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Costa–Leonardo AM, da Silva IB. Gut anatomy and ultrastructural features of the paunch epithelium in the Neotropical termite Serritermes serrifer (Blattaria, Isoptera, Serritermitidae). ZOOL ANZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Brune A. Methanogens in the Digestive Tract of Termites. (ENDO)SYMBIOTIC METHANOGENIC ARCHAEA 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-98836-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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de Sousa G, dos Santos VC, de Figueiredo Gontijo N, Constantino R, de Oliveira Paiva e Silva G, Bahia AC, Gomes FM, de Alcantara Machado E. Morphophysiological study of digestive system litter-feeding termite Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar, 1832). Cell Tissue Res 2017; 368:579-590. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2584-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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The Role of Symbionts in the Evolution of Termites and Their Rise to Ecological Dominance in the Tropics. ADVANCES IN ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-28068-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Genomic features of a bumble bee symbiont reflect its host environment. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:3793-803. [PMID: 24747890 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00322-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the genome of one gammaproteobacterial member of the gut microbiota, for which we propose the name "Candidatus Schmidhempelia bombi," that was inadvertently sequenced alongside the genome of its host, the bumble bee, Bombus impatiens. This symbiont is a member of the recently described bacterial order Orbales, which has been collected from the guts of diverse insect species; however, "Ca. Schmidhempelia" has been identified exclusively with bumble bees. Metabolic reconstruction reveals that "Ca. Schmidhempelia" lacks many genes for a functioning NADH dehydrogenase I, all genes for the high-oxygen cytochrome o, and most genes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. "Ca. Schmidhempelia" has retained NADH dehydrogenase II, the low-oxygen specific cytochrome bd, anaerobic nitrate respiration, mixed-acid fermentation pathways, and citrate fermentation, which may be important for survival in low-oxygen or anaerobic environments found in the bee hindgut. Additionally, a type 6 secretion system, a Flp pilus, and many antibiotic/multidrug transporters suggest complex interactions with its host and other gut commensals or pathogens. This genome has signatures of reduction (2.0 megabase pairs) and rearrangement, as previously observed for genomes of host-associated bacteria. A survey of wild and laboratory B. impatiens revealed that "Ca. Schmidhempelia" is present in 90% of individuals and, therefore, may provide benefits to its host.
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König H, Li L, Fröhlich J. The cellulolytic system of the termite gut. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2013; 97:7943-62. [PMID: 23900801 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-013-5119-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The demand for the usage of natural renewable polymeric material is increasing in order to satisfy the future needs for energy and chemical precursors. Important steps in the hydrolysis of polymeric material and bioconversion can be performed by microorganisms. Over about 150 million years, termites have optimized their intestinal polysaccharide-degrading symbiosis. In the ecosystem of the "termite gut," polysaccharides are degraded from lignocellulose, such as cellulose and hemicelluloses, in 1 day, while lignin is only weakly attacked. The understanding of the principles of cellulose degradation in this natural polymer-degrading ecosystem could be helpful for the improvement of the biotechnological hydrolysis and conversion of cellulose, e.g., in the case of biogas production from natural renewable plant material in biogas plants. This review focuses on the present knowledge of the cellulose degradation in the termite gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut König
- Institute of Microbiology and Wine Research, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany.
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Brune A. Methanogens in the Digestive Tract of Termites. (ENDO)SYMBIOTIC METHANOGENIC ARCHAEA 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-13615-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Abstract
Despite the presence of many carbohydrolytic activities in insects, their cellulolytic mechanisms are poorly understood. Whereas cellulase genes are absent from the genomes of Drosophila melanogaster or Bombyx mori, other insects such as termites produce their own cellulases. Recent studies using molecular biological techniques have brought new insights into the mechanisms by which the insects and their microbial symbionts digest cellulose in the small intestine. DNA sequences of cellulase and associated genes, as well as physiological and morphological information about the digestive systems of cellulase-producing insects, may allow the efficient use of cellulosic biomass as a sustainable energy source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Watanabe
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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Bignell DE, Oskarsson H, Anderson JM, Ineson P, Wood TG. Structure, microbial associations and function of the so-called “mixed segment” of the gut in two soil-feeding termites, Procubitermes aburiensis and Cubitermes severus (Termitidae, Termitinae). J Zool (1987) 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1983.tb05070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Tokuda G, Nakamura T, Murakami R, Yamaoka I. Morphology of the Digestive System in the Wood-Feeding Termite Nasutitermes takasagoensis (Shiraki) [Isoptera: Termitidae]. Zoolog Sci 2001. [DOI: 10.2108/zsj.18.869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Charrier M, Combet-Blanc Y, Ollivier B. Bacterial flora in the gut ofHelix aspersa(Gastropoda Pulmonata): evidence for a permanent population with a dominant homolactic intestinal bacterium,Enterococcus casseliflavus. Can J Microbiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1139/w97-120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated the existence of bacteria degrading carboxy-methyl-cellulose in the gut of the phytophagous snail Helix aspersa and found Enterobacteriaceae predominating in the intestine of snails dissected in aerobic conditions. Here, we investigated the effects of several nutritional treatments on the snail's microflora. Food sterilization led to increased snail growth and reduced cellulase activity in the crop, suggesting a noxious effect of microbial exogenous cellulases. A second aim of this study was to look for anaerobic bacteria. No strict anaerobic cellulolytic, homoacetogenic, or methanogenic bacteria were enriched from the gut. However, a motile Gram-positive homolactic coccobacillus, grown in anaerobic conditions, dominated in the snail's intestine (1.57 x 109± 0.10 x 109cells.g-1intestine). It was identified as Enterococcus casseliflavus. Its occurrence in the intestine of H. aspersa is discussed with regard to the snail's digestive processes and the presence of a fecal mucous ribbon. A possible snail-bacterium synergistic action is suggested.Key words: snail, Helix aspersa, gut, Enterococcus casseliflavus, fermentative homolactic bacterium, antibiotics.
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Tokuda G, Watanabe H, Matsumoto T, Noda H. Cellulose digestion in the wood-eating higher termite, Nasutitermes takasagoensis (Shiraki): distribution of cellulases and properties of endo-beta-1,4-glucanase. Zoolog Sci 1997; 14:83-93. [PMID: 9200983 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.14.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
beta-Glucosidase [EC 3.2.1.21] and endo-beta-1,4-glucanase [EC 3.2.1.4] activities were measured in the wood-eating higher termite Nasutitermes takasagoensis. beta-Glucosidase activity was present mainly in the salivary glands (66.7%) and midgut (22.2%), whereas endo-beta-1,4-glucanase activity was detected mainly in the midgut (90.1%). Specific activity of endo-beta-1,4-glucanase was also the highest in the midgut, indicating that cellulose is digested in the midgut. The major endo-beta-1,4-glucanase component of N. takasagoensis was purified from whole termites by gel filtration on Sephaoryl S-200 HR, Superdex-75 and hydroxyapatite column chromatography. Subsequently, the endo-beta-1,4-glucanase activity from a crude midgut extract was eluted in an identical volume (Kd = 0.68) to that from whole termites, suggesting the purified endo-beta-1,4-glucanase is identical to that in the midgut. The molecular weight of the purified endo-beta-1,4-glucanase was 47 kDa, and its specific activity was 1,200 units/mg. The optimal pH and temperature were 5.8 and 65 degrees C, respectively. The Km and Vmax values on carboxymethyl cellulose were 8.7 mg/ml and 2,222 units/mg, respectively. The purified endo-beta-1,4-glucanase hydrolyzed cellopentaose to cellotriose and cellobiose, and cellotetraose to cellobiose and a trace of cellotriose and glucose, but cellotriose and cellobiose were not hydrolyzed. The activity and stability on pH and temperature of the purified endo-beta-glucanase are prominent among those from various organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tokuda
- Department of Biology, University of Tokyo, Japan
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Varm A, Kolli BK, Paul J, Saxena S, König H. Lignocellulose degradation by microorganisms from termite hills and termite guts: A survey on the present state of art. FEMS Microbiol Rev 1994. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.1994.tb00120.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Simkiss K, Watkins B. The influence of gut microorganisms on zinc uptake in Helix aspersa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 1990; 66:263-271. [PMID: 15092239 DOI: 10.1016/0269-7491(90)90006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/1989] [Revised: 04/20/1990] [Accepted: 04/27/1990] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
An artificial diet was prepared that enabled the snail Helix aspersa to be fed food containing varying amounts of metals, antibiotics or bacteria. By this means it is possible to show that the body burden of zinc was significantly correlated with the dietary intake. The snail was, however, able to detect high concentrations of the metal and reduced its intake of such contaminated food. The bacterial population of the alimentary tract modified the amount of zinc absorbed from the diet. It appears, therefore, that biological monitoring programmes, based upon bioaccumulation measurements, should take these influences into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Simkiss
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, University of Reading, PO Box 228, Reading RG6 2AJ, UK
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Abstract
Lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) from Vibrio marinus MP-1 was purified 15-fold and ammonium activated. The optimum pH for pyruvate reduction was 7.4. Maximum lactate dehydrogenase activity occurred at 10 to 15 degrees C, and none occurred at 40 degrees C. The crude-extract enzyme was stable between 15 and 20 degrees C and lost 50% of its activity after 60 min at 45 degrees C. The partially purified enzyme was stable between 8 and 15 degrees C and lost 50% of its activity after 60 min at 30 degrees C. The thermal stability of lactate dehydrogenase was increased by mercaptoethanol, with 50% remaining activity at 42 degrees C.
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Czolij R, Slaytor M, Veivers P, O'Brien R. Gut morphology of Mastotermes darwiniensis Froggatt (Isoptera : Mastotermitidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1984. [DOI: 10.1016/0020-7322(84)90010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Specialization in the alimentary canal of some mole crickets (Orthoptera : Gryllotalpidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1983. [DOI: 10.1016/0020-7322(83)90017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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