultrasonic probe and enzymatic pretreatment gave excellent extraction efficiency rates for DNA of methanogenic archaea (an approximate 50-fold increase compared to the standard enzymatic lysis described by the producer) and, at the same time, provided optimal protection of DNA extracted from bacteria susceptible to enzymatic lysis. The presented results indicate that the optimized protocol allows for highly efficient extraction of total DNA, which is well-suited for quantitative microbial analyses by real-time PCR.
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209
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Spang A, Mahendrarajah TA, Offre P, Stairs CW. Evolving perspective on the origin and diversification of cellular life and the virosphere. Genome Biol Evol 2022; 14:6537539. [PMID: 35218347 PMCID: PMC9169541 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evac034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tree of life (TOL) is a powerful framework to depict the evolutionary history of cellular organisms through time, from our microbial origins to the diversification of multicellular eukaryotes that shape the visible biosphere today. During the past decades, our perception of the TOL has fundamentally changed, in part, due to profound methodological advances, which allowed a more objective approach to studying organismal and viral diversity and led to the discovery of major new branches in the TOL as well as viral lineages. Phylogenetic and comparative genomics analyses of these data have, among others, revolutionized our understanding of the deep roots and diversity of microbial life, the origin of the eukaryotic cell, eukaryotic diversity, as well as the origin, and diversification of viruses. In this review, we provide an overview of some of the recent discoveries on the evolutionary history of cellular organisms and their viruses and discuss a variety of complementary techniques that we consider crucial for making further progress in our understanding of the TOL and its interconnection with the virosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Spang
- NIOZ, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Utrecht University, The Netherlands and 1790 AB Den Burg.,Department of Cell- and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden SE-75123, Uppsala
| | - Tara A Mahendrarajah
- NIOZ, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Utrecht University, The Netherlands and 1790 AB Den Burg
| | - Pierre Offre
- NIOZ, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Utrecht University, The Netherlands and 1790 AB Den Burg
| | - Courtney W Stairs
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden Sölvegatan 35, 223 62 Lund
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210
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Sompiyachoke K, Nagasaka A, Ito T, Hemmi H. Identification and biochemical characterization of a heteromeric cis-prenyltransferase from the thermophilic archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus. J Biochem 2022; 171:641-651. [PMID: 35195245 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvac022] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
cis-Prenyltransferases (cPTs) form linear polyprenyl pyrophosphates, the precursors of polyprenyl or dolichyl phosphates that are essential for cell function in all living organisms. Polyprenyl phosphate serves as a sugar-carrier for pesptidoglycan cell wall synthesis in bacteria, a role which dolichyl phosphate performs analogously for protein glycosylation in eukaryotes and archaea. Bacterial cPTs are characterized by their homodimeric structure, while cPTs from eukaryotes usually require two distantly homologous subunits for enzymatic activity. This study identifies the subunits of heteromeric cPT, Af1219 and Af0707, from a thermophilic sulfur-reducing archaeon, Archaeoglobus fulgidus. Both subunits are indispensable for cPT activity, and their protein-protein interactions were demonstrated by a pulldown assay. Gel filtration chromatography and chemical cross-linking experiments suggest that Af1219 and Af0707 likely form a heterotetramer complex. Although this expected subunit composition agrees with a reported heterotetrameric structure of human hCIT/NgBR cPT complex, the similarity of the quaternary structures is likely a result of convergent evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitty Sompiyachoke
- School of Agricultural Sciences and Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8601, Japan
| | - Arisa Nagasaka
- School of Agricultural Sciences and Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8601, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Ito
- School of Agricultural Sciences and Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8601, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hemmi
- School of Agricultural Sciences and Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8601, Japan
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211
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Hester ER, Vaksmaa A, Valè G, Monaco S, Jetten MSM, Lüke C. Effect of water management on microbial diversity and composition in an Italian rice field system. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2022; 98:6529233. [PMID: 35170720 PMCID: PMC8924702 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional rice cultivation consumes up to 2500 L of water per kg yield and new strategies such as the ‘Alternate Wetting and Drying’ (AWD) might be promising water-saving alternatives. However, they might have large impacts on the soil microbiology. In this study, we compared the bacterial and archaeal communities in experimental field plots, cultivated under continuously flooding (CF) and AWD management, by high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. We analysed alpha and beta diversity in bulk soil and on plant roots, in plots cultivated with two different rice cultivars. The strongest difference was found between soil and root communities. Beside others, the anaerobic methanotroph Methanoperedens was abundant in soil, however, we detected a considerable number of ANME-2a-2b on plant roots. Furthermore, root communities were significantly affected by the water management: Differential abundance analysis revealed the enrichment of aerobic and potentially plant-growth-promoting bacteria under AWD treatment, such as Sphingomonadaceae and Rhizobiaceae (both Alphaproteobacteria), and Bacteroidetes families. Microorganisms with an overall anaerobic lifestyle, such as various Delta- and Epsilonproteobacteria, and Firmicutes were depleted. Our study indicates that the bulk soil communities seem overall well adapted and more resistant to changes in the water treatment, whereas the root microbiota seems more vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Hester
- Department of Microbiology, IWWR, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Annika Vaksmaa
- Department of Microbiology, IWWR, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Giampiero Valè
- CREA - Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 13100, Vercelli, Italy.,DiSIT-Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Piazza San Eusebio 5, I-13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Stefano Monaco
- CREA - Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 13100, Vercelli, Italy
| | - Mike S M Jetten
- Department of Microbiology, IWWR, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Soehngen Institute of Anaerobic Microbiology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Claudia Lüke
- Department of Microbiology, IWWR, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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212
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Abstract
Archaea are a unique system for investigating the diversity of life. There are the most diverse group of organisms with the longest evolutionary history of life on Earth. Phylogenomic investigations reveal the complex evolutionary history of Archaea, overturning longstanding views of the history of life. They exist in the harshest environments and benign conditions, providing a system to investigate the basis for living in extreme environments. They are frequently members of microbial communities, albeit generally rare. Archaea were central in the evolution of Eukaryotes and can be used as a proxy for studying life on other planets. Future advances will depend not only upon phylogenomic studies but also on a better understanding of isolation and cultivation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahui Olin Medina-Chávez
- Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Michael Travisano
- Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,Minnesota Center for the Philosophy of Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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213
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Goodwin PH. The Endosphere Microbiome of Ginseng. Plants (Basel) 2022; 11:plants11030415. [PMID: 35161395 PMCID: PMC8838582 DOI: 10.3390/plants11030415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The endosphere of ginseng contains a variety of fungal, bacterial, archaeal and viral endophytes. Bacterial endophytes are primarily members of the Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and fungal endophytes are primarily members of the Ascomycota, Zygomycota and Basidiomycota. Although archaea and viruses have been detected in symptomless ginseng plants, little is known about them. Many but not all studies have shown roots having the highest abundance and diversity of bacterial and fungal endophytes, with some endophytes showing specificity to above or belowground tissues. Abundance often increases with root age, although diversity can decrease, possibly related to increases in potential latent fungal pathogen infections. The descriptions of many endophytes that can metabolize ginsenosides indicate an adaptation of the microbes to the unique combination of secondary metabolites found in ginseng tissues. Most research on the benefits provided by bacterial and fungal endophytes has concentrated on improved plant nutrition, growth promotion and increased disease resistance, but little on their ability to increase abiotic stress resistance. Some other areas where more research is needed is field trials with endophyte-treated plants grown in various environments, genomic/metagenomic analysis of endophytes, and the effects of endophytes on induced disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul H Goodwin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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214
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Counts JA, Vitko NP, Kelly RM. Fox Cluster determinants for iron biooxidation in the extremely thermoacidophilic Sulfolobaceae. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:850-865. [PMID: 34406696 PMCID: PMC8854474 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15727] [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: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Within the extremely thermoacidophilic Sulfolobaceae, the capacity to oxidize iron varies considerably. While some species are prolific iron oxidizers (e.g. Metallosphaera sedula), other species do not oxidize iron at all (e.g. Sulfolobus acidocaldarius). Iron oxidation capacity maps to a genomic locus, referred to previously as the 'Fox Cluster', that encodes putative proteins that are mostly unique to the Sulfolobaceae. The role of putative proteins in the Fox Cluster has not been confirmed, but proteomic analysis here of iron-oxidizing membranes from M. sedula indicates that FoxA2 and FoxB (both cytochrome c oxidase-like subunits) and FoxC (CbsA/cytochrome b domain-containing) are essential. Furthermore, comparative genomics (locus organization and gene disruptions) and transcriptomics (polarity effects and differential expression) connect these genomic determinants with disparate iron biooxidation and respiration measurements among Sulfolobaceae species. While numerous homologous proteins can be identified for FoxA in genome databases (COX-like domains are prevalent across all domains of life), few homologues exist for FoxC or for most other Fox Cluster proteins. Phylogenetic reconstructions suggest this locus may have existed in early Sulfolobaceae, while the only other close homologues to the locus appear in the recently discovered candidate phylum Marsarchaota.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Counts
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905
| | - Nicholas P. Vitko
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905
| | - Robert M. Kelly
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905,Address correspondence to:Robert M. Kelly, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, EB-1, 911 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, Phone: (919) 515-6396, Fax: (919) 515-3465,
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215
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Klaus T, Ninck S, Albersmeier A, Busche T, Wibberg D, Jiang J, Elcheninov AG, Zayulina KS, Kaschani F, Bräsen C, Overkleeft HS, Kalinowski J, Kublanov IV, Kaiser M, Siebers B. Activity-Based Protein Profiling for the Identification of Novel Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes Involved in Xylan Degradation in the Hyperthermophilic Euryarchaeon Thermococcus sp. Strain 2319x1E. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:734039. [PMID: 35095781 PMCID: PMC8790579 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.734039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) has so far scarcely been applied in Archaea in general and, especially, in extremophilic organisms. We herein isolated a novel Thermococcus strain designated sp. strain 2319x1E derived from the same enrichment culture as the recently reported Thermococcus sp. strain 2319x1. Both strains are able to grow with xylan as the sole carbon and energy source, and for Thermococcus sp. strain 2319x1E (optimal growth at 85°C, pH 6–7), the induction of xylanolytic activity in the presence of xylan was demonstrated. Since the solely sequence-based identification of xylanolytic enzymes is hardly possible, we established a complementary approach by conducting comparative full proteome analysis in combination with ABPP using α- or β-glycosidase selective probes and subsequent mass spectrometry (MS)-based analysis. This complementary proteomics approach in combination with recombinant protein expression and classical enzyme characterization enabled the identification of a novel bifunctional maltose-forming α-amylase and deacetylase (EGDIFPOO_00674) belonging to the GH57 family and a promiscuous β-glycosidase (EGIDFPOO_00532) with β-xylosidase activity. We thereby further substantiated the general applicability of ABPP in archaea and expanded the ABPP repertoire for the identification of glycoside hydrolases in hyperthermophiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Klaus
- Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry (MEB), Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology (EMB), Faculty of Chemistry, Centre for Water and Environmental Research (CWE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ninck
- Department of Chemical Biology, Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Albersmeier
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tobias Busche
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Daniel Wibberg
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jianbing Jiang
- Section of Bio-Organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alexander G Elcheninov
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kseniya S Zayulina
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Farnusch Kaschani
- Department of Chemical Biology, Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christopher Bräsen
- Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry (MEB), Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology (EMB), Faculty of Chemistry, Centre for Water and Environmental Research (CWE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Herman S Overkleeft
- Section of Bio-Organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jörn Kalinowski
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Ilya V Kublanov
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Markus Kaiser
- Department of Chemical Biology, Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bettina Siebers
- Molecular Enzyme Technology and Biochemistry (MEB), Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology (EMB), Faculty of Chemistry, Centre for Water and Environmental Research (CWE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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216
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Huuki H, Ahvenjärvi S, Lidauer P, Popova M, Vilkki J, Vanhatalo A, Tapio I. Fresh Rumen Liquid Inoculant Enhances the Rumen Microbial Community Establishment in Pre-weaned Dairy Calves. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:758395. [PMID: 35095788 PMCID: PMC8790516 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.758395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the functional rumen in calves involves a complex interplay between the host and host-related microbiome. Attempts to modulate rumen microbial community establishment may therefore have an impact on weaning success, calf health, and animal performance later in life. In this experiment, we aimed to elucidate how rumen liquid inoculum from an adult cow, provided to calves during the pre-weaning period, influences the establishment of rumen bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and ciliate protozoan communities in monozygotic twin calves (n = 6 pairs). The calves were divided into treatment (T-group) and control (C-group) groups, where the T-group received fresh rumen liquid as an oral inoculum during a 2-8-week period. The C-group was not inoculated. The rumen microbial community composition was determined using bacterial and archaeal 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, protozoal 18S rRNA gene, and fungal ITS1 region amplicon sequencing. Animal weight gain and feed intake were monitored throughout the experiment. The T-group tended to have a higher concentrate intake (Treatment: p < 0.08) and had a significantly higher weekly weight gain (Treatment: p < 0.05), but no significant difference in volatile fatty acid concentrations between the groups was observed. In the T-group, the inoculum stimulated the earlier establishment of mature rumen-related bacterial taxa, affecting significant differences between the groups until 6 weeks of age. The inoculum also increased the archaeal operational taxonomic unit (OTU) diversity (Treatment: p < 0.05) but did not affect the archaeal quantity. Archaeal communities differed significantly between groups until week 4 (p = 0.02). Due to the inoculum, ciliate protozoa were detected in the T-group in week 2, while the C-group remained defaunated until 6 weeks of age. In week 8, Eremoplastron dilobum was the dominant ciliate protozoa in the C-group and Isotricha sp. in the T-group, respectively. The Shannon diversity of rumen anaerobic fungi reduced with age (Week: p < 0.01), and community establishment was influenced by a change of diet and potential interaction with other rumen microorganisms. Our results indicate that an adult cow rumen liquid inoculum enhanced the maturation of bacterial and archaeal communities in pre-weaning calves' rumen, whereas its effect on eukaryotic communities was less clear and requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Huuki
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Production Systems, Genomics and Breeding, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Seppo Ahvenjärvi
- Production Systems, Animal Nutrition, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Paula Lidauer
- Production Systems, Welfare of Farmed Animals, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Milka Popova
- Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 1213 Herbivores, Clermont Université, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Johanna Vilkki
- Production Systems, Genomics and Breeding, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Aila Vanhatalo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilma Tapio
- Production Systems, Genomics and Breeding, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen, Finland
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217
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Hedlund BP, Zhang C, Wang F, Rinke C, Martin WF. Editorial: Ecology, Metabolism and Evolution of Archaea-Perspectives From Proceedings of the International Workshop on Geo-Omics of Archaea. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:827229. [PMID: 35126338 PMCID: PMC8816317 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.827229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brian P. Hedlund
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Chuanlun Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Archaea Geo-Omics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Christian Rinke
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - William F. Martin
- Institute for Molecular Evolution, University of Dusseldorf Medical School, Düsseldorf, Germany
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218
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Abstract
In recent years, increasing numbers of small proteins have moved into the focus of science. Small proteins have been identified and characterized in all three domains of life, but the majority remains functionally uncharacterized, lack secondary structure, and exhibit limited evolutionary conservation. While quite a few have already been described for bacteria and eukaryotic organisms, the amount of known and functionally analyzed archaeal small proteins is still very limited. In this review, we compile the current state of research, show strategies for systematic approaches for global identification of small archaeal proteins, and address selected functionally characterized examples. Besides, we document exemplarily for one archaeon the tool development and optimization to identify small proteins using genome-wide approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Weidenbach
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Miriam Gutt
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Liam Cassidy
- AG Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Cynthia Chibani
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ruth A. Schmitz
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
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219
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DeWerff SJ, Zhang C, Schneider J, Whitaker RJ. Intraspecific antagonism through viral toxin encoded by chronic Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20200476. [PMID: 34839697 PMCID: PMC8628083 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-host interactions evolve along a symbiosis continuum from antagonism to mutualism. Long-term associations between virus and host, such as those in chronic infection, will select for traits that drive the interaction towards mutualism, especially when susceptible hosts are rare in the population. Virus-host mutualism has been demonstrated in thermophilic archaeal populations where Sulfolobus spindle-shaped viruses (SSVs) provide a competitive advantage to their host Sulfolobus islandicus by producing a toxin that kills uninfected strains. Here, we determine the genetic basis of this killing phenotype by identifying highly transcribed genes in cells that are chronically infected with a diversity of SSVs. We demonstrate that these genes alone confer growth inhibition by being expressed in uninfected cells via a Sulfolobus expression plasmid. Challenge of chronically infected strains with vector-expressed toxins revealed a nested network of cross-toxicity among divergent SSVs, with both broad and specific toxin efficacies. This suggests that competition between viruses and/or their hosts could maintain toxin diversity. We propose that competitive interactions among chronic viruses to promote their host fitness form the basis of virus-host mutualism. This article is part of the theme issue 'The secret lives of microbial mobile genetic elements'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. DeWerff
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Changyi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - John Schneider
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Rachel J. Whitaker
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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220
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Meyer J, Zakhary S, Larocque M, Lazar CS. From Surface to Subsurface: Diversity, Composition, and Abundance of Sessile and Endolithic Bacterial, Archaeal, and Eukaryotic Communities in Sand, Clay and Rock Substrates in the Laurentians (Quebec, Canada). Microorganisms 2022; 10:129. [PMID: 35056578 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities play an important role in shallow terrestrial subsurface ecosystems. Most studies of this habitat have focused on planktonic communities that are found in the groundwater of aquifer systems and only target specific microbial groups. Therefore, a systematic understanding of the processes that govern the assembly of endolithic and sessile communities is still missing. This study aims to understand the effect of depth and biotic factors on these communities, to better unravel their origins and to compare their composition with the communities detected in groundwater. To do so, we collected samples from two profiles (~0–50 m) in aquifer sites in the Laurentians (Quebec, Canada), performed DNA extractions and Illumina sequencing. The results suggest that changes in geological material characteristics with depth represent a strong ecological and phylogenetical filter for most archaeal and bacterial communities. Additionally, the vertical movement of water from the surface plays a major role in shallow subsurface microbial assembly processes. Furthermore, biotic interactions between bacteria and eukaryotes were mostly positive which may indicate cooperative or mutualistic potential associations, such as cross-feeding and/or syntrophic relationships in the terrestrial subsurface. Our results also point toward the importance of sampling both the geological formation and groundwater when it comes to studying its overall microbiology.
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221
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Rodríguez-Gijón A, Nuy JK, Mehrshad M, Buck M, Schulz F, Woyke T, Garcia SL. A Genomic Perspective Across Earth's Microbiomes Reveals That Genome Size in Archaea and Bacteria Is Linked to Ecosystem Type and Trophic Strategy. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:761869. [PMID: 35069467 PMCID: PMC8767057 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.761869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Our view of genome size in Archaea and Bacteria has remained skewed as the data has been dominated by genomes of microorganisms that have been cultivated under laboratory settings. However, the continuous effort to catalog Earth's microbiomes, specifically propelled by recent extensive work on uncultivated microorganisms, provides an opportunity to revise our perspective on genome size distribution. We present a meta-analysis that includes 26,101 representative genomes from 3 published genomic databases; metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs) from GEMs and stratfreshDB, and isolates from GTDB. Aquatic and host-associated microbial genomes present on average the smallest estimated genome sizes (3.1 and 3.0 Mbp, respectively). These are followed by terrestrial microbial genomes (average 3.7 Mbp), and genomes from isolated microorganisms (average 4.3 Mbp). On the one hand, aquatic and host-associated ecosystems present smaller genomes sizes in genera of phyla with genome sizes above 3 Mbp. On the other hand, estimated genome size in phyla with genomes under 3 Mbp showed no difference between ecosystems. Moreover, we observed that when using 95% average nucleotide identity (ANI) as an estimator for genetic units, only 3% of MAGs cluster together with genomes from isolated microorganisms. Although there are potential methodological limitations when assembling and binning MAGs, we found that in genome clusters containing both environmental MAGs and isolate genomes, MAGs were estimated only an average 3.7% smaller than isolate genomes. Even when assembly and binning methods introduce biases, estimated genome size of MAGs and isolates are very similar. Finally, to better understand the ecological drivers of genome size, we discuss on the known and the overlooked factors that influence genome size in different ecosystems, phylogenetic groups, and trophic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Rodríguez-Gijón
- Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julia K. Nuy
- Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maliheh Mehrshad
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Moritz Buck
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Tanja Woyke
- DOE Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Sarahi L. Garcia
- Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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222
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Harker-Kirschneck L, Hafner AE, Yao T, Vanhille-Campos C, Jiang X, Pulschen A, Hurtig F, Hryniuk D, Culley S, Henriques R, Baum B, Šarić A. Physical mechanisms of ESCRT-III-driven cell division. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2107763119. [PMID: 34983838 PMCID: PMC8740586 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107763119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Living systems propagate by undergoing rounds of cell growth and division. Cell division is at heart a physical process that requires mechanical forces, usually exerted by assemblies of cytoskeletal polymers. Here we developed a physical model for the ESCRT-III-mediated division of archaeal cells, which despite their structural simplicity share machinery and evolutionary origins with eukaryotes. By comparing the dynamics of simulations with data collected from live cell imaging experiments, we propose that this branch of life uses a previously unidentified division mechanism. Active changes in the curvature of elastic cytoskeletal filaments can lead to filament perversions and supercoiling, to drive ring constriction and deform the overlying membrane. Abscission is then completed following filament disassembly. The model was also used to explore how different adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-driven processes that govern the way the structure of the filament is changed likely impact the robustness and symmetry of the resulting division. Comparisons between midcell constriction dynamics in simulations and experiments reveal a good agreement with the process when changes in curvature are implemented at random positions along the filament, supporting this as a possible mechanism of ESCRT-III-dependent division in this system. Beyond archaea, this study pinpoints a general mechanism of cytokinesis based on dynamic coupling between a coiling filament and the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Harker-Kirschneck
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Anne E Hafner
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Tina Yao
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Vanhille-Campos
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Xiuyun Jiang
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Andre Pulschen
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Fredrik Hurtig
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Dawid Hryniuk
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Siân Culley
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Ricardo Henriques
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Buzz Baum
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Anđela Šarić
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom;
- Institute for the Physics of Living Systems, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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223
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Camacho A, Mora C, Picazo A, Rochera C, Camacho-Santamans A, Morant D, Roca-Pérez L, Ramos-Miras JJ, Rodríguez-Martín JA, Boluda R. Effects of Soil Quality on the Microbial Community Structure of Poorly Evolved Mediterranean Soils. Toxics 2022; 10:toxics10010014. [PMID: 35051056 PMCID: PMC8781153 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Physical and chemical alterations may affect the microbiota of soils as much as the specific presence of toxic pollutants. The relationship between the microbial diversity patterns and the soil quality in a Mediterranean context is studied here to test the hypothesis that soil microbiota is strongly affected by the level of anthropogenic soil alteration. Our aim has been to determine the potential effect of organic matter loss and associated changes in soil microbiota of poorly evolved Mediterranean soils (Leptosols and Regosols) suffering anthropogenic stress (i.e., cropping and deforestation). The studied soils correspond to nine different sites which differed in some features, such as the parent material, vegetation cover, or soil use and types. A methodological approach has been used that combines the classical physical and chemical study of soils with molecular characterization of the microbial assemblages using specific primers for Bacteria, Archaea and ectomycorrhizal Fungi. In agreement with previous studies within the region, physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soils varied notably depending on these factors. Microbial biomass, soil organic matter, and moisture, decreased in soils as deforestation increased, even in those partially degraded to substitution shrubland. Major differences were observed in the microbial community structure between the mollic and rendzic Leptosols found in forest soils, and the skeletic and dolomitic Leptosols in substitute shrublands, as well as with the skeletic and dolomitic Leptosols and calcaric Regosols in dry croplands. Forest soils displayed a higher microbial richness (OTU’s number) and biomass, as well as more stable and connected ecological networks. Here, we point out how human activities such as agriculture and other effects of deforestation led to changes in soil properties, thus affecting its quality driving changes in their microbial diversity and biomass patterns. Our findings demonstrate the potential risk that the replacement of forest areas may have in the conservation of the soil’s microbiota pool, both active and passive, which are basic for the maintenance of biogeochemical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Camacho
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-96-3543935
| | - César Mora
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
- Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, València, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.B.)
| | - Antonio Picazo
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
| | - Carlos Rochera
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
| | - Alba Camacho-Santamans
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
- Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, València, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.B.)
| | - Daniel Morant
- Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary, Universitat de València, E-46980 Paterna, València, Spain; (C.M.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (A.C.-S.); (D.M.)
| | - Luis Roca-Pérez
- Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, València, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.B.)
| | - José Joaquín Ramos-Miras
- Departamento de Didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales y Experimentales, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - José A. Rodríguez-Martín
- Department of Environment, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), E-28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rafael Boluda
- Departament de Biologia Vegetal, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, València, Spain; (L.R.-P.); (R.B.)
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224
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Natalicchio M, Birgel D, Dela Pierre F, Ziegenbalg S, Hoffmann-Sell L, Gier S, Peckmann J. Messinian bottom-grown selenitic gypsum: An archive of microbial life. Geobiology 2022; 20:3-21. [PMID: 34296807 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12464] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Primary gypsum deposits, which accumulated in the Mediterranean Basin during the so-called Messinian salinity crisis (5.97-5.33 Ma), represent an excellent archive of microbial life. We investigated the molecular fossil inventory and the corresponding compound-specific δ13 C values of bottom-grown gypsum formed during the first stage of the crisis in four marginal basins across the Mediterranean (Nijar, Spain; Vena del Gesso, Italy; Heraklion, Crete; and Psematismenos, Cyprus). All studied gypsum samples contain intricate networks of filamentous microfossils, whose phylogenetic affiliation has been debated for a long time. Petrographic analysis, molecular fossil inventories (hydrocarbons, alcohols, and carboxylic acids), and carbon stable isotope patterns suggest that the mazes of filamentous fossils represent benthic microbial assemblages dominated by chemotrophic sulfide-oxidizing bacteria; in some of the samples, the body fossils are accompanied by lipids produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria. Abundant isoprenoid alcohols including diphytanyl glycerol diethers (DGDs) and glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs), typified by highly variable carbon stable isotope composition with δ13 C values spanning from -40 to -14‰, reveal the presence of planktic and benthic archaeal communities dwelling in Messinian paleoenvironments. The compound inventory of archaeal lipids indicates the existence of a stratified water column, with a normal marine to diluted upper water column and more saline deeper waters. This study documents the lipid biomarker inventory of microbial life preserved in ancient gypsum deposits, helping to reconstruct the widely debated conditions under which Messinian gypsum formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Natalicchio
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Daniel Birgel
- Institut für Geologie, Centrum für Erdsystemforschung und Nachhaltigkeit, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Francesco Dela Pierre
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Susanne Gier
- Institut für Geologie, Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Jörn Peckmann
- Institut für Geologie, Centrum für Erdsystemforschung und Nachhaltigkeit, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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225
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Ferreira-Cerca S. The dark side of the ribosome life cycle. RNA Biol 2022; 19:1045-1049. [PMID: 36082947 PMCID: PMC9467602 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2121421] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Thanks to genetics, biochemistry, and structural biology many features of the ribosome´s life cycles in models of bacteria, eukaryotes, and some organelles have been revealed to near-atomic details. Collectively, these studies have provided a very detailed understanding of what are now well-established prototypes for ribosome biogenesis and function as viewed from a 'classical' model organisms perspective. However, very important challenges remain ahead to explore the functional and structural diversity of both ribosome biogenesis and function across the biological diversity on earth. Particularly, the 'third domain of life', the archaea, and also many non-model bacterial and eukaryotic organisms have been comparatively neglected. Importantly, characterizing these additional biological systems will not only offer a yet untapped window to enlighten the evolution of ribosome biogenesis and function but will also help to unravel fundamental principles of molecular adaptation of these central cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Ferreira-Cerca
- Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, Biochemistry III - Institute for Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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226
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Jørgensen BB. Do methanogenic archaea cause reductive pyrite dissolution in subsurface sediments? ISME J 2022; 16:1-2. [PMID: 34253852 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-01055-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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227
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Chibani CM, Mahnert A, Borrel G, Almeida A, Werner A, Brugère JF, Gribaldo S, Finn RD, Schmitz RA, Moissl-Eichinger C. A catalogue of 1,167 genomes from the human gut archaeome. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:48-61. [PMID: 34969981 PMCID: PMC8727293 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-021-01020-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [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: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome plays an important role in health, but its archaeal diversity remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we report the analysis of 1,167 nonredundant archaeal genomes (608 high-quality genomes) recovered from human gastrointestinal tract, sampled across 24 countries and rural and urban populations. We identified previously undescribed taxa including 3 genera, 15 species and 52 strains. Based on distinct genomic features, we justify the split of the Methanobrevibacter smithii clade into two separate species, with one represented by the previously undescribed 'Candidatus Methanobrevibacter intestini'. Patterns derived from 28,581 protein clusters showed significant associations with sociodemographic characteristics such as age groups and lifestyle. We additionally show that archaea are characterized by specific genomic and functional adaptations to the host and carry a complex virome. Our work expands our current understanding of the human archaeome and provides a large genome catalogue for future analyses to decipher its impact on human physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Maria Chibani
- grid.9764.c0000 0001 2153 9986Institute for Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Mahnert
- grid.11598.340000 0000 8988 2476Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Guillaume Borrel
- grid.428999.70000 0001 2353 6535Department of Microbiology, Unit of Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Almeida
- grid.225360.00000 0000 9709 7726European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Cambridge, UK ,grid.10306.340000 0004 0606 5382Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Almut Werner
- grid.9764.c0000 0001 2153 9986Institute for Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jean-François Brugère
- grid.494717.80000000115480420Institut Universitaire de Technologie Clermont Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, UMR 6023 Laboratoire Microorganismes: Genome et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Simonetta Gribaldo
- grid.428999.70000 0001 2353 6535Department of Microbiology, Unit of Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Robert D. Finn
- grid.225360.00000 0000 9709 7726European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ruth A. Schmitz
- grid.9764.c0000 0001 2153 9986Institute for Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria. .,BioTechMed, Graz, Austria.
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228
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Li J, Yue L, Li Z, Zhang W, Zhang B, Zhao F, Dong X. aCPSF1 cooperates with terminator U-tract to dictate archaeal transcription termination efficacy. eLife 2021; 10:70464. [PMID: 34964713 PMCID: PMC8716108 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, aCPSF1 was reported to function as the long-sought global transcription termination factor of archaea; however, the working mechanism remains elusive. This work, through analyzing transcript-3′end-sequencing data of Methanococcus maripaludis, found genome-wide positive correlations of both the terminator uridine(U)-tract and aCPSF1 with hierarchical transcription termination efficacies (TTEs). In vitro assays determined that aCPSF1 specifically binds to the terminator U-tract with U-tract number-related binding affinity, and in vivo assays demonstrated the two elements are indispensable in dictating high TTEs, revealing that aCPSF1 and the terminator U-tract cooperatively determine high TTEs. The N-terminal KH domains equip aCPSF1 with specific-binding capacity to terminator U-tract and the aCPSF1-terminator U-tract cooperation; while the nuclease activity of aCPSF1 was also required for TTEs. aCPSF1 also guarantees the terminations of transcripts with weak intrinsic terminator signals. aCPSF1 orthologs from Lokiarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota exhibited similar U-tract cooperation in dictating TTEs. Therefore, aCPSF1 and the intrinsic U-rich terminator could work in a noteworthy two-in-one termination mode in archaea, which may be widely employed by archaeal phyla; using one trans-action factor to recognize U-rich terminator signal and cleave transcript 3′-end, the archaeal aCPSF1-dependent transcription termination may represent a simplified archetypal mode of the eukaryotic RNA polymerase II termination machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuzhu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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229
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Ferreira-Cerca S, La Teana A, Londei P. Editorial: Archaeal Ribosomes: Biogenesis, Structure and Function. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:800052. [PMID: 34950128 PMCID: PMC8691397 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.800052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Ferreira-Cerca
- Biochemistry III-Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, Institute for Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anna La Teana
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paola Londei
- Department Molecular Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I°Viale Regina, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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230
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Vershinin Z, Zaretsky M, Guan Z, Eichler J. Identifying Components of a Halobacterium salinarum N-Glycosylation Pathway. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:779599. [PMID: 34925283 PMCID: PMC8674786 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.779599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas N-glycosylation is a seemingly universal process in Archaea, pathways of N-glycosylation have only been experimentally verified in a mere handful of species. Toward expanding the number of delineated archaeal N-glycosylation pathways, the involvement of the putative Halobacterium salinarum glycosyltransferases VNG1067G, VNG1066C, and VNG1062G in the assembly of an N-linked tetrasaccharide decorating glycoproteins in this species was addressed. Following deletion of each encoding gene, the impact on N-glycosylation of the S-layer glycoprotein and archaellins, major glycoproteins in this organism, was assessed by mass spectrometry. Likewise, the pool of dolichol phosphate, the lipid upon which this glycan is assembled, was also considered in each deletion strain. Finally, the impacts of such deletions were characterized in a series of biochemical, structural and physiological assays. The results revealed that VNG1067G, VNG1066C, and VNG1062G, renamed Agl25, Agl26, and Agl27 according to the nomenclature used for archaeal N-glycosylation pathway components, are responsible for adding the second, third and fourth sugars of the N-linked tetrasaccharide decorating Hbt. salinarum glycoproteins. Moreover, this study demonstrated how compromised N-glycosylation affects various facets of Hbt. salinarum cell behavior, including the transcription of archaellin-encoding genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlata Vershinin
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Marianna Zaretsky
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Ziqiang Guan
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jerry Eichler
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
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231
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Law KP, He W, Tao J, Zhang C. A Novel Approach to Characterize the Lipidome of Marine Archaeon Nitrosopumilus maritimus by Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:735878. [PMID: 34925256 PMCID: PMC8674956 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.735878] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Archaea are differentiated from the other two domains of life by their biomolecular characteristics. One such characteristic is the unique structure and composition of their lipids. Characterization of the whole set of lipids in a biological system (the lipidome) remains technologically challenging. This is because the lipidome is innately complex, and not all lipid species are extractable, separable, or ionizable by a single analytical method. Furthermore, lipids are structurally and chemically diverse. Many lipids are isobaric or isomeric and often indistinguishable by the measurement of mass or even their fragmentation spectra. Here we developed a novel analytical protocol based on liquid chromatography ion mobility mass spectrometry to enhance the coverage of the lipidome and characterize the conformations of archaeal lipids by their collision cross-sections (CCSs). The measurements of ion mobility revealed the gas-phase ion chemistry of representative archaeal lipids and provided further insights into their attributions to the adaptability of archaea to environmental stresses. A comprehensive characterization of the lipidome of mesophilic marine thaumarchaeon, Nitrosopumilus maritimus (strain SCM1) revealed potentially an unreported phosphate- and sulfate-containing lipid candidate by negative ionization analysis. It was the first time that experimentally derived CCS values of archaeal lipids were reported. Discrimination of crenarchaeol and its proposed stereoisomer was, however, not achieved with the resolving power of the SYNAPT G2 ion mobility system, and a high-resolution ion mobility system may be required for future work. Structural and spectral libraries of archaeal lipids were constructed in non-vendor-specific formats and are being made available to the community to promote research of Archaea by lipidomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai P Law
- Southern University of Science and Technology, SUSTech Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Archaea Geo-Omics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei He
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Archaea Geo-Omics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianchang Tao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Archaea Geo-Omics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuanlun Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Archaea Geo-Omics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
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232
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Feng X, Zhang B, Xu R, Gao Z, Liu X, Yuan G, Ishino S, Feng M, Shen Y, Ishino Y, She Q. Enzymatic Switching Between Archaeal DNA Polymerases Facilitates Abasic Site Bypass. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:802670. [PMID: 34987494 PMCID: PMC8721586 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.802670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abasic sites are among the most abundant DNA lesions encountered by cells. Their replication requires actions of specialized DNA polymerases. Herein, two archaeal specialized DNA polymerases were examined for their capability to perform translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) on the lesion, including Sulfolobuss islandicus Dpo2 of B-family, and Dpo4 of Y-family. We found neither Dpo2 nor Dpo4 is efficient to complete abasic sites bypass alone, but their sequential actions promote lesion bypass. Enzyme kinetics studies further revealed that the Dpo4's activity is significantly inhibited at +1 to +3 site past the lesion, at which Dpo2 efficiently extends the primer termini. Furthermore, their activities are inhibited upon synthesis of 5-6 nt TLS patches. Once handed over to Dpo1, these substrates basically inactivate its exonuclease, enabling the transition from proofreading to polymerization of the replicase. Collectively, by functioning as an "extender" to catalyze further DNA synthesis past the lesion, Dpo2 bridges the activity gap between Dpo4 and Dpo1 in the archaeal TLS process, thus achieving more efficient lesion bypass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Feng
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Baochang Zhang
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruyi Xu
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhe Gao
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaotong Liu
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guanhua Yuan
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Sonoko Ishino
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mingxia Feng
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yulong Shen
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yoshizumi Ishino
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Qunxin She
- CRISPR and Archaea Biology Research Center, Microbial Technology Institute and State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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233
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Shiraishi M, Hidaka M, Iwai S. Endonuclease V from the archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis is an inosine-specific ribonuclease. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2021; 86:313-320. [PMID: 34928335 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbab219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Endonuclease V (EndoV) is an inosine-specific endonuclease which is highly conserved in all domains of life: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya; and, therefore, may play an important role in nucleic acid processes. It is currently thought that bacterial EndoVs are involved in DNA repair, while eukaryotic EndoVs are involved in RNA editing based on the differences in substrate preferences. However, the role of EndoV proteins, particularly in the archaeal domain, is still poorly understood. Here, we explored the biochemical properties of EndoV from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis (TkoEndoV). We show that TkoEndoV has a strong preference for RNA over DNA. Further, we synthesized 1-methylinosine-containing RNA which is a simple TΨC loop mimic of archaeal tRNA and found that TkoEndoV discriminates between 1-methylinosine and inosine, and selectively acts on inosine. Our findings suggest a potential role of archaeal EndoV in regulation of inosine-containing RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyako Shiraishi
- Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyamacho, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michihi Hidaka
- Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyamacho, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigenori Iwai
- Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyamacho, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
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234
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Serrano S, Mendo S, Caetano T. Halo archaea have a high genomic diversity for the biosynthesis of carotenoids of biotechnological interest. Res Microbiol 2021; 173:103919. [PMID: 34942349 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2021.103919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Haloarchaea are mostly components of the microbial biomass of saline aquatic environments, where they can be a dietary source of heterotrophic metazoans or contribute to flamingo's plumage coloration. The diversity of secondary metabolites (SMs) produced by haloarchaea, which might play multiple ecological roles and have diverse biotechnological applications has been largely understudied. Herein, 67 haloarchaeal complete genomes were analyzed and 182 SMs biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) identified that encode the production of terpenes (including carotenoids), RiPPs and siderophores. Terpene BGCs were further analysed and it was concluded that all haloarchaea might produce squalene and bacterioruberin, which one a strong antioxidant. Most of them have other carotenoid BGCs that include a putative β-carotene ketolase that was not characterized so far in haloarchaea, but may be involved with canthaxanthin's biosynthesis. The production of bacterioruberin by Haloferax mediterranei ATCC 33500 was found to be not related to its antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Serrano
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sónia Mendo
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tânia Caetano
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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235
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De Falco M, De Felice M. Take a Break to Repair: A Dip in the World of Double-Strand Break Repair Mechanisms Pointing the Gaze on Archaea. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413296. [PMID: 34948099 PMCID: PMC8708640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
All organisms have evolved many DNA repair pathways to counteract the different types of DNA damages. The detection of DNA damage leads to distinct cellular responses that bring about cell cycle arrest and the induction of DNA repair mechanisms. In particular, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are extremely toxic for cell survival, that is why cells use specific mechanisms of DNA repair in order to maintain genome stability. The choice among the repair pathways is mainly linked to the cell cycle phases. Indeed, if it occurs in an inappropriate cellular context, it may cause genome rearrangements, giving rise to many types of human diseases, from developmental disorders to cancer. Here, we analyze the most recent remarks about the main pathways of DSB repair with the focus on homologous recombination. A thorough knowledge in DNA repair mechanisms is pivotal for identifying the most accurate treatments in human diseases.
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236
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Braun F, Recalde A, Bähre H, Seifert R, Albers SV. Putative Nucleotide-Based Second Messengers in the Archaeal Model Organisms Haloferax volcanii and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:779012. [PMID: 34880846 PMCID: PMC8646023 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.779012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on nucleotide-based second messengers began in 1956 with the discovery of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (3′,5′-cAMP) by Earl Wilbur Sutherland and his co-workers. Since then, a broad variety of different signaling molecules composed of nucleotides has been discovered. These molecules fulfill crucial tasks in the context of intracellular signal transduction. The vast majority of the currently available knowledge about nucleotide-based second messengers originates from model organisms belonging either to the domain of eukaryotes or to the domain of bacteria, while the archaeal domain is significantly underrepresented in the field of nucleotide-based second messenger research. For several well-stablished eukaryotic and/or bacterial nucleotide-based second messengers, it is currently not clear whether these signaling molecules are present in archaea. In order to shed some light on this issue, this study analyzed cell extracts of two major archaeal model organisms, the euryarchaeon Haloferax volcanii and the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, using a modern mass spectrometry method to detect a broad variety of currently known nucleotide-based second messengers. The nucleotides 3′,5′-cAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (3′,5′-cGMP), 5′-phosphoadenylyl-3′,5′-adenosine (5′-pApA), diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) as well as the 2′,3′-cyclic isomers of all four RNA building blocks (2′,3′-cNMPs) were present in both species. In addition, H. volcanii cell extracts also contain cyclic cytosine monophosphate (3′,5′-cCMP), cyclic uridine monophosphate (3′,5′-cUMP) and cyclic diadenosine monophosphate (3′,5′-c-di-AMP). The widely distributed bacterial second messengers cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (3′,5′-c-di-GMP) and guanosine (penta-)/tetraphosphate [(p)ppGpp] could not be detected. In summary, this study gives a comprehensive overview on the presence of a large set of currently established or putative nucleotide-based second messengers in an eury- and a crenarchaeal model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Braun
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alejandra Recalde
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heike Bähre
- Research Core Unit Metabolomics, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Roland Seifert
- Research Core Unit Metabolomics, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Institute of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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237
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Ishibashi Y, Matsushima N, Ito T, Hemmi H. Isopentenyl diphosphate/dimethylallyl diphosphate-specific Nudix hydrolase from the methanogenic archaeon Methanosarcina mazei. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2021; 86:246-253. [PMID: 34864834 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbab205] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Nudix hydrolases typically catalyze the hydrolysis of nucleoside diphosphate linked to moiety X and yield nucleoside monophosphate and X-phosphate, while some of them hydrolyze a terminal diphosphate group of non-nucleosidic compounds and convert it into a phosphate group. Although the number of Nudix hydrolases is usually limited in archaea comparing with those in bacteria and eukaryotes, the physiological functions of most archaeal Nudix hydrolases remain unknown. In this study, a Nudix hydrolase family protein, MM_2582, from the methanogenic archaeon Methanosarcina mazei was recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized. This recombinant protein shows higher hydrolase activity toward isopentenyl diphosphate and short-chain prenyl diphosphates than that toward nucleosidic compounds. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the archaeal enzyme prefers isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate, which suggests its role in the biosynthesis of prenylated flavin mononucleotide, a recently discovered coenzyme that is required, for example, in the archaea-specific modified mevalonate pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Ishibashi
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8601, Japan
| | - Natsumi Matsushima
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8601, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Ito
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8601, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hemmi
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8601, Japan
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238
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von Kügelgen A, Alva V, Bharat TAM. Complete atomic structure of a native archaeal cell surface. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110052. [PMID: 34818541 PMCID: PMC8640222 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many prokaryotic cells are covered by an ordered, proteinaceous, sheet-like structure called a surface layer (S-layer). S-layer proteins (SLPs) are usually the highest copy number macromolecules in prokaryotes, playing critical roles in cellular physiology such as blocking predators, scaffolding membranes, and facilitating environmental interactions. Using electron cryomicroscopy of two-dimensional sheets, we report the atomic structure of the S-layer from the archaeal model organism Haloferax volcanii. This S-layer consists of a hexagonal array of tightly interacting immunoglobulin-like domains, which are also found in SLPs across several classes of archaea. Cellular tomography reveal that the S-layer is nearly continuous on the cell surface, completed by pentameric defects in the hexagonal lattice. We further report the atomic structure of the SLP pentamer, which shows markedly different relative arrangements of SLP domains needed to complete the S-layer. Our structural data provide a framework for understanding cell surfaces of archaea at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vikram Alva
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Max-Planck-Ring 5, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Tanmay A M Bharat
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK; Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK.
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239
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Fernandes-Martins MC, Keller LM, Munro-Ehrlich M, Zimlich KR, Mettler MK, England AM, Clare R, Surya K, Shock EL, Colman DR, Boyd ES. Ecological Dichotomies Arise in Microbial Communities Due to Mixing of Deep Hydrothermal Waters and Atmospheric Gas in a Circumneutral Hot Spring. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0159821. [PMID: 34586901 DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01598-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known of how the confluence of subsurface and surface processes influences the assembly and habitability of hydrothermal ecosystems. To address this knowledge gap, the geochemical and microbial composition of a high-temperature, circumneutral hot spring in Yellowstone National Park was examined to identify the sources of solutes and their effect on the ecology of microbial inhabitants. Metagenomic analysis showed that populations comprising planktonic and sediment communities are archaeal dominated, are dependent on chemical energy (chemosynthetic), share little overlap in their taxonomic composition, and are differentiated by their inferred use of/tolerance to oxygen and mode of carbon metabolism. The planktonic community is dominated by putative aerobic/aerotolerant autotrophs, while the taxonomic composition of the sediment community is more evenly distributed and comprised of anaerobic heterotrophs. These observations are interpreted to reflect sourcing of the spring by anoxic, organic carbon-limited subsurface hydrothermal fluids and ingassing of atmospheric oxygen that selects for aerobic/aerotolerant organisms that have autotrophic capabilities in the water column. Autotrophy and consumption of oxygen by the planktonic community may influence the assembly of the anaerobic and heterotrophic sediment community. Support for this inference comes from higher estimated rates of genome replication in planktonic populations than sediment populations, indicating faster growth in planktonic populations. Collectively, these observations provide new insight into how mixing of subsurface waters and atmospheric oxygen create dichotomy in the ecology of hot spring communities and suggest that planktonic and sediment communities may have been less differentiated taxonomically and functionally prior to the rise of oxygen at ∼2.4 billion years ago (Gya). IMPORTANCE Understanding the source and availability of energy capable of supporting life in hydrothermal environments is central to predicting the ecology of microbial life on early Earth when volcanic activity was more widespread. Little is known of the substrates supporting microbial life in circumneutral to alkaline springs, despite their relevance to early Earth habitats. Using metagenomic and informatics approaches, water column and sediment habitats in a representative circumneutral hot spring in Yellowstone were shown to be dichotomous, with the former largely hosting aerobic/aerotolerant autotrophs and the latter primarily hosting anaerobic heterotrophs. This dichotomy is attributed to influx of atmospheric oxygen into anoxic deep hydrothermal spring waters. These results indicate that the ecology of microorganisms in circumneutral alkaline springs sourced by deep hydrothermal fluids was different prior to the rise of atmospheric oxygen ∼2.4 Gya, with planktonic and sediment communities likely to be less differentiated than contemporary circumneutral hot springs.
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240
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Winkler D, Gfrerer S, Gescher J. Biochemical Characterization of Recombinant Isocitrate Dehydrogenase and Its Putative Role in the Physiology of an Acidophilic Micrarchaeon. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2318. [PMID: 34835444 PMCID: PMC8623467 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112318] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite several discoveries in recent years, the physiology of acidophilic Micrarchaeota, such as "Candidatus Micrarchaeum harzensis A_DKE", remains largely enigmatic, as they highly express numerous genes encoding hypothetical proteins. Due to a lacking genetic system, it is difficult to elucidate the biological function of the corresponding proteins and heterologous expression is required. In order to prove the viability of this approach, A_DKE's isocitrate dehydrogenase (MhIDH) was recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli and purified to electrophoretic homogeneity for biochemical characterization. MhIDH showed optimal activity around pH 8 and appeared to be specific for NADP+ yet promiscuous regarding divalent cations as cofactors. Kinetic studies showed KM-values of 53.03 ± 5.63 µM and 1.94 ± 0.12 mM and kcat-values of 38.48 ± 1.62 and 43.99 ± 1.46 s-1 resulting in kcat/KM-values of 725 ± 107.62 and 22.69 ± 2.15 mM-1 s-1 for DL-isocitrate and NADP+, respectively. MhIDH's exceptionally low affinity for NADP+, potentially limiting its reaction rate, can likely be attributed to the presence of a proline residue in the NADP+ binding pocket, which might cause a decrease in hydrogen bonding of the cofactor and a distortion of local secondary structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Winkler
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (D.W.); (S.G.)
| | - Sabrina Gfrerer
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (D.W.); (S.G.)
| | - Johannes Gescher
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (D.W.); (S.G.)
- Institute for Biological Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Institute of Technical Microbiology, Department of Process and Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Hamburg, Kasernenstr. 12, 21073 Hamburg, Germany
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241
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Martinez-Miguel VE, Lujan C, Espie-Caullet T, Martinez-Martinez D, Moore S, Backes C, Gonzalez S, Galimov ER, Brown AEX, Halic M, Tomita K, Rallis C, von der Haar T, Cabreiro F, Bjedov I. Increased fidelity of protein synthesis extends lifespan. Cell Metab 2021; 33:2288-2300.e12. [PMID: 34525330 PMCID: PMC8570412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Loss of proteostasis is a fundamental process driving aging. Proteostasis is affected by the accuracy of translation, yet the physiological consequence of having fewer protein synthesis errors during multi-cellular organismal aging is poorly understood. Our phylogenetic analysis of RPS23, a key protein in the ribosomal decoding center, uncovered a lysine residue almost universally conserved across all domains of life, which is replaced by an arginine in a small number of hyperthermophilic archaea. When introduced into eukaryotic RPS23 homologs, this mutation leads to accurate translation, as well as heat shock resistance and longer life, in yeast, worms, and flies. Furthermore, we show that anti-aging drugs such as rapamycin, Torin1, and trametinib reduce translation errors, and that rapamycin extends further organismal longevity in RPS23 hyperaccuracy mutants. This implies a unified mode of action for diverse pharmacological anti-aging therapies. These findings pave the way for identifying novel translation accuracy interventions to improve aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Celia Lujan
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Tristan Espie-Caullet
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Daniel Martinez-Martinez
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Saul Moore
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Cassandra Backes
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Suam Gonzalez
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Evgeniy R Galimov
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - André E X Brown
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mario Halic
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kazunori Tomita
- Centre for Genome Engineering and Maintenance, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Charalampos Rallis
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Tobias von der Haar
- Kent Fungal Group, School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Filipe Cabreiro
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph Stelzmann Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Ivana Bjedov
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK; Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Malet Place Engineering Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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242
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Perez MF, Saona LA, Farías ME, Poehlein A, Meinhardt F, Daniel R, Dib JR. Assessment of the plasmidome of an extremophilic microbial community from the Diamante Lake, Argentina. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21459. [PMID: 34728656 PMCID: PMC8563766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00753-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Diamante Lake located at 4589 m.a.s.l. in the Andean Puna constitutes an extreme environment. It is exposed to multiple extreme conditions such as an unusually high concentration of arsenic (over 300 mg L-1) and low oxygen pressure. Microorganisms thriving in the lake display specific genotypes that facilitate survival, which include at least a multitude of plasmid-encoded resistance traits. Hence, the genetic information provided by the plasmids essentially contributes to understand adaptation to different stressors. Though plasmids from cultivable organisms have already been analyzed to the sequence level, the impact of the entire plasmid-borne genetic information on such microbial ecosystem is not known. This study aims at assessing the plasmidome from Diamante Lake, which facilitates the identification of potential hosts and prediction of gene functions as well as the ecological impact of mobile genetic elements. The deep-sequencing analysis revealed a large fraction of previously unknown DNA sequences of which the majority encoded putative proteins of unknown function. Remarkably, functions related to the oxidative stress response, DNA repair, as well as arsenic- and antibiotic resistances were annotated. Additionally, all necessary capacities related to plasmid replication, mobilization and maintenance were detected. Sequences characteristic for megaplasmids and other already known plasmid-associated genes were identified as well. The study highlights the potential of the deep-sequencing approach specifically targeting plasmid populations as it allows to evaluate the ecological impact of plasmids from (cultivable and non-cultivable) microorganisms, thereby contributing to the understanding of the distribution of resistance factors within an extremophilic microbial community.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Perez
- grid.423606.50000 0001 1945 2152Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán Argentina
| | - Luis Alberto Saona
- grid.423606.50000 0001 1945 2152Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Farías
- grid.423606.50000 0001 1945 2152Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán Argentina
| | - Anja Poehlein
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Friedhelm Meinhardt
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Institut für Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Westfälische Wilhelms Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julián Rafael Dib
- grid.423606.50000 0001 1945 2152Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán Argentina ,grid.108162.c0000000121496664Instituto de Microbiología, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán Argentina
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243
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Gelsinger DR, Reddy R, Whittington K, Debic S, DiRuggiero J. Post-transcriptional regulation of redox homeostasis by the small RNA SHOxi in halo archaea. RNA Biol 2021; 18:1867-1881. [PMID: 33522404 PMCID: PMC8583180 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1874717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While haloarchaea are highly resistant to oxidative stress, a comprehensive understanding of the processes regulating this remarkable response is lacking. Oxidative stress-responsive small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) have been reported in the model archaeon, Haloferax volc anii, but targets and mechanisms have not been elucidated. Using a combination of high throughput and reverse molecular genetic approaches, we elucidated the functional role of the most up-regulated intergenic sRNA during oxidative stress in H. volcanii, named Small RNA in Haloferax Oxidative Stress (SHOxi). SHOxi was predicted to form a stable secondary structure with a conserved stem-loop region as the potential binding site for trans-targets. NAD-dependent malic enzyme mRNA, identified as a putative target of SHOxi, interacted directly with a putative 'seed' region within the predicted stem loop of SHOxi. Malic enzyme catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of malate into pyruvate using NAD+ as a cofactor. The destabilization of malic enzyme mRNA, and the decrease in the NAD+/NADH ratio, resulting from the direct RNA-RNA interaction between SHOxi and its trans-target was essential for the survival of H. volcanii to oxidative stress. These findings indicate that SHOxi likely regulates redox homoeostasis during oxidative stress by the post-transcriptional destabilization of malic enzyme mRNA. SHOxi-mediated regulation provides evidence that the fine-tuning of metabolic cofactors could be a core strategy to mitigate damage from oxidative stress and confer resistance. This study is the first to establish the regulatory effects of sRNAs on mRNAs during the oxidative stress response in Archaea.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rahul Reddy
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sara Debic
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jocelyne DiRuggiero
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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244
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Hayashi M, Sugahara K, Yamamura A, Iida Y. Evaluation of the Properties of the DNA Methyltransferase from Aeropyrum pernix K1. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0018621. [PMID: 34585946 DOI: 10.1128/Spectrum.00186-21] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known regarding the DNA methyltransferases (MTases) in hyperthermophilic archaea. In this study, we focus on an MTase from Aeropyrum pernix K1, a hyperthermophilic archaeon that is found in hydrothermal vents and whose optimum growth temperature is 90°C to 95°C. From genomic sequence analysis, A. pernix K1 has been predicted to have a restriction-modification system (R-M system). The restriction endonuclease from A. pernix K1 (known as ApeKI from New England BioLabs Inc. [catalog code R06435]) has been described previously, but the properties of the MTase from A. pernix K1 (M.ApeKI) have not yet been clarified. Thus, we demonstrated the properties of M.ApeKI. In this study, M.ApeKI was expressed in Escherichia coli strain JM109 and affinity purified using its His tag. The recognition sequence of M.ApeKI was determined by methylation activity and bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect the position of the methyl group in methylated cytosine. As a result, it was clarified that M.ApeKI adds the methyl group at the C-5 position of the second cytosine in 5'-GCWGC-3'. Moreover, we also determined that the MTase optimum temperature was over 70°C and that it is strongly tolerant to high temperatures. M.ApeKI is the first highly thermostable DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase to be evaluated by experimental evidence. IMPORTANCE In general, thermophilic bacteria with optimum growth temperatures over or equal to 60°C have been predicted to include only N4-methylcytosine or N6-methyladenine as methylated bases in their DNA, because 5-methylcytosine is susceptible to deamination by heat. However, from this study, A. pernix K1, with an optimum growth temperature at 95°C, was demonstrated to produce a DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase. Thus, A. pernix K1 presumably has 5-methylcytosine in its DNA and may produce an original repair system for the expected C-to-T mutations. M.ApeKI was demonstrated to be tolerant to high temperatures; thus, we expect that M.ApeKI may be valuable for the development of a novel analysis system or epigenetic editing tool.
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245
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Chauhan SM, Poudel S, Rychel K, Lamoureux C, Yoo R, Al Bulushi T, Yuan Y, Palsson BO, Sastry AV. Machine Learning Uncovers a Data-Driven Transcriptional Regulatory Network for the Cren archaeal Thermoacidophile Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:753521. [PMID: 34777307 PMCID: PMC8578740 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.753521] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic cellular responses to environmental constraints are coordinated by the transcriptional regulatory network (TRN), which modulates gene expression. This network controls most fundamental cellular responses, including metabolism, motility, and stress responses. Here, we apply independent component analysis, an unsupervised machine learning approach, to 95 high-quality Sulfolobus acidocaldarius RNA-seq datasets and extract 45 independently modulated gene sets, or iModulons. Together, these iModulons contain 755 genes (32% of the genes identified on the genome) and explain over 70% of the variance in the expression compendium. We show that five modules represent the effects of known transcriptional regulators, and hypothesize that most of the remaining modules represent the effects of uncharacterized regulators. Further analysis of these gene sets results in: (1) the prediction of a DNA export system composed of five uncharacterized genes, (2) expansion of the LysM regulon, and (3) evidence for an as-yet-undiscovered global regulon. Our approach allows for a mechanistic, systems-level elucidation of an extremophile's responses to biological perturbations, which could inform research on gene-regulator interactions and facilitate regulator discovery in S. acidocaldarius. We also provide the first global TRN for S. acidocaldarius. Collectively, these results provide a roadmap toward regulatory network discovery in archaea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth M. Chauhan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Saugat Poudel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Kevin Rychel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Cameron Lamoureux
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Reo Yoo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Tahani Al Bulushi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Bernhard O. Palsson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anand V. Sastry
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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246
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Anchal, Kaushik V, Goel M. Distribution of Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase (PPIase) in the Archaea. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:751049. [PMID: 34691003 PMCID: PMC8530231 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.751049] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cis-trans isomerization of the peptide bond prior to proline is an intrinsically slow process but plays an essential role in protein folding. In vivo cis-trans isomerization reaction is catalyzed by Peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIases), a category of proteins widely distributed among all the three domains of life. The present study is majorly focused on the distribution of different types of PPIases in the archaeal domain. All the three hitherto known families of PPIases (namely FKBP, Cyclophilin and parvulin) were studied to identify the evolutionary conservation across the phylum archaea. The basic function of cyclophilin, FKBP and parvulin has been conserved whereas the sequence alignment suggested variations in each clade. The conserved residues within the predicted motif of each family are unique. The available protein structures of different PPIase across various domains were aligned to ascertain the structural variation in the catalytic site. The structural alignment of native PPIase proteins among various groups suggested that the apo-protein may have variable conformations but when bound to their specific inhibitors, they attain similar active site configuration. This is the first study of its kind which explores the distribution of archaeal PPIases, along with detailed structural and functional analysis of each type of PPIase found in archaea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anchal
- Department of Biophysics, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Vineeta Kaushik
- Department of Biophysics, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Manisha Goel
- Department of Biophysics, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
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247
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Holmes DE, Zhou J, Ueki T, Woodard T, Lovley DR. Mechanisms for Electron Uptake by Methanosarcina acetivorans during Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer. mBio 2021; 12:e0234421. [PMID: 34607451 PMCID: PMC8546582 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02344-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between bacteria and methanogenic archaea appears to be an important syntrophy in both natural and engineered methanogenic environments. However, the electrical connections on the outer surface of methanogens and the subsequent processing of electrons for carbon dioxide reduction to methane are poorly understood. Here, we report that the genetically tractable methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans can grow via DIET in coculture with Geobacter metallireducens serving as the electron-donating partner. Comparison of gene expression patterns in M. acetivorans grown in coculture versus pure-culture growth on acetate revealed that transcripts for the outer-surface multiheme c-type cytochrome MmcA were higher during DIET-based growth. Deletion of mmcA inhibited DIET. The high aromatic amino acid content of M. acetivorans archaellins suggests that they might assemble into electrically conductive archaella. A mutant that could not express archaella was deficient in DIET. However, this mutant grew in DIET-based coculture as well as the archaellum-expressing parental strain in the presence of granular activated carbon, which was previously shown to serve as a substitute for electrically conductive pili as a conduit for long-range interspecies electron transfer in other DIET-based cocultures. Transcriptomic data suggesting that the membrane-bound Rnf, Fpo, and HdrED complexes also play a role in DIET were incorporated into a charge-balanced model illustrating how electrons entering the cell through MmcA can yield energy to support growth from carbon dioxide reduction. The results are the first genetics-based functional demonstration of likely outer-surface electrical contacts for DIET in a methanogen. IMPORTANCE The conversion of organic matter to methane plays an important role in the global carbon cycle and is an effective strategy for converting wastes to a useful biofuel. The reduction of carbon dioxide to methane accounts for approximately a third of the methane produced in anaerobic soils and sediments as well as waste digesters. Potential electron donors for carbon dioxide reduction are H2 or electrons derived from direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between bacteria and methanogens. Elucidating the relative importance of these electron donors has been difficult due to a lack of information on the electrical connections on the outer surfaces of methanogens and how they process the electrons received from DIET. Transcriptomic patterns and gene deletion phenotypes reported here provide insight into how a group of Methanosarcina organisms that play an important role in methane production in soils and sediments participate in DIET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn E. Holmes
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Physical and Biological Science, Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jinjie Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Toshiyuki Ueki
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Trevor Woodard
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Derek R. Lovley
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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248
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Kaneko M, Takano Y, Kamo M, Morimoto K, Nunoura T, Ohkouchi N. Insights into the Methanogenic Population and Potential in Subsurface Marine Sediments Based on Coenzyme F430 as a Function-Specific Biomarker. JACS Au 2021; 1:1743-1751. [PMID: 34723277 PMCID: PMC8549059 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coenzyme F430, the prosthetic group of methyl coenzyme M reductase (MCR), is a key compound in methane metabolism. We applied coenzyme F430 as a function-specific biomarker of methanogenesis to subsurface marine sediments collected below the sulfate reduction zone to investigate the distribution and activity of methanogens. In addition, we examined the kinetics of the epimerization of coenzyme F430, which is the first stage of the degradation process after cell death, at various temperatures (4, 15, 34, 60 °C) and pH (5, 7, 9) conditions, which cover in situ conditions of drilled sediments used in this study. The degradation experiments revealed that the kinetics of the epimerization well follow the thermodynamic laws, and the half-life of coenzyme F430 is decreasing from 304 days to 11 h with increasing the in situ temperature. It indicates that the native F430 detected in the sediments is derived from living methanogens, because the abiotic degradation of F430 is much faster than the sedimentation rate and will not be fossilized. Based on coenzyme F430 analysis and degradation experiments, the native form of F430 detected in subseafloor sediments off the Shimokita Peninsula originates from living methanogen cells, which is protected from degradation in cells but disappears soon after cell death. The biomass of methanogens calculated from in situ F430 concentration and F430 contents in cultivable methanogen species decreases by 2 orders of magnitude up to a sediment depth of 2.5 km, with a maximum value at ∼70 m below the seafloor (mbsf), while the proportion of methanogens to the total prokaryotic cell abundance increases with the depth, which is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than expected previously. Our results indicate the presence of undetectable methanogens using conventional techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Kaneko
- Geological
Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced
Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8567, Japan
- Biogeochemistry
Research Center, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth
Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Takano
- Biogeochemistry
Research Center, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth
Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Masashi Kamo
- Research
Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
(AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8569, Japan
| | - Kazuya Morimoto
- Geological
Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced
Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8567, Japan
| | - Takuro Nunoura
- Research
Center for Bioscience and Nanoscience, Japan
Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
| | - Naohiko Ohkouchi
- Biogeochemistry
Research Center, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth
Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan
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249
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Szöllősi GJ, Höhna S, Williams TA, Schrempf D, Daubin V, Boussau B. Relative time constraints improve molecular dating. Syst Biol 2021; 71:797-809. [PMID: 34668564 PMCID: PMC9203062 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syab084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Dating the tree of life is central to understanding the evolution of life on Earth. Molecular clocks calibrated with fossils represent the state of the art for inferring the ages of major groups. Yet, other information on the timing of species diversification can be used to date the tree of life. For example, horizontal gene transfer events and ancient coevolutionary interactions such as (endo)symbioses occur between contemporaneous species and thus can imply temporal relationships between two nodes in a phylogeny. Temporal constraints from these alternative sources can be particularly helpful when the geological record is sparse, for example, for microorganisms, which represent the majority of extant and extinct biodiversity. Here, we present a new method to combine fossil calibrations and relative age constraints to estimate chronograms. We provide an implementation of relative age constraints in RevBayes that can be combined in a modular manner with the wide range of molecular dating methods available in the software. We use both realistic simulations and empirical datasets of 40 Cyanobacteria and 62 Archaea to evaluate our method. We show that the combination of relative age constraints with fossil calibrations significantly improves the estimation of node ages. [Archaea, Bayesian analysis, cyanobacteria, dating, endosymbiosis, lateral gene transfer, MCMC, molecular clock, phylogenetic dating, relaxed molecular clock, revbayes, tree of life.]
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely J Szöllősi
- MTA-ELTE "Lendület"' Evolutionary Genomics Research Group, Pázmány P. stny. 1A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; Department of Biological Physics, Eötvös University,Pázmány P. stny. 1A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sebastian Höhna
- GeoBio-Center LMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Richard-Wagner Straße 10, 80333 Munich, Germany; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Paleontology & Geobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Richard-Wagner Straße 10, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Tom A Williams
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Ave, Bristol, BS8 1TH, United Kingdom
| | - Dominik Schrempf
- Dept. Biological Physics, Eötvös University, Pázmány P. stny. 1A., H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vincent Daubin
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive UMR 5558, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Bastien Boussau
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive UMR 5558, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
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250
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Fuentes-Ugarte N, Herrera SM, Maturana P, Castro-Fernandez V, Guixé V. Structural and Kinetic Insights Into the Molecular Basis of Salt Tolerance of the Short-Chain Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase From Haloferax volcanii. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:730429. [PMID: 34650535 PMCID: PMC8506132 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.730429] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Halophilic enzymes need high salt concentrations for activity and stability and are considered a promising source for biotechnological applications. The model study for haloadaptation has been proteins from the Halobacteria class of Archaea, where common structural characteristics have been found. However, the effect of salt on enzyme function and conformational dynamics has been much less explored. Here we report the structural and kinetic characteristics of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from Haloferax volcanii (HvG6PDH) belonging to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) superfamily. The enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli and successfully solubilized and refolded from inclusion bodies. The enzyme is active in the presence of several salts, though the maximum activity is achieved in the presence of KCl, mainly by an increment in the kcat value, that correlates with a diminution of its flexibility according to molecular dynamics simulations. The high KM for glucose-6-phosphate and its promiscuous activity for glucose restrict the use of HvG6PDH as an auxiliary enzyme for the determination of halophilic glucokinase activity. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that SDR-G6PDH enzymes are exclusively present in Halobacteria, with HvG6PDH being the only enzyme characterized. Homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations of HvG6PDH identified a conserved NLTX2H motif involved in glucose-6-phosphate interaction at high salt concentrations, whose residues could be crucial for substrate specificity. Structural differences in its conformational dynamics, potentially related to the haloadaptation strategy, were also determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Fuentes-Ugarte
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sixto M Herrera
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Maturana
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Victor Castro-Fernandez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Victoria Guixé
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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