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Van Houdt R, Vandecraen J, Heylen W, Leys N, Monsieurs P, Provoost A, Aertsen A. Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization of Temperature-Induced Mutagenesis and Mortality in Cupriavidus metallidurans. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:698330. [PMID: 34305863 PMCID: PMC8299993 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.698330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cupriavidus metallidurans strains display a decreased viability when incubated in rich medium at a temperature of 37°C compared to their normal growth temperature of 30°C, a phenomenon coined “temperature-induced mortality and mutagenesis” (TIMM). To scrutinize this aberrant phenotype further, the contributions of specific inducers and protective agents were determined. Different growth media, including lysogeny broth (LB) and Schatz, and components, including casamino acids, in particular amino acids (proline, cysteine, glycine, glutamine, leucine, histidine and phenylalanine) and ammonium, were found to induce TIMM at 37°C. Sorbitol was found to counteract TIMM. Furthermore, although TIMM is well conserved within the C. metallidurans species, multiple and strain-specific TIMM inducers exist. Twenty-nine percent of the TIMM survivors inherited resistance to TIMM. Whole-genome sequencing of two resistant derivatives revealed an important role of an uncharacterized oxidoreductase, indicating putative metabolic poisoning when grown in high-concentration nitrogen-containing media at 37°C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Van Houdt
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Joachim Vandecraen
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium.,Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wietse Heylen
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Natalie Leys
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Pieter Monsieurs
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Ann Provoost
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium
| | - Abram Aertsen
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Mergeay M, Van Houdt R. Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34, a historical perspective on its discovery, characterization and metal resistance. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:6019867. [PMID: 33270823 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiaa247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cupriavidus metallidurans, and in particular type strain CH34, became a model bacterium to study bacterial resistance to metals. Although nowadays the routine use of a wide variety of omics and molecular techniques allow refining, deepening and expanding our knowledge on adaptation and resistance to metals, these were not available at the onset of C. metallidurans research starting from its isolation in 1976. This minireview describes the early research and legacy tools used to study its metal resistance determinants, characteristic megaplasmids, ecological niches and environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Mergeay
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Rob Van Houdt
- Microbiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
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3
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Characterization of As(III) oxidizing Achromobacter sp. strain N2: effects on arsenic toxicity and translocation in rice. ANN MICROBIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-018-1338-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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4
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Van Gijsegem F. Use of RP4::Mini-Mu for Gene Transfer. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1681:287-302. [PMID: 29134603 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7343-9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene cloning is an invaluable technique in genetic analysis and exploitation of genetic properties of a broad range of bacteria. Numerous in vitro molecular cloning protocols have been devised but the efficiency of these techniques relies on the frequency with which the recombinant DNA can be introduced in the recipient strain. Here, we describe an in vivo gene transfer and cloning technique based on transposable bacteriophage Mu property to rearrange its host genome. This technique uses the broad host range plasmid RP4 carrying a transposable mini-MuA+ derivative and was successfully used as well in enteric as in environmental nonenteric bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédérique Van Gijsegem
- Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris, INRA UMR1392, UPMC barre 44-45 CC 237, 4 Place Jussieu, 75252, Paris Cedex, France.
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5
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Toussaint A, Rice PA. Transposable phages, DNA reorganization and transfer. Curr Opin Microbiol 2017; 38:88-94. [PMID: 28551392 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transposable bacteriophages have long been known to necessarily and randomly integrate their DNA in their host genome, where they amplify by successive rounds of replicative transposition, profoundly reorganizing that genome. As a result of such transposition, a conjugative element (plasmid or genomic island), can either become integrated in the chromosome or receive chromosome segments, which can then be transferred to new hosts by conjugation. In recent years, more and more transposable phages have been isolated or detected by sequence similarity searches in a wide range of bacteria, supporting the idea that this mode of HGT may be pervasive in natural bacterial populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Toussaint
- Génétique et Physiologie Bactérienne, Université Libre de Bruxelles, IBMM-DBM, 12 Rue des Professeurs Jeneer et Brachet, B 6041 Gosselies, Belgium.
| | - Phoebe A Rice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, 929 E. 57th St., Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Arroua B, Bellanger X, Guilloteau H, Mathieu L, Merlin C. Atypical stress response to temperature and NaOCl exposure leading to septation defect during cell division in Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014; 353:32-9. [PMID: 24822276 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 has long been known for its temperature-induced mutagenesis and mortality phenotype (TIMM), for which a genetic origin has been suggested repeatedly. In this report, we present microscopic-based evidences that the TIMM process actually starts with a septation defect, leading to aberrant cell morphologies. Moreover, the septation defect of CH34 could be induced by NaOCl, thus showing that the TIMM phenotype may be part of a more general stress response. Sequence analysis of a TIMM survivor exhibiting a recurrent recognizable lysA mutation ruled out the possibility of a genetic ground linking TIMM survival and peptidoglycan synthesis.
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Rhizosphere colonization and arsenic translocation in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) by arsenate reducing Alcaligenes sp. strain Dhal-L. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2013; 29:1931-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-013-1359-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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8
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Ruggiero P, Terzano R, Spagnuolo M, Cavalca L, Colombo M, Andreoni V, Rao MA, Perucci P, Monaci E. Hg bioavailability and impact on bacterial communities in a long-term polluted soil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 13:145-56. [DOI: 10.1039/c0em00183j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Janssen PJ, Van Houdt R, Moors H, Monsieurs P, Morin N, Michaux A, Benotmane MA, Leys N, Vallaeys T, Lapidus A, Monchy S, Médigue C, Taghavi S, McCorkle S, Dunn J, van der Lelie D, Mergeay M. The complete genome sequence of Cupriavidus metallidurans strain CH34, a master survivalist in harsh and anthropogenic environments. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10433. [PMID: 20463976 PMCID: PMC2864759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacteria in the environment have adapted to the presence of toxic heavy metals. Over the last 30 years, this heavy metal tolerance was the subject of extensive research. The bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans strain CH34, originally isolated by us in 1976 from a metal processing factory, is considered a major model organism in this field because it withstands milli-molar range concentrations of over 20 different heavy metal ions. This tolerance is mostly achieved by rapid ion efflux but also by metal-complexation and -reduction. We present here the full genome sequence of strain CH34 and the manual annotation of all its genes. The genome of C. metallidurans CH34 is composed of two large circular chromosomes CHR1 and CHR2 of, respectively, 3,928,089 bp and 2,580,084 bp, and two megaplasmids pMOL28 and pMOL30 of, respectively, 171,459 bp and 233,720 bp in size. At least 25 loci for heavy-metal resistance (HMR) are distributed over the four replicons. Approximately 67% of the 6,717 coding sequences (CDSs) present in the CH34 genome could be assigned a putative function, and 9.1% (611 genes) appear to be unique to this strain. One out of five proteins is associated with either transport or transcription while the relay of environmental stimuli is governed by more than 600 signal transduction systems. The CH34 genome is most similar to the genomes of other Cupriavidus strains by correspondence between the respective CHR1 replicons but also displays similarity to the genomes of more distantly related species as a result of gene transfer and through the presence of large genomic islands. The presence of at least 57 IS elements and 19 transposons and the ability to take in and express foreign genes indicates a very dynamic and complex genome shaped by evolutionary forces. The genome data show that C. metallidurans CH34 is particularly well equipped to live in extreme conditions and anthropogenic environments that are rich in metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Janssen
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Belgian Nuclear Research Center SCK*CEN, Mol, Belgium.
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Sinha S, Mukherjee SK. Pseudomonas aeruginosa KUCD1, a possible candidate for cadmium bioremediation. Braz J Microbiol 2009; 40:655-62. [PMID: 24031411 PMCID: PMC3768532 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-838220090003000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2008] [Revised: 10/10/2008] [Accepted: 05/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A cadmium (8 mM) resistant Pseudomonasaeruginosa strain KUCd1 exhibiting high Cd accumulation under in vitro aerobic condition has been reported. The isolate showed a significant ability to remove more than 75% and 89% of the soluble cadmium during the active growth phase from the growth medium and from Cd-amended industrial wastewater under growth supportive condition. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) suggest the presence of Cd in the cells from mid stationary phase. The cell fractionation study revealed membrane and periplasm to be the major accumulating site in this strain. The chemical nature of the accumulated Cd was studied by X-ray powder diffraction analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangram Sinha
- Department of Microbiology, University of Kalyani , Kalyani 741235 , INDIA
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11
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Mergeay M, Monchy S, Janssen P, Houdt RV, Leys N. Megaplasmids in Cupriavidus Genus and Metal Resistance. MICROBIAL MEGAPLASMIDS 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-85467-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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12
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Dell'Amico E, Mazzocchi M, Cavalca L, Allievi L, Andreoni V. Assessment of bacterial community structure in a long-term copper-polluted ex-vineyard soil. Microbiol Res 2008; 163:671-83. [PMID: 17207985 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2006.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2006] [Revised: 09/13/2006] [Accepted: 09/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The influence of long-term copper contamination on the diversity of bacterial communities was investigated in an ex-vineyard soil. Two sites of the same area but exhibiting different 3-fold exchangeable copper (Ex-Cu) concentrations were analysed. Culturable bacterial community structure was assessed using a variety of approaches: determination of culturable bacteria number, analyses of 132 isolates, and denaturing gradient gel lectrophoresis (DGGE) patterns of bacterial biomass grown on agar plates and of soil DNA. There was no significant difference in the number of total heterotrophs at the two sites, whereas the percentage of fast-growing bacteria growing in 1 day, was lower at the site with the higher Ex-Cu content. A high percentage of Cu-tolerant bacteria was found in both sites (63-70%) and it was relatively independent of the Cu content. Shifts in species composition of the culturable bacterial community were detected by analysing isolates from the two soils, Gram-positive bacteria prevailed in the less-polluted soil while Gram-negative bacteria in the more-polluted soil. Each sample site had a community with a different metal resistance pattern. Our study seems to indicate that in this soil ecosystem, copper influenced the culturable bacterial communities, affecting the structural diversity and altering some of the metal resistance of the microorganisms. The Sorensen similarity index calculated on DGGE profiles of 16S rDNA of total and culturable bacterial communities indicated a different species composition at the two sites, although both sites had the same biodiversity degree and different dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Dell'Amico
- Department of Food Science and Microbiology, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 1-20133 Milan, Italy
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13
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Dell'Amico E, Cavalca L, Andreoni V. Analysis of rhizobacterial communities in perennial Graminaceae from polluted water meadow soil, and screening of metal-resistant, potentially plant growth-promoting bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2005; 52:153-62. [PMID: 16329902 DOI: 10.1016/j.femsec.2004.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2004] [Revised: 09/27/2004] [Accepted: 11/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of long-term heavy metal contamination on the culturable, heterotrophic, functional and genetic diversity of rhizobacterial communities of perennial grasses in water meadow soil. The culturable heterotrophic diversity was investigated by colony appearance on solid LB medium. Genetic diversity was measured as bands in denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) obtained directly from rhizosphere soil and rhizoplane DNA extracts, and from the corresponding culturable communities. In the two rhizospheric fractions the DGGE profiles of the direct DNA extracts were similar and stable among replicates, whereas in the enriched cultures the profiles of the fractions differed, but among the replicates they were similar. One hundred isolates were collected into 33 different operational taxonomic units by use of amplified internal transcribed spacers and into 19 heavy metal-resistant phenotypes. The phylogenetic position of strains belonging to 18 operational taxonomic units, representing more than 80% of the isolates, was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Several heavy metal-resistant strains were isolated from rhizoplane. Finally, metal-resistant rhizobacteria were tested for plant growth-promoting characteristics; some were found to contain 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase and/or to produce indole acetic acid and siderophores. Two strains resistant to cadmium and zinc, Pseudomonas tolaasii RP23 and Pseudomonas fluorescens RS9, had all three plant growth-promoting characteristics. Our findings suggest that bacteria can respond to soil metal contamination, and the described methodological approach appears promising for targeting potential plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Dell'Amico
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari e Microbiologiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
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14
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Mergeay M, Monchy S, Vallaeys T, Auquier V, Benotmane A, Bertin P, Taghavi S, Dunn J, van der Lelie D, Wattiez R. Ralstonia metallidurans, a bacterium specifically adapted to toxic metals: towards a catalogue of metal-responsive genes. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2003; 27:385-410. [PMID: 12829276 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-6445(03)00045-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ralstonia metallidurans, formerly known as Alcaligenes eutrophus and thereafter as Ralstonia eutropha, is a beta-Proteobacterium colonizing industrial sediments, soils or wastes with a high content of heavy metals. The type strain CH34 carries two large plasmids (pMOL28 and pMOL30) bearing a variety of genes for metal resistance. A chronological overview describes the progress made in the knowledge of the plasmid-borne metal resistance mechanisms, the genetics of R. metallidurans CH34 and its taxonomy, and the applications of this strain in the fields of environmental remediation and microbial ecology. Recently, the sequence draft of the genome of R. metallidurans has become available. This allowed a comparison of these preliminary data with the published genome data of the plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum, which harbors a megaplasmid (of 2.1 Mb) carrying some metal resistance genes that are similar to those found in R. metallidurans CH34. In addition, a first inventory of metal resistance genes and operons across these two organisms could be made. This inventory, which partly relied on the use of proteomic approaches, revealed the presence of numerous loci not only on the large plasmids pMOL28 and pMOL30 but also on the chromosome. It suggests that metal-resistant Ralstonia, through evolution, are particularly well adapted to the harsh environments typically created by extreme anthropogenic situations or biotopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Mergeay
- Laboratories for Microbiology and Radiobiology, Belgium Nuclear Research Center, SCK/CEN, B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
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15
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Brim H, Heyndrickx M, de Vos P, Wilmotte A, Springael D, Schlegel HG, Mergeay M. Amplified rDNA restriction analysis and further genotypic characterisation of metal-resistant soil bacteria and related facultative hydrogenotrophs. Syst Appl Microbiol 1999; 22:258-68. [PMID: 10390877 DOI: 10.1016/s0723-2020(99)80073-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The level of genotypic relationship between czc+ soil bacteria mainly resistant to zinc (but also to various other metals), and related facultative hydrogenotrophs previously assigned to the genera Alcaligenes, Ralstonia, and Burkholderia was evaluated using ARDRA (Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis). The analysis included 44 strains isolated from harsh industrial environments in sediments, soils and wastes with high content of heavy metals. These strains were selected by their ability to grow in the presence of high concentrations of multiple heavy metals and to hybridise with czc or ncc probes. The czc operon confers resistance to cadmium, zinc and cobalt in strain Ralstonia eutropha CH34. The ncc operon confers resistance to nickel, cobalt and cadmium in strain 31A known as Alcaligenes xylosoxidans. The analysis showed a close phylogenetic clustering of the czc+ strains inside the Ralstonia genus despite of their different origins and that the Ralstonia genus contained also the hydrogenotrophs and some catabolic strains assigned to the genus Ralstonia eutropha, strains up to now registrated as CDC IV c-2 strains as well as reference strains belonging to Ralstonia solanacearum and Ralstonia pickettii. The ncc+ strains are phylogenetically less related to each other compared to the czc+ strains. This suggests that the tested czc+ strains and some of the ncc+ strains may be considered as belonging to the genus Ralstonia. Inside this major Ralstonia cluster, a subcluster gathers most of the czc+ isolates maybe giving a clue to define a new species. Besides, from 30 tested strains, 15 metal resistant strains of this subcluster proved to display the unusual mutator phenotype characteristic of the representative strain CH34.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Brim
- Laboratoire de Génétique des Procaryotes, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Rhode Saint Genèse, Belgium
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Taghavi S, Mergeay M, Nies D, van der Lelie D. Alcaligenes eutrophus as a model system for bacterial interactions with heavy metals in the environment. Res Microbiol 1997; 148:536-51. [PMID: 9765840 DOI: 10.1016/s0923-2508(97)88361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Taghavi
- Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO), Mol, Belgium
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17
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Taghavi S, Mergeay M, van der Lelie D. Genetic and physical maps of the Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34 megaplasmid pMOL28 and its derivative pMOL50 obtained after temperature-induced mutagenesis and mortality. Plasmid 1997; 37:22-34. [PMID: 9073579 DOI: 10.1006/plas.1996.1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We describe the construction of restriction and genetic maps of plasmid pMOL28, which has a size of approximately 180 kb. To do so, partial BamHI-digested DNA of pMOL28 was cloned into cosmid pLAFR3, which can package up to 20-30 kb inserted DNA. Subsequently, a cosmid walking strategy, combined with BamHI or EcoRI restriction analysis and hybridization, was used to construct the restriction maps for both enzymes. On these maps, 35 BamHI fragments and 29 EcoRI fragments were placed, accounting for a total size of approximately 180 kb. We also analyzed several rearranged derivatives of pMOL28 that were obtained after a process of temperature-induced mortality and mutagenesis (TIMM), which is characteristic for Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34 and related strains. The restriction and genetic maps of pMOL50 (222 kb), an enlarged derivative of pMOL28 obtained after TIMM, were constructed. By comparing the pMOL28 and pMOL50 maps, at least two transposable elements were identified which participated in the formation of pMOL50 from pMOL28 during TIMM. These transposable elements were IS1086, which was recently sequenced, and a new element named IS1089, which is located on the 44-kb inserted DNA fragment in pMOL50. Partial sequencing of IS1089 revealed similarity of this element with IS1071 of the chlorobenzoate catabolic transposon Tn5271 of Alcaligenes sp. BR60.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Taghavi
- Environmental Technology, Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO), Boeretang 200, Mol, B2400, Belgium
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18
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Gilis A, Khan MA, Cornelis P, Meyer JM, Mergeay M, van der Lelie D. Siderophore-mediated iron uptake in Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34 and identification of aleB encoding the ferric iron-alcaligin E receptor. J Bacteriol 1996; 178:5499-507. [PMID: 8808942 PMCID: PMC178374 DOI: 10.1128/jb.178.18.5499-5507.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Siderophore production in response to iron limitation was observed in Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34, and the corresponding siderophore was named alcaligin E. Alcaligin E was characterized as a phenolate-type siderophore containing neither catecholate nor hydroxamate groups. Alcaligin E promoted the growth of siderophore-deficient A. eutrophus mutants under iron-restricted conditions and promoted 59Fe uptake by iron-limited cells. However, the growth of the Sid- mutant AE1152, which was obtained from CH34 by Tn5-Tc mutagenesis, was completely inhibited by the addition of alcaligin E. AE1152 also showed strongly reduced 59Fe uptake in the presence of alcaligin E. This indicates that a gene, designated aleB, which is involved in transport of ferric iron-alcaligin E across the membrane is inactivated. The aleB gene was cloned, and its putative amino acid sequence showed strong similarity to those of ferric iron-siderophore receptor proteins. Both wild-type strain CH34 and aleB mutant AE1152 were able to use the same heterologous siderophores, indicating that AleB is involved only in ferric iron-alcaligin E uptake. Interestingly, no utilization of pyochelin, which is also a phenolate-type siderophore, was observed for A. eutrophus CH34. Genetic studies of different Sid- mutants, obtained after transposon mutagenesis, showed that the genes involved in alcaligin E and ferric iron-alcaligin E receptor biosynthesis are clustered in a 20-kb region on the A. eutrophus CH34 chromosome in the proximity of the cys-232 locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gilis
- Milieutechnologie, Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek, Mol, Belgium
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19
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Krylov V, Merlin C, Toussaint A. Introduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutator phage D3112 into Alcaligenes eutrophus strain CH34. Res Microbiol 1995; 146:245-50. [PMID: 7569319 DOI: 10.1016/0923-2508(96)80280-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated the possibility of growing mutator phages from Pseudomonas aeruginosa on various isolates of Alcaligenes eutrophus. Although none out of 10 A. eutrophus strains were susceptible to infection with any of the phages tested, phage D3112 could be readily transferred in our model strain CH34 by means of an RP4::D3112 plasmid. CH34/RP4::D3112 lysogens were stable and produced phages. However, neither mitomycin C nor UV treatment increased the phage yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Krylov
- Institute for Genetics of Microorganisms, Moscow
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20
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Springael D, Diels L, Mergeay M. Transfer and expression of PCB-degradative genes into heavy metal resistant Alcaligenes eutrophus strains. Biodegradation 1994; 5:343-57. [PMID: 7765842 DOI: 10.1007/bf00696469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sites polluted with organic compounds frequently contain inorganic pollutants such as heavy metals. The latter might inhibit the biodegradation of the organics and impair bioremediation. Chromosomally located polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) catabolic genes of Alcaligenes eutrophus A5, Achromobacter sp. LBS1C1 and Alcaligenes denitrificans JB1 were introduced into the heavy metal resistant Alcaligenes eutrophus strain CH34 and related strains by means of natural conjugation. Mobile elements containing the PCB catabolic genes were transferred from A. eutrophus A5 and Achromobacter sp. LB51C1 into A. eutrophus CH34 after transposition onto their endogenous IncP plasmids pSS50 and pSS60, respectively. The PCB catabolic genes of A. denitrificans JB1 were transferred into A. eutrophus CH34 by means of RP4::Mu3A mediated prime plasmid formation. The A. eutrophus CH34 transconjugant strains expressed both catabolic and metal resistance markers. Such constructs may be useful for the decontamination of sites polluted by both organics and heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Springael
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
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Taghavi S, van der Lelie D, Mergeay M. Electroporation of Alcaligenes eutrophus with (mega) plasmids and genomic DNA fragments. Appl Environ Microbiol 1994; 60:3585-91. [PMID: 7986037 PMCID: PMC201859 DOI: 10.1128/aem.60.10.3585-3591.1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroporation was used as a tool to explore the genetics of the heavy-metal-resistant strain Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34. A 12.9-kb A. eutrophus-Escherichia coli shuttle vector, pMOL850, was constructed to optimize electroporation conditions. This vector is derived from the E. coli plasmid pSUP202 and contains the replication region of the A. eutrophus megaplasmid pMOL28. Electroporation was used to transform A. eutrophus CH34 derivatives with megaplasmids (sizes up to 240 kb), and transformants were selected for resistance to heavy metals. Electroporation was also performed with endonuclease-digested genomic DNA. Transformation of markers affecting lysine biosynthesis (lysA194) and biosynthesis of the siderophore alcaligin E were observed. Transfer of the nonselected markers pheB332 and aro-333, linked to lysA194, confirmed the intervention of homologous recombination. However, during transformation of ale::Tn5-Tc, illegitimate recombination and transposition were also observed as an alternative for the inheritance of the Tn5-Tc markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Taghavi
- Environmental Division, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
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Collard JM, Corbisier P, Diels L, Dong Q, Jeanthon C, Mergeay M, Taghavi S, van der Lelie D, Wilmotte A, Wuertz S. Plasmids for heavy metal resistance in Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34: mechanisms and applications. FEMS Microbiol Rev 1994; 14:405-14. [PMID: 7917428 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.1994.tb00115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34 is the main representative of a group of strongly related strains (mostly facultative chemolithotrophs) that are well adapted to environments containing high levels of heavy metals. It harbors the megaplasmids pMOL28 and pMOL30 which carry resistance determinants to Co2+, Ni2+, CrO(4)2-, Hg2+, Tl+, Cd2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+. Among the best characterized determinants are the cnr operon (resistance to Co, Ni) on pMOL28 and the czc operon on pMOL30 (resistance to Co, Cd and Zn). Although the two systems reveal a significant degree of amino acid similarity in the structural genes, the regulation of the operons is different. The resistance mechanism in both cases is based on efflux. The efflux mechanism leads to a pH increase outside of the cytoplasmic membrane. Metals are sequestered from the external medium through the bioprecipitation of metal carbonates formed in the saturated zone around the cell. This latter phenomenon can be exploited in bioreactors designed to remove metals from effluents. The bacteria are immobilized on composite membranes in a continuous tubular membrane reactor (CTMR). The effluent continuously circulates through the intertubular space, while the external surface of the tubes is in contact with the growth medium. Metal crystals are eventually removed by the effluent stream and collected on a glass bead column. The system has been applied to effluents containing Cd, Zn, Co, Ni and Cu. By introducing catabolic plasmids involved in the aerobic degradation of PCBs and 2,4-D into metal-resistant A. eutrophus strains, the application range was widened to include effluents polluted with both organic and inorganic substances. Biosensors have been developed which are based on the fusion of genes induced by metals to a reporter system, the lux operon of Vibrio fischeri. Bacterial luciferases produce light through the oxidation of fatty aldehydes. The gene fusions are useful both for the study of regulatory genes and for the determination of heavy metal concentrations in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Collard
- Laboratory for Genetics & Biotechnology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
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