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Hui CY, Liu MQ, Guo Y. Synthetic bacteria designed using ars operons: a promising solution for arsenic biosensing and bioremediation. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:192. [PMID: 38709285 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The global concern over arsenic contamination in water due to its natural occurrence and human activities has led to the development of innovative solutions for its detection and remediation. Microbial metabolism and mobilization play crucial roles in the global cycle of arsenic. Many microbial arsenic-resistance systems, especially the ars operons, prevalent in bacterial plasmids and genomes, play vital roles in arsenic resistance and are utilized as templates for designing synthetic bacteria. This review novelty focuses on the use of these tailored bacteria, engineered with ars operons, for arsenic biosensing and bioremediation. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using synthetic bacteria in arsenic pollution treatment. We highlight the importance of genetic circuit design, reporter development, and chassis cell optimization to improve biosensors' performance. Bacterial arsenic resistances involving several processes, such as uptake, transformation, and methylation, engineered in customized bacteria have been summarized for arsenic bioaccumulation, detoxification, and biosorption. In this review, we present recent insights on the use of synthetic bacteria designed with ars operons for developing tailored bacteria for controlling arsenic pollution, offering a promising avenue for future research and application in environmental protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ye Hui
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Ming-Qi Liu
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
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Thai TD, Lim W, Na D. Synthetic bacteria for the detection and bioremediation of heavy metals. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1178680. [PMID: 37122866 PMCID: PMC10133563 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1178680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxic heavy metal accumulation is one of anthropogenic environmental pollutions, which poses risks to human health and ecological systems. Conventional heavy metal remediation approaches rely on expensive chemical and physical processes leading to the formation and release of other toxic waste products. Instead, microbial bioremediation has gained interest as a promising and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods, but the genetic complexity of microorganisms and the lack of appropriate genetic engineering technologies have impeded the development of bioremediating microorganisms. Recently, the emerging synthetic biology opened a new avenue for microbial bioremediation research and development by addressing the challenges and providing novel tools for constructing bacteria with enhanced capabilities: rapid detection and degradation of heavy metals while enhanced tolerance to toxic heavy metals. Moreover, synthetic biology also offers new technologies to meet biosafety regulations since genetically modified microorganisms may disrupt natural ecosystems. In this review, we introduce the use of microorganisms developed based on synthetic biology technologies for the detection and detoxification of heavy metals. Additionally, this review explores the technical strategies developed to overcome the biosafety requirements associated with the use of genetically modified microorganisms.
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Maleki F, Shahpiri A. Efficient and specific bioaccumulation of arsenic in the transgenic Escherichia coli expressing ArsR1 from Corynebacterium glutamicum. Biometals 2022; 35:889-901. [PMID: 35767097 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-022-00412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The toxic nature of arsenic has left a trail of disastrous health consequences around the world. Microorganisms have developed various strategies to deal with arsenic. The presence of plasmid and chromosomal ars operons is one of the most important mechanisms for the detoxification of arsenic in bacteria. ArsR is a trans-acting regulatory protein and acts as a repressor on ars operon. The gene encoding ArsR from Corynebacterium glutamicum (CgArsR1) was cloned in expression vectors pET28a. The resulting constructs were transformed into Escherichia coli strains Rosetta (DE3) and Rosetta gami 2. Following the induction with Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside, the protein His-CgArsR1 was found in the soluble fraction of strain Rg-CgArsR1. For comparison, ArsR from E. coli was also overexpressed in E. coli (strain Rosetta gami 2) as His-EcArsR. A strain containing empty vector pET28a was also used as a control strain. In the medium containing either arsenite (0.5 mM) or arsenate (0.5 mM), the strain Rg-CgArsR1 and Rg-EcArsR were able to accumulate 1200 and 700 µg/g DCW As3+, respectively. In comparison, the accumulation of As5+ in these strains was 338 and 232 µg/g DCW, respectively. Whereas both strains Rg-CgArsR1 and Rg-EcArsR were able to accumulate higher amounts of As3+ and As5+ with respect to control strain, the accumulation of arsenic in the strain Rg-CgArsR1 was significantly more efficient than strain Rg-EcArsR for removing As3+ and As5+. Based on the results the gene encoding CgArsR1 is a useful and efficient target gene for the modification of bacteria for bioremediation of arsenic from polluted soil and water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Maleki
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, 84156-83111, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azar Shahpiri
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, 84156-83111, Isfahan, Iran.
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Potential Application of Living Microorganisms in the Detoxification of Heavy Metals. Foods 2022; 11:foods11131905. [PMID: 35804721 PMCID: PMC9265996 DOI: 10.3390/foods11131905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Heavy metal (HM) exposure remains a global occupational and environmental problem that creates a hazard to general health. Even low-level exposure to toxic metals contributes to the pathogenesis of various metabolic and immunological diseases, whereas, in this process, the gut microbiota serves as a major target and mediator of HM bioavailability and toxicity. Specifically, a picture is emerging from recent investigations identifying specific probiotic species to counteract the noxious effect of HM within the intestinal tract via a series of HM-resistant mechanisms. More encouragingly, aided by genetic engineering techniques, novel HM-bioremediation strategies using recombinant microorganisms have been fruitful and may provide access to promising biological medicines for HM poisoning. In this review, we summarized the pivotal mutualistic relationship between HM exposure and the gut microbiota, the probiotic-based protective strategies against HM-induced gut dysbiosis, with reference to recent advancements in developing engineered microorganisms for medically alleviating HM toxicity.
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Díaz S, Aguilera Á, de Figueras CG, de Francisco P, Olsson S, Puente-Sánchez F, González-Pastor JE. Heterologous Expression of the Phytochelatin Synthase CaPCS2 from Chlamydomonas acidophila and Its Effect on Different Stress Factors in Escherichia coli. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137692. [PMID: 35805349 PMCID: PMC9265389 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Phytochelatins (PCs) are cysteine-rich small peptides, enzymatically synthesized from reduced glutathione (GSH) by cytosolic enzyme phytochelatin synthase (PCS). The open reading frame (ORF) of the phytochelatin synthase CaPCS2 gene from the microalgae Chlamydomonas acidophila was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli strain DH5α, to analyze its role in protection against various abiotic agents that cause cellular stress. The transformed E. coli strain showed increased tolerance to exposure to different heavy metals (HMs) and arsenic (As), as well as to acidic pH and exposure to UVB, salt, or perchlorate. In addition to metal detoxification activity, new functions have also been reported for PCS and PCs. According to the results obtained in this work, the heterologous expression of CaPCS2 in E. coli provides protection against oxidative stress produced by metals and exposure to different ROS-inducing agents. However, the function of this PCS is not related to HM bioaccumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Díaz
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, C. José Antonio Novais, 12, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Ángeles Aguilera
- Department of Molecular Biology, Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Carretera de Ajalvir, km 4, Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain; (Á.A.); (C.G.d.F.); (P.d.F.); (J.E.G.-P.)
| | - Carolina G. de Figueras
- Department of Molecular Biology, Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Carretera de Ajalvir, km 4, Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain; (Á.A.); (C.G.d.F.); (P.d.F.); (J.E.G.-P.)
| | - Patricia de Francisco
- Department of Molecular Biology, Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Carretera de Ajalvir, km 4, Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain; (Á.A.); (C.G.d.F.); (P.d.F.); (J.E.G.-P.)
| | - Sanna Olsson
- Department of Forest Ecology and Genetics, Forest Research Centre (INIA, CSIC), Carretera de La Coruña, km 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Fernando Puente-Sánchez
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - José Eduardo González-Pastor
- Department of Molecular Biology, Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Carretera de Ajalvir, km 4, Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain; (Á.A.); (C.G.d.F.); (P.d.F.); (J.E.G.-P.)
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Diep P, Mahadevan R, Yakunin AF. Heavy Metal Removal by Bioaccumulation Using Genetically Engineered Microorganisms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:157. [PMID: 30420950 PMCID: PMC6215804 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Wastewater effluents from mines and metal refineries are often contaminated with heavy metal ions, so they pose hazards to human and environmental health. Conventional technologies to remove heavy metal ions are well-established, but the most popular methods have drawbacks: chemical precipitation generates sludge waste, and activated carbon and ion exchange resins are made from unsustainable non-renewable resources. Using microbial biomass as the platform for heavy metal ion removal is an alternative method. Specifically, bioaccumulation is a natural biological phenomenon where microorganisms use proteins to uptake and sequester metal ions in the intracellular space to utilize in cellular processes (e.g., enzyme catalysis, signaling, stabilizing charges on biomolecules). Recombinant expression of these import-storage systems in genetically engineered microorganisms allows for enhanced uptake and sequestration of heavy metal ions. This has been studied for over two decades for bioremediative applications, but successful translation to industrial-scale processes is virtually non-existent. Meanwhile, demands for metal resources are increasing while discovery rates to supply primary grade ores are not. This review re-thinks how bioaccumulation can be used and proposes that it can be developed for bioextractive applications-the removal and recovery of heavy metal ions for downstream purification and refining, rather than disposal. This review consolidates previously tested import-storage systems into a biochemical framework and highlights efforts to overcome obstacles that limit industrial feasibility, thereby identifying gaps in knowledge and potential avenues of research in bioaccumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander F. Yakunin
- BioZone - Centre for Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering, Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Edmundson MC, Horsfall L. Construction of a Modular Arsenic-Resistance Operon in E. coli and the Production of Arsenic Nanoparticles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2015; 3:160. [PMID: 26539432 PMCID: PMC4611968 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic is a widespread contaminant of both land and water around the world. Current methods of decontamination such as phytoremediation and chemical adsorbents can be resource and time intensive, and may not be suitable for some areas such as remote communities where cost and transportation are major issues. Bacterial decontamination, with strict controls preventing environmental release, may offer a cost-effective alternative or provide a financial incentive when used in combination with other remediation techniques. In this study, we have produced Escherichia coli strains containing arsenic-resistance genes from a number of sources, overexpressing them and testing their effects on arsenic resistance. While the lab E. coli strain JM109 (the “wild-type”) is resistant up to 20 mM sodium arsenate, the strain containing our plasmid pEC20 is resistant up to 80 mM. When combined with our construct pArsRBCC arsenic-containing nanoparticles were observed at the cell surface; the elements of pEC20 and pArsRBCC were therefore combined in a modular construct, pArs, in order to evaluate the roles and synergistic effects of the components of the original plasmids in arsenic resistance and nanoparticle formation. We have also investigated introducing the lac operator in order to more tightly control expression from pArs. We demonstrate that our strains are able to reduce toxic forms of arsenic into stable, insoluble metallic As(0), providing one way to remove arsenate contamination, and which may also be of benefit for other heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise Horsfall
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , UK
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