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Mühling L, Baur T, Molitor B. Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus and Alternative Methanogens: Archaea-Based Production. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39363002 DOI: 10.1007/10_2024_270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea convert bacterial fermentation intermediates from the decomposition of organic material into methane. This process has relevance in the global carbon cycle and finds application in anthropogenic processes, such as wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion. Furthermore, methanogenic archaea that utilize hydrogen and carbon dioxide as substrates are being employed as biocatalysts for the biomethanation step of power-to-gas technology. This technology converts hydrogen from water electrolysis and carbon dioxide into renewable natural gas (i.e., methane). The application of methanogenic archaea in bioproduction beyond methane has been demonstrated in only a few instances and is limited to mesophilic species for which genetic engineering tools are available. In this chapter, we discuss recent developments for those existing genetically tractable systems and the inclusion of novel genetic tools for thermophilic methanogenic species. We then give an overview of recombinant bioproduction with mesophilic methanogenic archaea and thermophilic non-methanogenic microbes. This is the basis for discussing putative products with thermophilic methanogenic archaea, specifically the species Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus. We give estimates of potential conversion efficiencies for those putative products based on a genome-scale metabolic model for M. thermautotrophicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Mühling
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tina Baur
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence - Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bastian Molitor
- Environmental Biotechnology Group, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence - Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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2
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Karavaeva V, Sousa FL. Navigating the archaeal frontier: insights and projections from bioinformatic pipelines. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1433224. [PMID: 39380680 PMCID: PMC11459464 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1433224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Archaea continues to be one of the least investigated domains of life, and in recent years, the advent of metagenomics has led to the discovery of many new lineages at the phylum level. For the majority, only automatic genomic annotations can provide information regarding their metabolic potential and role in the environment. Here, genomic data from 2,978 archaeal genomes was used to perform automatic annotations using bioinformatics tools, alongside synteny analysis. These automatic classifications were done to assess how good these different tools perform in relation to archaeal data. Our study revealed that even with lowered cutoffs, several functional models do not capture the recently discovered archaeal diversity. Moreover, our investigation revealed that a significant portion of archaeal genomes, approximately 42%, remain uncharacterized. In comparison, within 3,235 bacterial genomes, a diverse range of unclassified proteins is obtained, with well-studied organisms like Escherichia coli having a substantially lower proportion of uncharacterized regions, ranging from <5 to 25%, and less studied lineages being comparable to archaea with the range of 35-40% of unclassified regions. Leveraging this analysis, we were able to identify metabolic protein markers, thereby providing insights into the metabolism of the archaea in our dataset. Our findings underscore a substantial gap between automatic classification tools and the comprehensive mapping of archaeal metabolism. Despite advances in computational approaches, a significant portion of archaeal genomes remains unexplored, highlighting the need for extensive experimental validation in this domain, as well as more refined annotation methods. This study contributes to a better understanding of archaeal metabolism and underscores the importance of further research in elucidating the functional potential of archaeal genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Val Karavaeva
- Genome Evolution and Ecology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Filipa L. Sousa
- Genome Evolution and Ecology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Maddock RMA, Marsh CO, Johns ST, Rooms LD, Duke PW, van der Kamp MW, Stach JEM, Race PR. Molecular basis of hyper-thermostability in the thermophilic archaeal aldolase MfnB. Extremophiles 2024; 28:42. [PMID: 39215799 PMCID: PMC11365854 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-024-01359-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea are chemolithotrophic prokaryotes that can reduce carbon dioxide with hydrogen gas to form methane. These microorganisms make a significant contribution to the global carbon cycle, with methanogenic archaea from anoxic environments estimated to contribute > 500 million tons of global methane annually. Archaeal methanogenesis is dependent on the methanofurans; aminomethylfuran containing coenzymes that act as the primary C1 acceptor molecule during carbon dioxide fixation. Although the biosynthetic pathway to the methanofurans has been elucidated, structural adaptations which confer thermotolerance to Mfn enzymes from extremophilic archaea are yet to be investigated. Here we focus on the methanofuran biosynthetic enzyme MfnB, which catalyses the condensation of two molecules of glyceralde-3-phosphate to form 4‑(hydroxymethyl)-2-furancarboxaldehyde-phosphate. In this study, MfnB enzymes from the hyperthermophile Methanocaldococcus jannaschii and the mesophile Methanococcus maripaludis have been recombinantly overexpressed and purified to homogeneity. Thermal unfolding studies, together with steady-state kinetic assays, demonstrate thermoadaptation in the M. jannaschii enzyme. Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to provide a structural explanation for the observed properties. These reveal a greater number of side chain interactions in the M. jannaschii enzyme, which may confer protection from heating effects by enforcing spatial residue constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie M A Maddock
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- BrisSynBio Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Carl O Marsh
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Samuel T Johns
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- BrisSynBio Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Lynden D Rooms
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Phillip W Duke
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ, UK
| | - Marc W van der Kamp
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- BrisSynBio Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - James E M Stach
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Paul R Race
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
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4
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Kubik BC, Holden JF. Non-thermodynamic factors affect competition between thermophilic chemolithoautotrophs from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0029224. [PMID: 39012100 PMCID: PMC11337833 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00292-24] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Various environmental factors, including H2 availability, metabolic tradeoffs, optimal growth temperature, stochasticity, and hydrology, were examined to determine if they affect microbial competition between three autotrophic thermophiles. The thiosulfate reducer Desulfurobacterium thermolithotrophum (Topt72°C) was grown in mono- and coculture separately with the methanogens Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (Topt82°C) at 72°C and Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus (Topt65°C) at 65°C at high and low H2 concentrations. Both methanogens showed a metabolic tradeoff shifting from high growth rate-low cell yield at high H2 concentrations to low growth rate-high cell yield at low H2 concentrations and when grown in coculture with the thiosulfate reducer. In 1:1 initial ratios, D. thermolithotrophum outcompeted both methanogens at high and low H2, no H2S was detected on low H2, and it grew with only CO2 as the electron acceptor indicating a similar metabolic tradeoff with low H2. When the initial methanogen-to-thiosulfate reducer ratio varied from 1:1 to 104:1 with high H2, D. thermolithotrophum always outcompeted M. jannaschii at 72°C. However, M. thermolithotrophicus outcompeted D. thermolithotrophum at 65°C when the ratio was 103:1. A reactive transport model that mixed pure hydrothermal fluid with cold seawater showed that hyperthermophilic methanogens dominated in systems where the residence time of the mixed fluid above 72°C was sufficiently high. With shorter residence times, thermophilic thiosulfate reducers dominated. If residence times increased with decreasing fluid temperature along the flow path, then thermophilic methanogens could dominate. Thermophilic methanogen dominance spread to previously thiosulfate-reducer-dominated conditions if the initial ratio of thermophilic methanogen-to-thiosulfate reducer increased. IMPORTANCE The deep subsurface is the largest reservoir of microbial biomass on Earth and serves as an analog for life on the early Earth and extraterrestrial environments. Methanogenesis and sulfur reduction are among the more common chemolithoautotrophic metabolisms found in hot anoxic hydrothermal vent environments. Competition between H2-oxidizing sulfur reducers and methanogens is primarily driven by the thermodynamic favorability of redox reactions with the former outcompeting methanogens. This study demonstrated that competition between the hydrothermal vent chemolithoautotrophs Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus, and Desulfurobacterium thermolithotrophum is also influenced by other overlapping factors such as staggered optimal growth temperatures, stochasticity, and hydrology. By modeling all aspects of microbial competition coupled with field data, a better understanding is gained on how methanogens can outcompete thiosulfate reducers in hot anoxic environments and how the deep subsurface contributes to biogeochemical cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana C. Kubik
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James F. Holden
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Myers T, Dykstra CM. Teaching old dogs new tricks: genetic engineering methanogens. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0224723. [PMID: 38856201 PMCID: PMC11267900 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02247-23] [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: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea, which are integral to global carbon and nitrogen cycling, currently face challenges in genetic manipulation due to unique physiology and limited genetic tools. This review provides a survey of current and past developments in the genetic engineering of methanogens, including selection and counterselection markers, reporter systems, shuttle vectors, mutagenesis methods, markerless genetic exchange, and gene expression control. This review discusses genetic tools and emphasizes challenges tied to tool scarcity for specific methanogenic species. Mutagenesis techniques for methanogens, including physicochemical, transposon-mediated, liposome-mediated mutagenesis, and natural transformation, are outlined, along with achievements and challenges. Markerless genetic exchange strategies, such as homologous recombination and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, are also detailed. Finally, the review concludes by examining the control of gene expression in methanogens. The information presented underscores the urgent need for refined genetic tools in archaeal research. Despite historical challenges, recent advancements, notably CRISPR-based systems, hold promise for overcoming obstacles, with implications for global health, agriculture, climate change, and environmental engineering. This comprehensive review aims to bridge existing gaps in the literature, guiding future research in the expanding field of archaeal genetic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Myers
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Christy M. Dykstra
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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6
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Wray AC, Downey AR, Nodal AA, Park KK, Gorman-Lewis D. Bioenergetic characterization of hyperthermophilic archaean Methanocaldococcus sp. FS406-22. Extremophiles 2024; 28:32. [PMID: 39023751 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-024-01349-z] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Hyperthermophilic archaean Methanocaldococcus sp. FS406-22 (hereafter FS406) is a hydrogenotrophic methanogen isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent. To better understand the energetic requirements of hydrogen oxidation under extreme conditions, the thermodynamic characterization of FS406 incubations is necessary and notably underexplored. In this work, we quantified the bioenergetics of FS406 incubations at a range of temperatures (65, 76, and 85 ℃) and hydrogen concentrations (1.1, 1.4, and 2.1 mm). The biomass yields (C-mol of biomass per mol of H2 consumed) ranged from 0.02 to 0.19. Growth rates ranged from 0.4 to 1.5 h-1. Gibbs energies of incubation based on macrochemical equations of cell growth ranged from - 198 kJ/C-mol to - 1840 kJ/C-mol. Enthalpies of incubation determined from calorimetric measurements ranged from - 4150 kJ/C-mol to - 36333 kJ/C-mol. FS406 growth rates were most comparable to hyperthermophilic methanogen Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. Maintenance energy calculations from the thermodynamic parameters of FS406 and previously determined heterotrophic methanogen data revealed that temperature is a primary determinant rather than an electron donor. This work provides new insights into the thermodynamic underpinnings of a hyperthermophilic hydrothermal vent methanogen and helps to better constrain the energetic requirements of life in extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Addien C Wray
- Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Autum R Downey
- Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrea A Nodal
- Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Katherine K Park
- Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Drew Gorman-Lewis
- Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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7
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Cha HJ, He C, Glover DJ, Xu K, Clark DS. STORM Super-Resolution Visualization of Self-Assembled γPFD Chaperone Ultrastructures in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:6078-6083. [PMID: 38723608 PMCID: PMC11117396 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Gamma-prefoldin (γPFD), a unique chaperone found in the extremely thermophilic methanogen Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, self-assembles into filaments in vitro, which so far have been observed using transmission electron microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy. Utilizing three-dimensional stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (3D-STORM), here we achieve ∼20 nm resolution by precisely locating individual fluorescent molecules, hence resolving γPFD ultrastructure both in vitro and in vivo. Through CF647 NHS ester labeling, we first demonstrate the accurate visualization of filaments and bundles with purified γPFD. Next, by implementing immunofluorescence labeling after creating a 3xFLAG-tagged γPFD strain, we successfully visualize γPFD in M. jannaschii cells. Through 3D-STORM and two-color STORM imaging with DNA, we show the widespread distribution of filamentous γPFD structures within the cell. These findings provide valuable insights into the structure and localization of γPFD, opening up possibilities for studying intriguing nanoscale components not only in archaea but also in other microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jeong Cha
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California—Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Changdong He
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California—Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Dominic J. Glover
- School
of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ke Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California—Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Molecular
Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Douglas S. Clark
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California—Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Molecular
Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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8
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Kleikamp HBC, Palacios PA, Kofoed MVW, Papacharalampos G, Bentien A, Nielsen JL. The Selenoproteome as a Dynamic Response Mechanism to Oxidative Stress in Hydrogenotrophic Methanogenic Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6637-6646. [PMID: 38580315 PMCID: PMC11025550 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Methanogenesis is a critical process in the carbon cycle that is applied industrially in anaerobic digestion and biogas production. While naturally occurring in diverse environments, methanogenesis requires anaerobic and reduced conditions, although varying degrees of oxygen tolerance have been described. Microaeration is suggested as the next step to increase methane production and improve hydrolysis in digestion processes; therefore, a deeper understanding of the methanogenic response to oxygen stress is needed. To explore the drivers of oxygen tolerance in methanogenesis, two parallel enrichments were performed under the addition of H2/CO2 in an environment without reducing agents and in a redox-buffered environment by adding redox mediator 9,10-anthraquinone-2,7-disulfonate disodium. The cellular response to oxidative conditions is mapped using proteomic analysis. The resulting community showed remarkable tolerance to high-redox environments and was unperturbed in its methane production. Next to the expression of pathways to mitigate reactive oxygen species, the higher redox potential environment showed an increased presence of selenocysteine and selenium-associated pathways. By including sulfur-to-selenium mass shifts in a proteomic database search, we provide the first evidence of the dynamic and large-scale incorporation of selenocysteine as a response to oxidative stress in hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and the presence of a dynamic selenoproteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo B. C. Kleikamp
- Department
of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Paola A. Palacios
- Department
of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael V. W. Kofoed
- Department
of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Georgios Papacharalampos
- Department
of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders Bentien
- Department
of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Åbogade 40, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jeppe L. Nielsen
- Department
of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
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9
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Lee J, Ryu B, Kim T, Kim KK. Cryo-EM structure of a 16.5-kDa small heat-shock protein from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:128763. [PMID: 38103675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128763] [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] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The small heat-shock protein (sHSP) from the archaea Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, MjsHSP16.5, functions as a broad substrate ATP-independent holding chaperone protecting misfolded proteins from aggregation under stress conditions. This protein is the first sHSP characterized by X-ray crystallography, thereby contributing significantly to our understanding of sHSPs. However, despite numerous studies assessing its functions and structures, the precise arrangement of the N-terminal domains (NTDs) within this sHSP cage remains elusive. Here we present the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of MjsHSP16.5 at 2.49-Å resolution. The subunits of MjsHSP16.5 in the cryo-EM structure exhibit lesser compaction compared to their counterparts in the crystal structure. This structural feature holds particular significance in relation to the biophysical properties of MjsHSP16.5, suggesting a close resemblance to this sHSP native state. Additionally, our cryo-EM structure unveils the density of residues 24-33 within the NTD of MjsHSP16.5, a feature that typically remains invisible in the majority of its crystal structures. Notably, these residues show a propensity to adopt a β-strand conformation and engage in antiparallel interactions with strand β1, both intra- and inter-subunit modes. These structural insights are corroborated by structural predictions, disulfide bond cross-linking studies of Cys-substitution mutants, and protein disaggregation assays. A comprehensive understanding of the structural features of MjsHSP16.5 expectedly holds the potential to inspire a wide range of interdisciplinary applications, owing to the renowned versatility of this sHSP as a nanoscale protein platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joohyun Lee
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumhan Ryu
- Research Solution Center, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Truc Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Fujikawa T, Sasamoto T, Zhao F, Yamagishi A, Akanuma S. Comparative analysis of reconstructed ancestral proteins with their extant counterparts suggests primitive life had an alkaline habitat. Sci Rep 2024; 14:398. [PMID: 38172176 PMCID: PMC10764835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50828-4] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
To understand the origin and early evolution of life it is crucial to establish characteristics of the primordial environment that facilitated the emergence and evolution of life. One important environmental factor is the pH of the primordial environment. Here, we assessed the pH-dependent thermal stabilities of previously reconstructed ancestral nucleoside diphosphate kinases and ribosomal protein uS8s. The selected proteins were likely to be present in ancient organisms such as the last common ancestor of bacteria and that of archaea. We also assessed the thermal stability of homologous proteins from extant acidophilic, neutralophilic, and alkaliphilic microorganisms as a function of pH. Our results indicate that the reconstructed ancestral proteins are more akin to those of extant alkaliphilic bacteria, which display greater stability under alkaline conditions. These findings suggest that the common ancestors of bacterial and archaeal species thrived in an alkaline environment. Moreover, we demonstrate the reconstruction method employed in this study is a valuable technique for generating alkali-tolerant proteins that can be used in a variety of biotechnological and environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Fujikawa
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-1192, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sasamoto
- Department of Applied Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Fangzheng Zhao
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-1192, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yamagishi
- Department of Applied Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Satoshi Akanuma
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-1192, Japan.
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11
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Hanišáková N, Vítězová M, Vítěz T, Kushkevych I, Kotrlová E, Novák D, Lochman J, Zavada R. Microbiological insight into various underground gas storages in Vienna Basin focusing on methanogenic Archaea. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1293506. [PMID: 38188570 PMCID: PMC10771303 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1293506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in extending the potential of underground gas storage (UGS) facilities to hydrogen and carbon dioxide storage. However, this transition to hydrogen storage raises concerns regarding potential microbial reactions, which could convert hydrogen into methane. It is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the microbial communities within any UGS facilities designated for hydrogen storage. In this study, underground water samples and water samples from surface technologies from 7 different UGS objects located in the Vienna Basin were studied using both molecular biology methods and cultivation methods. Results from 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the proportion of archaea in the groundwater samples ranged from 20 to 58%, with methanogens being the predominant. Some water samples collected from surface technologies contained up to 87% of methanogens. Various species of methanogens were isolated from individual wells, including Methanobacterium sp., Methanocalculus sp., Methanolobus sp. or Methanosarcina sp. We also examined water samples for the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria known to be involved in microbially induced corrosion and identified species of the genus Desulfovibrio in the samples. In the second part of our study, we contextualized our data by comparing it to available sequencing data from terrestrial subsurface environments worldwide. This allowed us to discern patterns and correlations between different types of underground samples based on environmental conditions. Our findings reveal presence of methanogens in all analyzed groups of underground samples, which suggests the possibility of unintended microbial hydrogen-to-methane conversion and the associated financial losses. Nevertheless, the prevalence of methanogens in our results also highlights the potential of the UGS environment, which can be effectively leveraged as a bioreactor for the conversion of hydrogen into methane, particularly in the context of Power-to-Methane technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Hanišáková
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Monika Vítězová
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Vítěz
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ivan Kushkevych
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Eva Kotrlová
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - David Novák
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Lochman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Roman Zavada
- Innovation Unit, NAFTA a.s., Bratislava, Slovakia
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12
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Hinkle JE, Mara P, Beaudoin DJ, Edgcomb VP, Teske AP. A PCR-Based Survey of Methane-Cycling Archaea in Methane-Soaked Subsurface Sediments of Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2956. [PMID: 38138100 PMCID: PMC10745291 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Guaymas Basin in the Gulf of California is characterized by active seafloor spreading, the rapid deposition of organic-rich sediments, steep geothermal gradients, and abundant methane of mixed thermogenic and microbial origin. Subsurface sediment samples from eight drilling sites with distinct geochemical and thermal profiles were selected for DNA extraction and PCR amplification to explore the diversity of methane-cycling archaea in the Guaymas Basin subsurface. We performed PCR amplifications with general (mcrIRD), and ANME-1 specific primers that target the alpha (α) subunit of methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA). Diverse ANME-1 lineages associated with anaerobic methane oxidation were detected in seven out of the eight drilling sites, preferentially around the methane-sulfate interface, and in several cases, showed preferences for specific sampling sites. Phylogenetically, most ANME-1 sequences from the Guaymas Basin subsurface were related to marine mud volcanoes, seep sites, and the shallow marine subsurface. The most frequently recovered methanogenic phylotypes were closely affiliated with the hyperthermophilic Methanocaldococcaceae, and found at the hydrothermally influenced Ringvent site. The coolest drilling site, in the northern axial trough of Guaymas Basin, yielded the greatest diversity in methanogen lineages. Our survey indicates the potential for extensive microbial methane cycling within subsurface sediments of Guaymas Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Hinkle
- Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Paraskevi Mara
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA; (P.M.); (D.J.B.); (V.P.E.)
| | - David J. Beaudoin
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA; (P.M.); (D.J.B.); (V.P.E.)
| | - Virginia P. Edgcomb
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA; (P.M.); (D.J.B.); (V.P.E.)
| | - Andreas P. Teske
- Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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13
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Vailionis JL, Zhao W, Zhang K, Rodionov DA, Lipscomb GL, Tanwee TNN, O'Quinn HC, Bing RG, Kelly RM, Adams MWW, Zhang Y. Optimizing Strategies for Bio-Based Ethanol Production Using Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling of the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon, Pyrococcus furiosus. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0056323. [PMID: 37289085 PMCID: PMC10304669 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00563-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A genome-scale metabolic model, encompassing a total of 623 genes, 727 reactions, and 865 metabolites, was developed for Pyrococcus furiosus, an archaeon that grows optimally at 100°C by carbohydrate and peptide fermentation. The model uses subsystem-based genome annotation, along with extensive manual curation of 237 gene-reaction associations including those involved in central carbon metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism. The redox and energy balance of P. furiosus was investigated through random sampling of flux distributions in the model during growth on disaccharides. The core energy balance of the model was shown to depend on high acetate production and the coupling of a sodium-dependent ATP synthase and membrane-bound hydrogenase, which generates a sodium gradient in a ferredoxin-dependent manner, aligning with existing understanding of P. furiosus metabolism. The model was utilized to inform genetic engineering designs that favor the production of ethanol over acetate by implementing an NADPH and CO-dependent energy economy. The P. furiosus model is a powerful tool for understanding the relationship between generation of end products and redox/energy balance at a systems-level that will aid in the design of optimal engineering strategies for production of bio-based chemicals and fuels. IMPORTANCE The bio-based production of organic chemicals provides a sustainable alternative to fossil-based production in the face of today's climate challenges. In this work, we present a genome-scale metabolic reconstruction of Pyrococcus furiosus, a well-established platform organism that has been engineered to produce a variety of chemicals and fuels. The metabolic model was used to design optimal engineering strategies to produce ethanol. The redox and energy balance of P. furiosus was examined in detail, which provided useful insights that will guide future engineering designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L. Vailionis
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of the Environment and Life Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Weishu Zhao
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of the Environment and Life Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of the Environment and Life Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Dmitry A. Rodionov
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Gina L. Lipscomb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Tania N. N. Tanwee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Hailey C. O'Quinn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Ryan G. Bing
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert M. Kelly
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael W. W. Adams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of the Environment and Life Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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14
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Heryakusuma C, Johnson EF, Purwantini E, Mukhopadhyay B. Nitrite reductase activity in F 420-dependent sulphite reductase (Fsr) from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:000482.v3. [PMID: 37223055 PMCID: PMC10202398 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000482.v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (Mj), a hyperthermophilic and evolutionarily deeply rooted methanogenic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent, produces F420-dependent sulphite reductase (Fsr) in response to exposure to sulphite. This enzyme allows Mj to detoxify sulphite, a potent inhibitor of methyl coenzyme-M reductase (Mcr), by reducing it to sulphide with reduced coenzyme F420 (F420H2) as an electron donor; Mcr is essential for energy production for a methanogen. Fsr allows Mj to utilize sulphite as a sulphur source. Nitrite is another potent inhibitor of Mcr and is toxic to methanogens. It is reduced by most sulphite reductases. In this study, we report that MjFsr reduced nitrite to ammonia with F420H2 with physiologically relevant K m values (nitrite, 8.9 µM; F420H2, 9.7 µM). The enzyme also reduced hydroxylamine with a K m value of 112.4 µM, indicating that it was an intermediate in the reduction of nitrite to ammonia. These results open the possibility that Mj could use nitrite as a nitrogen source if it is provided at a low concentration of the type that occurs in its habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Heryakusuma
- Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Ph.D. Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Eric F. Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Endang Purwantini
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Biswarup Mukhopadhyay
- Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Ph.D. Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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15
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Lipidomics and Comparative Metabolite Excretion Analysis of Methanogenic Archaea Reveal Organism-Specific Adaptations to Varying Temperatures and Substrate Concentrations. mSystems 2023; 8:e0115922. [PMID: 36880756 PMCID: PMC10134847 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01159-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea possess diverse metabolic characteristics and are an ecologically and biotechnologically important group of anaerobic microorganisms. Although the scientific and biotechnological value of methanogens is evident with regard to their methane-producing physiology, little is known about their amino acid excretion, and virtually nothing is known about the lipidome at different substrate concentrations and temperatures on a quantitative comparative basis. Here, we present the lipidome and a comprehensive quantitative analysis of proteinogenic amino acid excretion as well as methane, water, and biomass production of the three autotrophic, hydrogenotrophic methanogens Methanothermobacter marburgensis, Methanothermococcus okinawensis, and Methanocaldococcus villosus under varying temperatures and nutrient supplies. The patterns and rates of production of excreted amino acids and the lipidome are unique for each tested methanogen and can be modulated by varying the incubation temperature and substrate concentration, respectively. Furthermore, the temperature had a significant influence on the lipidomes of the different archaea. The water production rate was much higher, as anticipated from the rate of methane production for all studied methanogens. Our results demonstrate the need for quantitative comparative physiological studies connecting intracellular and extracellular constraints of organisms to holistically investigate microbial responses to environmental conditions. IMPORTANCE Biological methane production by methanogenic archaea has been well studied for biotechnological purposes. This study reveals that methanogenic archaea actively modulate their lipid inventory and proteinogenic amino acid excretion pattern in response to environmental changes and the possible utilization of methanogenic archaea as microbial cell factories for the targeted production of lipids and amino acids.
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16
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Rivera M, Mjaavatten A, Smith SB, Baez M, Wilson CAM. Temperature dependent mechanical unfolding and refolding of a protein studied by thermo-regulated optical tweezers. Biophys J 2023; 122:513-521. [PMID: 36587240 PMCID: PMC9941719 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature is a useful system variable to gather kinetic and thermodynamic information from proteins. Usually, free energy and the associated entropic and enthalpic contributions are obtained by quantifying the conformational equilibrium based on melting experiments performed in bulk conditions. Such experiments are suitable only for those small single-domain proteins whose side reactions of irreversible aggregation are unlikely to occur. Here, we avoid aggregation by pulling single-protein molecules in a thermo-regulated optical tweezers. Thus, we are able to explore the temperature dependence of the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of MJ0366 from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii at the single-molecule level. By performing force-ramp experiments between 2°C and 40°C, we found that MJ0366 has a nonlinear dependence of free energy with temperature and a specific heat change of 2.3 ± 1.2 kcal/mol∗K. These thermodynamic parameters are compatible with a two-state unfolding/refolding mechanism for MJ0366. However, the kinetics measured as a function of the temperature show a complex behavior, suggesting a three-state folding mechanism comprising a high-energy intermediate state. The combination of two perturbations, temperature and force, reveals a high-energy species in the folding mechanism of MJ0366 not detected in force-ramp experiments at constant temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Rivera
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Mauricio Baez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Christian A M Wilson
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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17
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L'Haridon S, Goulaouic S, St John E, Fouteau S, Reysenbach AL. Methanocaldococcus lauensis sp. nov., a novel deep-sea hydrothermal vent hyperthermophilic methanogen. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 36748433 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Three hyperthermophilic methanogens, designated strain SG7T, strain SG1 and strain SLH, were isolated from the ABE and Tu’i Malila deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields along the Eastern Lau Spreading Center. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strains SG7T, SG1 and SLH were affiliated with the genus
Methanocaldococcus
within the family
Methanocaldococcaceae
, order
Methanococcales
. They shared 95.5–99.48 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to other
Methanocaldococcus
species and were most closely related to
Methanocaldococcus bathoardescens
. Cells of strains SG7T, SG1 and SLH were cocci, with a diameter of 1.0–2.2 µm. The three strains grew between 45 and 93 °C (optimum, 80–85 °C), at pH 5.0–7.1 (optimum pH 6.2) and with 10–50 g l−1 NaCl (optimum 20–25 g l−1). Genome analysis revealed the presence of a 5.1 kbp plasmid in strain SG7T. Based on the results of average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization analyses, we propose that strains SG1 and SG7T are representatives of a novel species, for which the name Methanocaldococcus lauensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is SG7T (=DSM 109608T=JCM 39049T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane L'Haridon
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, Unité Biologie et Ecologie des Ecosystèmes Marins Profonds, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Steven Goulaouic
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, Unité Biologie et Ecologie des Ecosystèmes Marins Profonds, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Emily St John
- Department of Biology and Center for Life in Extreme Environments, Portland State University, P.O.Box 751 Portland, OR 97207, USA
| | - Stephanie Fouteau
- Génomique Métabolique, CEA, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, Université d'Évry and Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Evry, France
| | - Anna-Louise Reysenbach
- Department of Biology and Center for Life in Extreme Environments, Portland State University, P.O.Box 751 Portland, OR 97207, USA
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18
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Jespersen M, Pierik AJ, Wagner T. Structures of the sulfite detoxifying F 420-dependent enzyme from Methanococcales. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:695-702. [PMID: 36658338 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea are main actors in the carbon cycle but are sensitive to reactive sulfite. Some methanogens use a sulfite detoxification system that combines an F420H2-oxidase with a sulfite reductase, both of which are proposed precursors of modern enzymes. Here, we present snapshots of this coupled system, named coenzyme F420-dependent sulfite reductase (Group I Fsr), obtained from two marine methanogens. Fsr organizes as a homotetramer, harboring an intertwined six-[4Fe-4S] cluster relay characterized by spectroscopy. The wire, spanning 5.4 nm, electronically connects the flavin to the siroheme center. Despite a structural architecture similar to dissimilatory sulfite reductases, Fsr shows a siroheme coordination and a reaction mechanism identical to assimilatory sulfite reductases. Accordingly, the reaction of Fsr is unidirectional, reducing sulfite or nitrite with F420H2. Our results provide structural insights into this unique fusion, in which a primitive sulfite reductase turns a poison into an elementary block of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio J Pierik
- Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Tristan Wagner
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany.
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19
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Holden JF, Sistu H. Formate and hydrogen in hydrothermal vents and their use by extremely thermophilic methanogens and heterotrophs. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1093018. [PMID: 36950162 PMCID: PMC10025317 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1093018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extremely thermophilic methanogens in the Methanococci and heterotrophs in the Thermococci are common in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. All Methanococci use H2 as an electron donor, and a few species can also use formate. Most Methanococci have a coenzyme F420-reducing formate dehydrogenase. All Thermococci reduce S0 but have hydrogenases and produce H2 in the absence of S0. Some Thermococci have formate hydrogenlyase (Fhl) that reversibly converts H2 and CO2 to formate or an NAD(P)+-reducing formate dehydrogenase (Nfd). Questions remain if Methanococci or Thermococci use or produce formate in nature, why only certain species can grow on or produce formate, and what the physiological role of formate is? Formate forms abiotically in hydrothermal fluids through chemical equilibrium with primarily H2, CO2, and CO and is strongly dependent upon H2 concentration, pH, and temperature. Formate concentrations are highest in hydrothermal fluids where H2 concentrations are also high, such as in ultramafic systems where serpentinization reactions occur. In nature, Methanococci are likely to use formate as an electron donor when H2 is limiting. Thermococci with Fhl likely convert H2 and CO2 to formate when H2 concentrations become inhibitory for growth. They are unlikely to grow on formate in nature unless formate is more abundant than H2 in the environment. Nearly all Methanococci and Thermococci have a gene for at least one formate dehydrogenase catalytic subunit, which may be used to provide free formate for de novo purine biosynthesis. However, only species with a membrane-bound formate transporter can grow on or secrete formate. Interspecies H2 transfer occurs between Thermococci and Methanococci. This and putative interspecies formate transfer may support Methanococci in low H2 environments, which in turn may prevent growth inhibition of Thermococci by its own H2. Future research directions include understanding when, where, and how formate is used and produced by these organisms in nature, and how transcription of Thermococci genes encoding formate-related enzymes are regulated.
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20
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Comparative Transcriptomics Sheds Light on Remodeling of Gene Expression during Diazotrophy in the Thermophilic Methanogen Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus. mBio 2022; 13:e0244322. [PMID: 36409126 PMCID: PMC9765008 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02443-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Some marine thermophilic methanogens are able to perform energy-consuming nitrogen fixation despite deriving only little energy from hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. We studied this process in Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus DSM 2095, a methanogenic archaeon of the order Methanococcales that contributes to the nitrogen pool in some marine environments. We successfully grew this archaeon under diazotrophic conditions in both batch and fermenter cultures, reaching the highest cell density reported so far. Diazotrophic growth depended strictly on molybdenum and, in contrast to other diazotrophs, was not inhibited by tungstate or vanadium. This suggests an elaborate control of metal uptake and a specific metal recognition system for the insertion into the nitrogenase cofactor. Differential transcriptomics of M. thermolithotrophicus grown under diazotrophic conditions with ammonium-fed cultures as controls revealed upregulation of the nitrogenase machinery, including chaperones, regulators, and molybdate importers, as well as simultaneous upregulation of an ammonium transporter and a putative pathway for nitrate and nitrite utilization. The organism thus employs multiple synergistic strategies for uptake of nitrogen nutrients during the early exponential growth phase without altering transcription levels for genes involved in methanogenesis. As a counterpart, genes coding for transcription and translation processes were downregulated, highlighting the maintenance of an intricate metabolic balance to deal with energy constraints and nutrient limitations imposed by diazotrophy. This switch in the metabolic balance included unexpected processes, such as upregulation of the CRISPR-Cas system, probably caused by drastic changes in transcription levels of putative mobile and virus-like elements. IMPORTANCE The thermophilic anaerobic archaeon M. thermolithotrophicus is a particularly suitable model organism to study the coupling of methanogenesis to diazotrophy. Likewise, its capability of simultaneously reducing N2 and CO2 into NH3 and CH4 with H2 makes it a viable target for biofuel production. We optimized M. thermolithotrophicus cultivation, resulting in considerably higher cell yields and enabling the successful establishment of N2-fixing bioreactors. Improved understanding of the N2 fixation process would provide novel insights into metabolic adaptations that allow this energy-limited extremophile to thrive under diazotrophy, for instance, by investigating its physiology and uncharacterized nitrogenase. We demonstrated that diazotrophic growth of M. thermolithotrophicus is exclusively dependent on molybdenum, and complementary transcriptomics corroborated the expression of the molybdenum nitrogenase system. Further analyses of differentially expressed genes during diazotrophy across three cultivation time points revealed insights into the response to nitrogen limitation and the coordination of core metabolic processes.
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21
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Carr S, Buan NR. Insights into the biotechnology potential of Methanosarcina. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1034674. [PMID: 36590411 PMCID: PMC9797515 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1034674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Methanogens are anaerobic archaea which conserve energy by producing methane. Found in nearly every anaerobic environment on earth, methanogens serve important roles in ecology as key organisms of the global carbon cycle, and in industry as a source of renewable biofuels. Environmentally, methanogenic archaea play an essential role in the reintroducing unavailable carbon to the carbon cycle by anaerobically converting low-energy, terminal metabolic degradation products such as one and two-carbon molecules into methane which then returns to the aerobic portion of the carbon cycle. In industry, methanogens are commonly used as an inexpensive source of renewable biofuels as well as serving as a vital component in the treatment of wastewater though this is only the tip of the iceberg with respect to their metabolic potential. In this review we will discuss how the efficient central metabolism of methanoarchaea could be harnessed for future biotechnology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole R. Buan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
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22
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Tang QY, Ren W, Wang J, Kaneko K. The Statistical Trends of Protein Evolution: A Lesson from AlphaFold Database. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:msac197. [PMID: 36108094 PMCID: PMC9550990 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent development of artificial intelligence provides us with new and powerful tools for studying the mysterious relationship between organism evolution and protein evolution. In this work, based on the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database (AlphaFold DB), we perform comparative analyses of the proteins of different organisms. The statistics of AlphaFold-predicted structures show that, for organisms with higher complexity, their constituent proteins will have larger radii of gyration, higher coil fractions, and slower vibrations, statistically. By conducting normal mode analysis and scaling analyses, we demonstrate that higher organismal complexity correlates with lower fractal dimensions in both the structure and dynamics of the constituent proteins, suggesting that higher functional specialization is associated with higher organismal complexity. We also uncover the topology and sequence bases of these correlations. As the organismal complexity increases, the residue contact networks of the constituent proteins will be more assortative, and these proteins will have a higher degree of hydrophilic-hydrophobic segregation in the sequences. Furthermore, by comparing the statistical structural proximity across the proteomes with the phylogenetic tree of homologous proteins, we show that, statistical structural proximity across the proteomes may indirectly reflect the phylogenetic proximity, indicating a statistical trend of protein evolution in parallel with organism evolution. This study provides new insights into how the diversity in the functionality of proteins increases and how the dimensionality of the manifold of protein dynamics reduces during evolution, contributing to the understanding of the origin and evolution of lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Yuan Tang
- Laboratory for Neural Computation and Adaptation, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0106, Japan
| | - Weitong Ren
- Theoretical Molecular Science Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Physics, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kunihiko Kaneko
- Center for Complex Systems Biology, Universal Biology Institute, University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- The Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 17, Copenhagen 2100-DK, Denmark
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23
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Sieg J, Sandmeier CC, Lieske J, Meents A, Lemmen C, Streit WR, Rarey M. Analyzing structural features of proteins from deep-sea organisms. Proteins 2022; 90:1521-1537. [PMID: 35313380 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Protein adaptations to extreme environmental conditions are drivers in biotechnological process optimization and essential to unravel the molecular limits of life. Most proteins with such desirable adaptations are found in extremophilic organisms inhabiting extreme environments. The deep sea is such an environment and a promising resource that poses multiple extremes on its inhabitants. Conditions like high hydrostatic pressure and high or low temperature are prevalent and many deep-sea organisms tolerate multiple of these extremes. While molecular adaptations to high temperature are comparatively good described, adaptations to other extremes like high pressure are not well-understood yet. To fully unravel the molecular mechanisms of individual adaptations it is probably necessary to disentangle multifactorial adaptations. In this study, we evaluate differences of protein structures from deep-sea organisms and their respective related proteins from nondeep-sea organisms. We created a data collection of 1281 experimental protein structures from 25 deep-sea organisms and paired them with orthologous proteins. We exhaustively evaluate differences between the protein pairs with machine learning and Shapley values to determine characteristic differences in sequence and structure. The results show a reasonable discrimination of deep-sea and nondeep-sea proteins from which we distinguish correlations previously attributed to thermal stability from other signals potentially describing adaptions to high pressure. While some distinct correlations can be observed the overall picture appears intricate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Sieg
- Universität Hamburg, ZBH - Center for Bioinformatics, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Julia Lieske
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alke Meents
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang R Streit
- Universität Hamburg, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Rarey
- Universität Hamburg, ZBH - Center for Bioinformatics, Hamburg, Germany
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24
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Gendron A, Allen KD. Overview of Diverse Methyl/Alkyl-Coenzyme M Reductases and Considerations for Their Potential Heterologous Expression. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:867342. [PMID: 35547147 PMCID: PMC9081873 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.867342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) is an archaeal enzyme that catalyzes the final step of methanogenesis and the first step in the anaerobic oxidation of methane, the energy metabolisms of methanogens and anaerobic methanotrophs (ANME), respectively. Variants of MCR, known as alkyl-coenzyme M reductases, are involved in the anaerobic oxidation of short-chain alkanes including ethane, propane, and butane as well as the catabolism of long-chain alkanes from oil reservoirs. MCR is a dimer of heterotrimers (encoded by mcrABG) and requires the nickel-containing tetrapyrrole prosthetic group known as coenzyme F430. MCR houses a series of unusual post-translational modifications within its active site whose identities vary depending on the organism and whose functions remain unclear. Methanogenic MCRs are encoded in a highly conserved mcrBDCGA gene cluster, which encodes two accessory proteins, McrD and McrC, that are believed to be involved in the assembly and activation of MCR, respectively. The requirement of a unique and complex coenzyme, various unusual post-translational modifications, and many remaining questions surrounding assembly and activation of MCR largely limit in vitro experiments to native enzymes with recombinant methods only recently appearing. Production of MCRs in a heterologous host is an important step toward developing optimized biocatalytic systems for methane production as well as for bioconversion of methane and other alkanes into value-added compounds. This review will first summarize MCR catalysis and structure, followed by a discussion of advances and challenges related to the production of diverse MCRs in a heterologous host.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kylie D. Allen
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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25
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Hanišáková N, Vítězová M, Rittmann SKMR. The Historical Development of Cultivation Techniques for Methanogens and Other Strict Anaerobes and Their Application in Modern Microbiology. Microorganisms 2022; 10:412. [PMID: 35208865 PMCID: PMC8879435 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cultivation and investigation of strictly anaerobic microorganisms belong to the fields of anaerobic microbial physiology, microbiology, and biotechnology. Anaerobic cultivation methods differ from classic microbiological techniques in several aspects. The requirement for special instruments, which are designed to prevent the contact of the specimen with air/molecular oxygen by different means of manipulation, makes this field more challenging for general research compared to working with aerobic microorganisms. Anaerobic microbiological methods are required for many purposes, such as for the isolation and characterization of new species and their physiological examination, as well as for anaerobic biotechnological applications or medical indications. This review presents the historical development of methods for the cultivation of strictly anaerobic microorganisms focusing on methanogenic archaea, anaerobic cultivation methods that are still widely used today, novel methods for anaerobic cultivation, and almost forgotten, but still relevant, techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Hanišáková
- Laboratory of Anaerobic Microorganisms, Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Monika Vítězová
- Laboratory of Anaerobic Microorganisms, Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Simon K. -M. R. Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, 1030 Wien, Austria
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26
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Wani AK, Akhtar N, Sher F, Navarrete AA, Américo-Pinheiro JHP. Microbial adaptation to different environmental conditions: molecular perspective of evolved genetic and cellular systems. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:144. [PMID: 35044532 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-02757-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms are ubiquitous on Earth and can inhabit almost every environment. In a complex heterogeneous environment or in face of ecological disturbance, the microbes adjust to fluctuating environmental conditions through a cascade of cellular and molecular systems. Their habitats differ from cold microcosms of Antarctica to the geothermal volcanic areas, terrestrial to marine, highly alkaline zones to the extremely acidic areas and freshwater to brackish water sources. The diverse ecological microbial niches are attributed to the versatile, adaptable nature under fluctuating temperature, nutrient availability and pH of the microorganisms. These organisms have developed a series of mechanisms to face the environmental changes and thereby keep their role in mediate important ecosystem functions. The underlying mechanisms of adaptable microbial nature are thoroughly investigated at the cellular, genetic and molecular levels. The adaptation is mediated by a spectrum of processes like natural selection, genetic recombination, horizontal gene transfer, DNA damage repair and pleiotropy-like events. This review paper provides the fundamentals insight into the microbial adaptability besides highlighting the molecular network of microbial adaptation under different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Khurshid Wani
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Nahid Akhtar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Farooq Sher
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
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27
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Crystal structures of phosphatidyl serine synthase PSS reveal the catalytic mechanism of CDP-DAG alcohol O-phosphatidyl transferases. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6982. [PMID: 34848707 PMCID: PMC8633023 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27281-w] [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: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipids are the major components of the membrane in all type of cells and organelles. They also are critical for cell metabolism, signal transduction, the immune system and other critical cell functions. The biosynthesis of phospholipids is a complex multi-step process with high-energy intermediates. Several enzymes in different metabolic pathways are involved in the initial phospholipid synthesis and its subsequent conversion. While the "Kennedy pathway" is the main pathway in mammalian cells, in bacteria and lower eukaryotes the precursor CDP-DAG is used in the de novo pathway by CDP-DAG alcohol O-phosphatidyl transferases to synthetize the basic lipids. Here we present the high-resolution structures of phosphatidyl serine synthase from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii crystallized in four different states. Detailed structural and functional analysis of the different structures allowed us to identify the substrate binding site and show how CDP-DAG, serine and two essential metal ions are bound and oriented relative to each other. In close proximity to the substrate binding site, two anions were identified that appear to be highly important for the reaction. The structural findings were confirmed by functional activity assays and suggest a model for the catalytic mechanism of CDP-DAG alcohol O-phosphatidyl transferases, which synthetize the phospholipids essential for the cells.
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28
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Balch WE, Ferry JG. The Wolfe cycle of carbon dioxide reduction to methane revisited and the Ralph Stoner Wolfe legacy at 100 years. Adv Microb Physiol 2021; 79:1-23. [PMID: 34836609 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Methanogens are a component of anaerobic microbial consortia decomposing biomass to CO2 and CH4 that is an essential link in the global carbon cycle. One of two major pathways of methanogenesis involves reduction of the methyl group of acetate to CH4 with electrons from oxidation of the carbonyl group while the other involves reduction of CO2 to CH4 with electrons from H2 or formate. Pioneering investigations of the CO2 reduction pathway by Ralph S. Wolfe in the 70s and 80s contributed findings impacting the broader fields of biochemistry and microbiology that directed discovery of the domain Archaea and expanded research on anaerobic microbes for decades that continues to the present. This review presents an historical overview of the CO2 reduction pathway (Wolfe cycle) with recent developments, and an account of Wolfe's larger and enduring impact on the broad field of biology 100 years after his birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Balch
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - James G Ferry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.
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29
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Interaction between Microbes, Minerals, and Fluids in Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Systems. MINERALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/min11121324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the late 1970s widened the limits of life and habitability. The mixing of oxidizing seawater and reduction of hydrothermal fluids create a chemical disequilibrium that is exploited by chemosynthetic bacteria and archaea to harness energy by converting inorganic carbon into organic biomass. Due to the rich variety of chemical sources and steep physico-chemical gradients, a large array of microorganisms thrive in these extreme environments, which includes but are not restricted to chemolithoautotrophs, heterotrophs, and mixotrophs. Past research has revealed the underlying relationship of these microbial communities with the subsurface geology and hydrothermal geochemistry. Endolithic microbial communities at the ocean floor catalyze a number of redox reactions through various metabolic activities. Hydrothermal chimneys harbor Fe-reducers, sulfur-reducers, sulfide and H2-oxidizers, methanogens, and heterotrophs that continuously interact with the basaltic, carbonate, or ultramafic basement rocks for energy-yielding reactions. Here, we briefly review the global deep-sea hydrothermal systems, microbial diversity, and microbe–mineral interactions therein to obtain in-depth knowledge of the biogeochemistry in such a unique and geologically critical subseafloor environment.
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30
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Abstract
Climate neutral and sustainable energy sources will play a key role in future energy production. Biomethanation by gas to gas conversion of flue gases is one option with regard to renewable energy production. Here, we performed the conversion of synthetic carbon monoxide (CO)-containing flue gases to methane (CH4) by artificial hyperthermophilic archaeal co-cultures, consisting of Thermococcus onnurineus and Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, Methanocaldococcus vulcanius, or Methanocaldococcus villosus. Experiments using both chemically defined and complex media were performed in closed batch setups. Up to 10 mol% CH4 was produced by converting pure CO or synthetic CO-containing industrial waste gases at a high rate using a co-culture of T. onnurineus and M. villosus. These findings are a proof of principle and advance the fields of Archaea Biotechnology, artificial microbial ecosystem design and engineering, industrial waste-gas recycling, and biomethanation.
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31
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Liang J, Feng JC, Zhang S, Cai Y, Yang Z, Ni T, Yang HY. Role of deep-sea equipment in promoting the forefront of studies on life in extreme environments. iScience 2021; 24:103299. [PMID: 34765920 PMCID: PMC8571506 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The deep-sea environment creates the largest ecosystem in the world with the largest biological community and extensive undiscovered biodiversity. Nevertheless, these ecosystems are far from well known. Deep-sea equipment is an indispensable approach to research life in extreme environments in the deep-sea environment because of the difficulty in obtaining access to these unique habitats. This work reviewed the historical development and the state-of-the-art of deep-sea equipment suitable for researching extreme ecosystems, to clarify the role of this equipment as a promoter for the progress of life in extreme environmental studies. Linkages of the developed deep-sea equipment and the discovered species are analyzed in this study. In addition, Equipment associated with researching the deep-sea ecosystems of hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, whale falls, seamounts, and oceanic trenches are introduced and analyzed in detail. To clarify the thrust and key points of the future promotion of life in extreme environmental studies, prospects and challenges related to observing equipment, samplers, laboratory simulation systems, and submersibles are proposed. Furthermore, a blueprint for the integration of in situ observations, sampling, controllable culture, manned experiments in underwater environments, and laboratory simulations is depicted for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhen Liang
- Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Chun Feng
- Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, P. R. China
| | - Si Zhang
- Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, P. R. China.,South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, No. 100, Waihuan Xi Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510301, P. R. China
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, P. R. China
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, P. R. China
| | - Tian Ni
- China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214082, P. R. China
| | - Hua-Yong Yang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, P. R. China
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32
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Scoma A. Functional groups in microbial ecology: updated definitions of piezophiles as suggested by hydrostatic pressure dependence on temperature. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:1871-1878. [PMID: 33782568 PMCID: PMC8245400 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-00930-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Scoma
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Engineered Microbial Systems Laboratory (EMS-Lab), Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE), Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark ,grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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33
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Rajbongshi A, Gogoi SB. A review on anaerobic microorganisms isolated from oil reservoirs. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:111. [PMID: 34076736 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Role of microorganisms in the petroleum industry is wide-ranging. To understand the role of microorganisms in hydrocarbon transformation, identification of such microorganisms is vital, especially the ones capable of in situ degradation. Microorganisms play a pivotal role in the degradation of hydrocarbons and remediation of heavy metals. Anaerobic microorganisms such as Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB), responsible for the production of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) within the reservoir, reduces the oil quality by causing reservoir souring and reduction in oil viscosity. This paper reviews the diversity of SRB, methanogens, Nitrogen Reducing Bacteria (NRB), and fermentative bacteria present in oil reservoirs. It also reviews the extensive diversity of these microorganisms, their applications in petroleum industries, characteristics and adaptability to survive in different conditions, the potential to alter the petroleum hydrocarbons properties, the propensity to petroleum hydrocarbon degradation, and remediation of metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarjit Rajbongshi
- Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited, Namrup, Assam, India.
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34
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Zeng X, Alain K, Shao Z. Microorganisms from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 3:204-230. [PMID: 37073341 PMCID: PMC10077256 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-020-00086-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
With a rich variety of chemical energy sources and steep physical and chemical gradients, hydrothermal vent systems offer a range of habitats to support microbial life. Cultivation-dependent and independent studies have led to an emerging view that diverse microorganisms in deep-sea hydrothermal vents live their chemolithoautotrophic, heterotrophic, or mixotrophic life with versatile metabolic strategies. Biogeochemical processes are mediated by microorganisms, and notably, processes involving or coupling the carbon, sulfur, hydrogen, nitrogen, and metal cycles in these unique ecosystems. Here, we review the taxonomic and physiological diversity of microbial prokaryotic life from cosmopolitan to endemic taxa and emphasize their significant roles in the biogeochemical processes in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. According to the physiology of the targeted taxa and their needs inferred from meta-omics data, the media for selective cultivation can be designed with a wide range of physicochemical conditions such as temperature, pH, hydrostatic pressure, electron donors and acceptors, carbon sources, nitrogen sources, and growth factors. The application of novel cultivation techniques with real-time monitoring of microbial diversity and metabolic substrates and products are also recommended. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-020-00086-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005 China
- LIA/IRP 1211 MicrobSea, Sino-French International Laboratory of Deep-Sea Microbiology, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Karine Alain
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes LM2E UMR6197, Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, F-29280 Plouzané, France
- LIA/IRP 1211 MicrobSea, Sino-French International Laboratory of Deep-Sea Microbiology, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Zongze Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005 China
- LIA/IRP 1211 MicrobSea, Sino-French International Laboratory of Deep-Sea Microbiology, 29280 Plouzané, France
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35
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Jarrell KF, Albers SV, Machado JNDS. A comprehensive history of motility and Archaellation in Archaea. FEMS MICROBES 2021; 2:xtab002. [PMID: 37334237 PMCID: PMC10117864 DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Each of the three Domains of life, Eukarya, Bacteria and Archaea, have swimming structures that were all originally called flagella, despite the fact that none were evolutionarily related to either of the other two. Surprisingly, this was true even in the two prokaryotic Domains of Bacteria and Archaea. Beginning in the 1980s, evidence gradually accumulated that convincingly demonstrated that the motility organelle in Archaea was unrelated to that found in Bacteria, but surprisingly shared significant similarities to type IV pili. This information culminated in the proposal, in 2012, that the 'archaeal flagellum' be assigned a new name, the archaellum. In this review, we provide a historical overview on archaella and motility research in Archaea, beginning with the first simple observations of motile extreme halophilic archaea a century ago up to state-of-the-art cryo-tomography of the archaellum motor complex and filament observed today. In addition to structural and biochemical data which revealed the archaellum to be a type IV pilus-like structure repurposed as a rotating nanomachine (Beeby et al. 2020), we also review the initial discoveries and subsequent advances using a wide variety of approaches to reveal: complex regulatory events that lead to the assembly of the archaellum filaments (archaellation); the roles of the various archaellum proteins; key post-translational modifications of the archaellum structural subunits; evolutionary relationships; functions of archaella other than motility and the biotechnological potential of this fascinating structure. The progress made in understanding the structure and assembly of the archaellum is highlighted by comparing early models to what is known today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken F Jarrell
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Institute for Biology II- Microbiology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - J Nuno de Sousa Machado
- Institute for Biology II- Microbiology, Molecular Biology of Archaea, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19A, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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36
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Reyes JS, Fuentes-Lemus E, Aspée A, Davies MJ, Monasterio O, López-Alarcón C. M. jannaschii FtsZ, a key protein in bacterial cell division, is inactivated by peroxyl radical-mediated methionine oxidation. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 166:53-66. [PMID: 33588048 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Oxidation and inactivation of FtsZ is of interest due to the key role of this protein in bacterial cell division. In the present work, we studied peroxyl radical (from AAPH, 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride) mediated oxidation of the highly stable FtsZ protein (MjFtsZ) from M. jannaschii, a thermophilic microorganism. MjFtsZ contains eleven Met, and single Tyr and Trp residues which would be expected to be susceptible to oxidation. We hypothesized that exposure of MjFtsZ to AAPH-derived radicals would induce Met oxidation, and cross-linking (via di-Tyr and di-Trp formation), with concomitant loss of its functional polymerization and depolymerization (GTPase) activities. Solutions containing MjFtsZ and AAPH (10 or 100 mM) were incubated at 37 °C for 3 h. Polymerization/depolymerization were assessed by light scattering, while changes in mass were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Amino acid consumption was quantified by HPLC with fluorescence detection, or direct fluorescence (Trp). Oxidation products and modifications at individual Met residues were quantified by UPLC with mass detection. Oxidation inhibited polymerization-depolymerization activity, and yielded low levels of irreversible protein dimers. With 10 mM AAPH only Trp and Met were consumed giving di-alcohols, kynurenine and di-Trp (from Trp) and the sulfoxide (from Met). With 100 mM AAPH low levels of Tyr oxidation (but not di-Tyr formation) were also observed. Correlation with the functional analyses indicates that Met oxidation, and particularly Met164 is the key driver of MjFtsZ inactivation, probably as a result of the position of this residue at the protein-protein interface of longitudinal interactions and in close proximity to the GTP binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Sebastián Reyes
- Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile; Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | - Eduardo Fuentes-Lemus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexis Aspée
- Departamento de Ciencias Del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Michael J Davies
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Octavio Monasterio
- Laboratorio de Biología Estructural y Molecular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Chile.
| | - Camilo López-Alarcón
- Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile.
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37
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Sirithanakorn C, Cronan JE. Biotin, a universal and essential cofactor: Synthesis, ligation and regulation. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:6081095. [PMID: 33428728 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Biotin is a covalently attached enzyme cofactor required for intermediary metabolism in all three domains of life. Several important human pathogens (e.g. Mycobacterium tuberculosis) require biotin synthesis for pathogenesis. Humans lack a biotin synthetic pathway hence bacterial biotin synthesis is a prime target for new therapeutic agents. The biotin synthetic pathway is readily divided into early and late segments. Although pimelate, a seven carbon α,ω-dicarboxylic acid that contributes seven of the ten biotin carbons atoms, was long known to be a biotin precursor, its biosynthetic pathway was a mystery until the E. coli pathway was discovered in 2010. Since then, diverse bacteria encode evolutionarily distinct enzymes that replace enzymes in the E. coli pathway. Two new bacterial pimelate synthesis pathways have been elucidated. In contrast to the early pathway the late pathway, assembly of the fused rings of the cofactor, was long thought settled. However, a new enzyme that bypasses a canonical enzyme was recently discovered as well as homologs of another canonical enzyme that functions in synthesis of another protein-bound coenzyme, lipoic acid. Most bacteria tightly regulate transcription of the biotin synthetic genes in a biotin-responsive manner. The bifunctional biotin ligases which catalyze attachment of biotin to its cognate enzymes and repress biotin gene transcription are best understood regulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaiyos Sirithanakorn
- Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - John E Cronan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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38
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Ragab A, Shaw DR, Katuri KP, Saikaly PE. Effects of set cathode potentials on microbial electrosynthesis system performance and biocathode methanogen function at a metatranscriptional level. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19824. [PMID: 33188217 PMCID: PMC7666199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial electrosynthesis exploits the catalytic activity of microorganisms to utilize a cathode as an electron donor for reducing waste CO2 to valuable fuels and chemicals. Electromethanogenesis is the process of CO2 reduction to CH4 catalyzed by methanogens using the cathode directly as a source of electrons or indirectly via H2. Understanding the effects of different set cathode potentials on the functional dynamics of electromethanogenic communities is crucial for the rational design of cathode materials. Replicate enriched electromethanogenic communities were subjected to different potentials (- 1.0 V and - 0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl) and the potential-induced changes were analyzed using a metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approach. The most abundant and transcriptionally active organism on the biocathodes was a novel species of Methanobacterium sp. strain 34x. The cathode potential-induced changes limited electron donor availability and negatively affected the overall performance of the reactors in terms of CH4 production. Although high expression of key genes within the methane and carbon metabolism pathways was evident, there was no significant difference in transcriptional response to the different set potentials. The acetyl-CoA decarbonylase/synthase (ACDS) complex were the most highly expressed genes, highlighting the significance of carbon assimilation under limited electron donor conditions and its link to the methanogenesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala'a Ragab
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dario Rangel Shaw
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Krishna P Katuri
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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Thiroux S, Dupont S, Nesbø CL, Bienvenu N, Krupovic M, L'Haridon S, Marie D, Forterre P, Godfroy A, Geslin C. The first head-tailed virus, MFTV1, infecting hyperthermophilic methanogenic deep-sea archaea. Environ Microbiol 2020; 23:3614-3626. [PMID: 33022088 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are inhabited by complex communities of microbes and their viruses. Despite the importance of viruses in controlling the diversity, adaptation and evolution of their microbial hosts, to date, only eight bacterial and two archaeal viruses isolated from abyssal ecosystems have been described. Thus, our efforts focused on gaining new insights into viruses associated with deep-sea autotrophic archaea. Here, we provide the first evidence of an infection of hyperthermophilic methanogenic archaea by a head-tailed virus, Methanocaldococcus fervens tailed virus 1 (MFTV1). MFTV1 has an isometric head of 50 nm in diameter and a 150 nm-long non-contractile tail. Virions are released continuously without causing a sudden drop in host growth. MFTV1 infects Methanocaldococcus species and is the first hyperthermophilic head-tailed virus described thus far. The viral genome is a double-stranded linear DNA of 31 kb. Interestingly, our results suggest potential strategies adopted by the plasmid pMEFER01, carried by M. fervens, to spread horizontally in hyperthermophilic methanogens. The data presented here open a new window of understanding on how the abyssal mobilome interacts with hyperthermophilic marine archaea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Thiroux
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes, Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, Plouzané, F-29280, France
| | - Samuel Dupont
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes, Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, Plouzané, F-29280, France
| | - Camilla L Nesbø
- Biozone, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G2R3, 12, Canada
| | - Nadège Bienvenu
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes, Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, Plouzané, F-29280, France
| | - Mart Krupovic
- Archaeal Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Stéphane L'Haridon
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes, Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, Plouzané, F-29280, France
| | - Dominique Marie
- UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSU-CNRS, UMR 7144, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Sorbonne University, Roscoff, 29680, France
| | - Patrick Forterre
- Archaeal Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75015, France.,Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS., Gif-sur-Yvette, 91198, France
| | - Anne Godfroy
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes, Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, Plouzané, F-29280, France
| | - Claire Geslin
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes, Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, Plouzané, F-29280, France
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40
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Kelly JF, Vinogradov E, Stupak J, Robotham AC, Logan SM, Berezuk A, Khursigara CM, Jarrell KF. Identification of a novel N-linked glycan on the archaellins and S-layer protein of the thermophilic methanogen, Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:14618-14629. [PMID: 32817340 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.012790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Motility in archaea is facilitated by a unique structure termed the archaellum. N-Glycosylation of the major structural proteins (archaellins) is important for their subsequent incorporation into the archaellum filament. The identity of some of these N-glycans has been determined, but archaea exhibit extensive variation in their glycans, meaning that further investigations can shed light not only on the specific details of archaellin structure and function, but also on archaeal glycobiology in general. Here we describe the structural characterization of the N-linked glycan modifications on the archaellins and S-layer protein of Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus, a methanogen that grows optimally at 65 °C. SDS-PAGE and MS analysis revealed that the sheared archaella are composed principally of two of the four predicted archaellins, FlaB1 and FlaB3, which are modified with a branched, heptameric glycan at all N-linked sequons except for the site closest to the N termini of both proteins. NMR analysis of the purified glycan determined the structure to be α-d-glycero-d-manno-Hep3OMe6OMe-(1-3)-[α-GalNAcA3OMe-(1-2)-]-β-Man-(1-4)-[β-GalA3OMe4OAc6CMe-(1-4)-α-GalA-(1-2)-]-α-GalAN-(1-3)-β-GalNAc-Asn. A detailed investigation by hydrophilic interaction liquid ion chromatography-MS discovered the presence of several, less abundant glycan variants, related to but distinct from the main heptameric glycan. In addition, we confirmed that the S-layer protein is modified with the same heptameric glycan, suggesting a common N-glycosylation pathway. The M. thermolithotrophicus archaellin N-linked glycan is larger and more complex than those previously identified on the archaellins of related mesophilic methanogens, Methanococcus voltae and Methanococcus maripaludis This could indicate that the nature of the glycan modification may have a role to play in maintaining stability at elevated temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Kelly
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Evgeny Vinogradov
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacek Stupak
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna C Robotham
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan M Logan
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alison Berezuk
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cezar M Khursigara
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ken F Jarrell
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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41
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Genomic and enzymatic evidence of acetogenesis by anaerobic methanotrophic archaea. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3941. [PMID: 32770005 PMCID: PMC7414198 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17860-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) mediated by anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) is the primary process that provides energy to cold seep ecosystems by converting methane into inorganic carbon. Notably, cold seep ecosystems are dominated by highly divergent heterotrophic microorganisms. The role of the AOM process in supporting heterotrophic population remains unknown. We investigate the acetogenic capacity of ANME-2a in a simulated cold seep ecosystem using high-pressure biotechnology, where both AOM activity and acetate production are detected. The production of acetate from methane is confirmed by isotope-labeling experiments. A complete archaeal acetogenesis pathway is identified in the ANME-2a genome, and apparent acetogenic activity of the key enzymes ADP-forming acetate-CoA ligase and acetyl-CoA synthetase is demonstrated. Here, we propose a modified model of carbon cycling in cold seeps: during AOM process, methane can be converted into organic carbon, such as acetate, which further fuels the heterotrophic community in the ecosystem. Ocean cold seeps are poorly understood relative to related systems like hydrothermal vents. Here the authors use high pressure bioreactors and microbial communities from a cold seep mud volcano and find a previously missing step of methane conversion to acetate that likely fuels heterotrophic communities.
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Hydrogenotrophic methanogen strain of Methanospirillum from anaerobic digester fed with agro-industrial waste. Biologia (Bratisl) 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-020-00559-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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43
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Blank PN, Barnett AA, Ronnebaum TA, Alderfer KE, Gillott BN, Christianson DW, Himmelberger JA. Structural studies of geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthase, a prenyltransferase found in thermophilic Euryarchaeota. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2020; 76:542-557. [PMID: 32496216 PMCID: PMC7271946 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798320004878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Archaea are uniquely adapted to thrive in harsh environments, and one of these adaptations involves the archaeal membrane lipids, which are characterized by their isoprenoid alkyl chains connected via ether linkages to glycerol 1-phosphate. The membrane lipids of the thermophilic and acidophilic euryarchaeota Thermoplasma volcanium are exclusively glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraethers. The first committed step in the biosynthetic pathway of these archaeal lipids is the formation of the ether linkage between glycerol 1-phosphate and geranylgeranyl diphosphate, and is catalyzed by the enzyme geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthase (GGGPS). The 1.72 Å resolution crystal structure of GGGPS from T. volcanium (TvGGGPS) in complex with glycerol and sulfate is reported here. The crystal structure reveals TvGGGPS to be a dimer, which is consistent with the absence of the aromatic anchor residue in helix α5a that is required for hexamerization in other GGGPS homologs; the hexameric quaternary structure in GGGPS is thought to provide thermostability. A phylogenetic analysis of the Euryarchaeota and a parallel ancestral state reconstruction investigated the relationship between optimal growth temperature and the ancestral sequences. The presence of an aromatic anchor residue is not explained by temperature as an ecological parameter. An examination of the active site of the TvGGGPS dimer revealed that it may be able to accommodate longer isoprenoid substrates, supporting an alternative pathway of isoprenoid membrane-lipid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. N. Blank
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - A. A. Barnett
- Department of Biology, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034, USA
| | - T. A. Ronnebaum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - K. E. Alderfer
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034, USA
| | - B. N. Gillott
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034, USA
| | - D. W. Christianson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - J. A. Himmelberger
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034, USA
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Wang L, Lai Q, Jebbar M, Shao Z, Alain K. Complete genome sequence of Methanofervidicoccus sp. A16, a thermophilic methanogen isolated from Mid Cayman Rise hydrothermal vent. Mar Genomics 2020; 53:100768. [PMID: 32222383 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2020.100768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Methanofervidicoccus sp. A16 is a novel thermophilic and obligate hydrogenotrophic methanogen isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney sample at the Mid Cayman spreading center, Caribbean Sea. Here we report the complete genome of strain A16, which has one circular chromosome of 1,485,358 bp with a mean G+C content of 35.01 mol%. The complete genome harbors 1442 predicted protein-encoding genes. Genes involved in hydrogenotrophic methane production and N2 fixation were identified in this genome. This study expands our knowledge of methanogenesis at high temperatures and the involvement of these microorganisms in the carbon and nitrogen cycles of deep-sea hydrothermal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of PR China, Xiamen 361005, China; LIA1211 MICROBSEA, Sino-French International Laboratory of Deep-Sea Microbiology, Xiamen-Plouzané, France
| | - Qiliang Lai
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of PR China, Xiamen 361005, China; LIA1211 MICROBSEA, Sino-French International Laboratory of Deep-Sea Microbiology, Xiamen-Plouzané, France
| | - Mohamed Jebbar
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes LM2E, F-29280 Plouzané, France; LIA1211 MICROBSEA, Sino-French International Laboratory of Deep-Sea Microbiology, Xiamen-Plouzané, France
| | - Zongze Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of PR China, Xiamen 361005, China; LIA1211 MICROBSEA, Sino-French International Laboratory of Deep-Sea Microbiology, Xiamen-Plouzané, France.
| | - Karine Alain
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IFREMER, Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes LM2E, F-29280 Plouzané, France; LIA1211 MICROBSEA, Sino-French International Laboratory of Deep-Sea Microbiology, Xiamen-Plouzané, France.
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45
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Tourte M, Schaeffer P, Grossi V, Oger PM. Functionalized Membrane Domains: An Ancestral Feature of Archaea? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:526. [PMID: 32296409 PMCID: PMC7137397 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria and Eukarya organize their plasma membrane spatially into domains of distinct functions. Due to the uniqueness of their lipids, membrane functionalization in Archaea remains a debated area. A novel membrane ultrastructure predicts that monolayer and bilayer domains would be laterally segregated in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus barophilus. With very different physico-chemical parameters of the mono- and bilayer, each domain type would thus allow the docking of different membrane proteins and express different biological functions in the membrane. To estimate the ubiquity of this putative membrane ultrastructure in and out of the order Thermococcales, we re-analyzed the core lipid composition of all the Thermococcales type species and collected all the literature data available for isolated archaea. We show that all species of Thermococcales synthesize a mixture of diether bilayer forming and tetraether monolayer forming lipids, in various ratio from 10 to 80% diether in Pyrococcus horikoshii and Thermococcus gorgonarius, respectively. Since the domain formation prediction rests only on the coexistence of di- and tetraether lipids, we show that all Thermococcales have the ability for domain formation, i.e., differential functionalization of their membrane. Extrapolating this view to the whole Archaea domain, we show that almost all archaea also have the ability to synthesize di- and tetraether lipids, which supports the view that functionalized membrane domains may be shared between all Archaea. Hence domain formation and membrane compartmentalization may have predated the separation of the three domains of life and be essential for the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Tourte
- Université de Lyon, INSA Lyon, CNRS, MAP UMR 5240, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Philippe Schaeffer
- Université de Strasbourg-CNRS, UMR 7177, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie Moléculaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Grossi
- Université de Lyon, ENS Lyon, CNRS, Laboratoire de Géologie de Lyon, UMR 5276, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Phil M. Oger
- Université de Lyon, INSA Lyon, CNRS, MAP UMR 5240, Villeurbanne, France
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46
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Integration of large heterologous DNA fragments into the genome of Thermococcus kodakarensis. Extremophiles 2020; 24:339-353. [PMID: 32112303 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-020-01159-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a transformation system enabling large-scale gene recombination was developed for the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis. Using the uracil auxotroph T. kodakarensis KU216 (∆pyrF) as a parent strain, we constructed multiple host strains harboring two 1-kbp DNA regions from the genomes of either the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus or Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. The two regions were selected so that the regions between them on the respective genomes would include pyrF genes, which can potentially be used for selection. Transformation using these host strains and genomic DNA from P. furiosus or M. jannaschii were carried out. Transformants with exogenous pyrF were obtained only using host strains with regions from P. furiosus, and only when the distances between the two regions were relatively short (2-5 kbp) on the P. furiosus genome. To insert longer DNA fragments, we examined the possibilities of using P. furiosus cells to provide intact genomic DNA. A cell pellet of P. furiosus was overlaid with that of T. kodakarensis so that cells were in direct contact. As a result, we were able to isolate T. kodakarensis strains harboring DNA fragments from P. furiosus with lengths of up to 75 kbp in a single transformation step.
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47
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Cryo-EM study of an archaeal 30S initiation complex gives insights into evolution of translation initiation. Commun Biol 2020; 3:58. [PMID: 32029867 PMCID: PMC7005279 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0780-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Archaeal translation initiation occurs within a macromolecular complex containing the small ribosomal subunit (30S) bound to mRNA, initiation factors aIF1, aIF1A and the ternary complex aIF2:GDPNP:Met-tRNAiMet. Here, we determine the cryo-EM structure of a 30S:mRNA:aIF1A:aIF2:GTP:Met-tRNAiMet complex from Pyrococcus abyssi at 3.2 Å resolution. It highlights archaeal features in ribosomal proteins and rRNA modifications. We find an aS21 protein, at the location of eS21 in eukaryotic ribosomes. Moreover, we identify an N-terminal extension of archaeal eL41 contacting the P site. We characterize 34 N4-acetylcytidines distributed throughout 16S rRNA, likely contributing to hyperthermostability. Without aIF1, the 30S head is stabilized and initiator tRNA is tightly bound to the P site. A network of interactions involving tRNA, mRNA, rRNA modified nucleotides and C-terminal tails of uS9, uS13 and uS19 is observed. Universal features and domain-specific idiosyncrasies of translation initiation are discussed in light of ribosomal structures from representatives of each domain of life.
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48
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Energy Conservation and Hydrogenase Function in Methanogenic Archaea, in Particular the Genus Methanosarcina. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2019; 83:83/4/e00020-19. [PMID: 31533962 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00020-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological production of methane is vital to the global carbon cycle and accounts for ca. 74% of total methane emissions. The organisms that facilitate this process, methanogenic archaea, belong to a large and phylogenetically diverse group that thrives in a wide range of anaerobic environments. Two main subgroups exist within methanogenic archaea: those with and those without cytochromes. Although a variety of metabolisms exist within this group, the reduction of growth substrates to methane using electrons from molecular hydrogen is, in a phylogenetic sense, the most widespread methanogenic pathway. Methanogens without cytochromes typically generate methane by the reduction of CO2 with electrons derived from H2, formate, or secondary alcohols, generating a transmembrane ion gradient for ATP production via an Na+-translocating methyltransferase (Mtr). These organisms also conserve energy with a novel flavin-based electron bifurcation mechanism, wherein the endergonic reduction of ferredoxin is facilitated by the exergonic reduction of a disulfide terminal electron acceptor coupled to either H2 or formate oxidation. Methanogens that utilize cytochromes have a broader substrate range, and can convert acetate and methylated compounds to methane, in addition to the ability to reduce CO2 Cytochrome-containing methanogens are able to supplement the ion motive force generated by Mtr with an H+-translocating electron transport system. In both groups, enzymes known as hydrogenases, which reversibly interconvert protons and electrons to molecular hydrogen, play a central role in the methanogenic process. This review discusses recent insight into methanogen metabolism and energy conservation mechanisms with a particular focus on the genus Methanosarcina.
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49
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Susanti D, Frazier MC, Mukhopadhyay B. A Genetic System for Methanocaldococcus jannaschii: An Evolutionary Deeply Rooted Hyperthermophilic Methanarchaeon. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1256. [PMID: 31333590 PMCID: PMC6616113 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phylogenetically deeply rooted methanogens belonging to the genus of Methanocaldococcus living in deep-sea hydrothermal vents derive energy exclusively from hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, one of the oldest respiratory metabolisms on Earth. These hyperthermophilic, autotrophic archaea synthesize their biomolecules from inorganic substrates and perform high temperature biocatalysis producing methane, a valuable fuel and potent greenhouse gas. The information processing and stress response systems of archaea are highly homologous to those of the eukaryotes. For this broad relevance, Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, the first hyperthermophilic chemolithotrophic organism that was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent, was also the first archaeon and third organism for which the whole genome sequence was determined. The research that followed uncovered numerous novel information in multiple fields, including those described above. M. jannaschii was found to carry ancient redox control systems, precursors of dissimilatory sulfate reduction enzymes, and a eukaryotic-like protein translocation system. It provided a platform for structural genomics and tools for incorporating unnatural amino acids into proteins. However, the assignments of in vivo relevance to these findings or interrogations of unknown aspects of M. jannaschii through genetic manipulations remained out of reach, as the organism was genetically intractable. This report presents tools and methods that remove this block. It is now possible to knockout or modify a gene in M. jannaschii and genetically fuse a gene with an affinity tag sequence, thereby allowing facile isolation of a protein with M. jannaschii-specific attributes. These tools have helped to genetically validate the role of a novel coenzyme F420-dependent sulfite reductase in conferring resistance to sulfite in M. jannaschii and to demonstrate that the organism possesses a deazaflavin-dependent system for neutralizing oxygen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi Susanti
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Mary C Frazier
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Biswarup Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States.,Biocomplexity Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States.,Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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50
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Stewart LC, Algar CK, Fortunato CS, Larson BI, Vallino JJ, Huber JA, Butterfield DA, Holden JF. Fluid geochemistry, local hydrology, and metabolic activity define methanogen community size and composition in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. THE ISME JOURNAL 2019; 13:1711-1721. [PMID: 30842565 PMCID: PMC6776001 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-019-0382-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The size and biogeochemical impact of the subseafloor biosphere in oceanic crust remain largely unknown due to sampling limitations. We used reactive transport modeling to estimate the size of the subseafloor methanogen population, volume of crust occupied, fluid residence time, and nature of the subsurface mixing zone for two low-temperature hydrothermal vents at Axial Seamount. Monod CH4 production kinetics based on chemostat H2 availability and batch-culture Arrhenius growth kinetics for the hyperthermophile Methanocaldococcus jannaschii and thermophile Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus were used to develop and parameterize a reactive transport model, which was constrained by field measurements of H2, CH4, and metagenome methanogen concentration estimates in 20-40 °C hydrothermal fluids. Model results showed that hyperthermophilic methanogens dominate in systems where a narrow flow path geometry is maintained, while thermophilic methanogens dominate in systems where the flow geometry expands. At Axial Seamount, the residence time of fluid below the surface was 29-33 h. Only 1011 methanogenic cells occupying 1.8-18 m3 of ocean crust per m2 of vent seafloor area were needed to produce the observed CH4 anomalies. We show that variations in local geology at diffuse vents can create fluid flow paths that are stable over space and time, harboring persistent and distinct microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C Stewart
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- GNS Science, Wellington, 5010, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Benjamin I Larson
- Joint Institute for the Study of Atmosphere and Ocean, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Joseph J Vallino
- Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Julie A Huber
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - David A Butterfield
- Joint Institute for the Study of Atmosphere and Ocean, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - James F Holden
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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