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Teullet S, Tilak MK, Magdeleine A, Schaub R, Weyer NM, Panaino W, Fuller A, Loughry WJ, Avenant NL, de Thoisy B, Borrel G, Delsuc F. Metagenomics uncovers dietary adaptations for chitin digestion in the gut microbiota of convergent myrmecophagous mammals. mSystems 2023; 8:e0038823. [PMID: 37650612 PMCID: PMC10654083 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00388-23] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Myrmecophagous mammals are specialized in the consumption of ants and/or termites. They do not share a direct common ancestor and evolved convergently in five distinct placental orders raising questions about the underlying adaptive mechanisms involved and the relative contribution of natural selection and phylogenetic constraints. Understanding how these species digest their prey can help answer these questions. More specifically, the role of their gut microbial symbionts in the digestion of the insect chitinous exoskeleton has not been investigated in all myrmecophagous orders. We generated 29 new gut metagenomes from nine myrmecophagous species to reconstruct more than 300 bacterial genomes in which we identified chitin-degrading enzymes. Studying the distribution of these chitinolytic bacteria among hosts revealed both shared and specific bacteria between ant-eating species. Overall, our results highlight the potential role of gut symbionts in the convergent dietary adaptation of myrmecophagous mammals and the evolutionary mechanisms shaping their gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Teullet
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Ka Tilak
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Amandine Magdeleine
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Roxane Schaub
- CIC AG/Inserm 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
- Tropical Biome and immunopathology, Université de Guyane, Labex CEBA, DFR Santé, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
| | - Nora M. Weyer
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wendy Panaino
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for African Ecology, School of Animals, Plant, and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrea Fuller
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - W. J. Loughry
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nico L. Avenant
- National Museum and Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Benoit de Thoisy
- Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
- Kwata NGO, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
| | - Guillaume Borrel
- Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Delsuc
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
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Klećkowska-Nawrot J, Barszcz K, Miniajluk JP, Melnyk O, Goździewska-Harłajczuk K. Comparative Histology and Histochemistry of the Parotid Gland and Mandibular Gland in the Lowland Tapir ( Tapirus terrestris Perissodactyla) and Aardvark ( Orycteropus afer Tubulidentata). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101684. [PMID: 37238113 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In terrestrial mammals, the parotid and mandibular glands secrete different types of saliva into the oral cavity. Both glands were obtained from two female lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) and one female aardvark (Orycteropus afer) from the Wroclaw Zoological Garden (Poland) and examined by light microscopy (hematoxylin and eosin, mucicarmine, periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue pH 1.0, Alcian blue pH 2.5, Alcian blue pH 2.5/PAS, and Hale's dialysed iron). Both the parotid glands observed in the lowland tapir and aardvark were compound alveolar serous secretory units, and in both species, the secretion was composed of neutral and acidic mucopolysaccharides (sialo and sulfated mucins). However, in both the lowland tapir and aardvark, a histological examination found the stroma of the mandibular gland was divided into very large lobes by poorly marked connective tissue. While many interlobar and striated ducts were found in the aardvark, very few were found in the lowland tapir. The mandibular gland was a branched tubular (mucous secretion) type in the lowland tapir, but it was a branched tubuloalveolar (mucous-serous) type in the aardvark. In all tested glands, the secretion was composed of neutral mucopolysaccharides, acid-sulfated mucosubstances, and sialomucins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Klećkowska-Nawrot
- Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kozuchowska 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Karolina Barszcz
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Paweł Miniajluk
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, "Alkmeon" Anatomy Scientific Society, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kozuchowska 1, 51-631 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Oleksii Melnyk
- Department of Animal Anatomy, Histology and Pathomorphology, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str. 15, 03041 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Karolina Goździewska-Harłajczuk
- Department of Biostructure and Animal Physiology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kozuchowska 1, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
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Costanzo A, Ambrosini R, Franzetti A, Romano A, Cecere JG, Morganti M, Rubolini D, Gandolfi I. The cloacal microbiome of a cavity-nesting raptor, the lesser kestrel ( Falco naumanni). PeerJ 2022; 10:e13927. [PMID: 36221261 PMCID: PMC9548316 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Microbial communities are found on any part of animal bodies exposed to the environment, and are particularly prominent in the gut, where they play such a major role in the host metabolism and physiology to be considered a "second genome". These communities, collectively known as "microbiome", are well studied in humans and model species, while studies on wild animals have lagged behind. This is unfortunate, as different studies suggested the central role of the gut microbiome in shaping the evolutionary trajectories of species and their population dynamics. Among bird species, only few descriptions of raptor gut microbiomes are available, and mainly carried out on captive individuals. Objectives In this study, we aimed at improving the knowledge of raptor microbiomes by providing the first description of the gut microbiome of the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni), a cavity-nesting raptor. Results The gut microbiome of the lesser kestrel was dominated by Actinobacteria (83.9%), Proteobacteria (8.6%) and Firmicutes (4.3%). We detected no differences in microbiome composition between males and females. Furthermore, the general composition of the microbiome appears similar to that of phylogenetically distant cavity-nesting species. Conclusions Our results broaden the knowledge of raptor gut microbial communities and let us hypothesize that the distinct nest environment in terms of microclimate and presence of organic material from previous breeding attempts, to which cavity-nesting species that reuse the nest are exposed, might be an important driver shaping microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Costanzo
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Ambrosini
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Franzetti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan—Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo G. Cecere
- Area Avifauna Migratrice, Istituto Superiore per La Protezione e La Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Ozzano Emilia, (BO), Italy
| | - Michelangelo Morganti
- IRSA-CNR, Water Research Institute-National Research Council of Italy, Brugherio, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRSA-CNR, Water Research Institute-National Research Council of Italy, Brugherio, Italy
| | - Isabella Gandolfi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan—Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Dudek NK, Switzer AD, Costello EK, Murray MJ, Tomoleoni JA, Staedler MM, Tinker MT, Relman DA. Characterizing the oral and distal gut microbiota of the threatened southern sea otter ( Enhydra lutris nereis) to enhance conservation practice. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022; 4:e12640. [PMID: 35382031 PMCID: PMC8979051 DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) is a threatened sub-species in coastal ecosystems. To understand better the role of diet, monitor health, and enhance management of this and other marine mammal species, we characterized the oral (gingival) and distal gut (rectal and fecal) microbiota of 158 wild southern sea otters living off the coast of central California, USA, and 12 captive sea otters, some of which were included in a diet shift experiment. We found that the sea otter fecal microbiota was distinct from that of three other otter species, and that captivity does not significantly alter the community structure of the sea otter gingival or distal gut microbiota. Metagenomic analysis unexpectedly revealed that the majority of sea otter fecal DNA is derived from prey, rather than from indigenous bacteria or host cells as with most other mammals. We speculate that a reduced bacterial biomass in the sea otter gut reflects rapid gut transit time and a particular strategy for foraging and energy harvest. This study establishes a reference for the healthy sea otter microbiota, highlights how a marine lifestyle may shape the mammalian microbiota, and may inform future health assessments and conservation management of sea otter populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha K. Dudek
- Department of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA
- Current: Department of Computer Science, McGill University - Mila-Québec AI Institute, Montreal, Canada, H3A 0G4
| | - Alexandra D. Switzer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, 299 Campus Drive, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Elizabeth K. Costello
- Department of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | | | - Joseph A. Tomoleoni
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 2885 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA
| | | | - M. Tim Tinker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 2885 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA
- Nhydra Ecological Consulting, 11 Parklea Drive, Head of St Margaret’s Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - David A. Relman
- Department of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, 299 Campus Drive, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA
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Gong R, Ye X, Wang S, Ren Z. Isolation, identification, and biological characteristics of Clostridium sartagoforme from rabbit. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259715. [PMID: 34780527 PMCID: PMC8592454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to develop microbial additives for rabbit feed, a spore-forming bacteria was isolated from the feces of Hyla rabbit using reinforced clostridium medium (RCM). The 16S rDNA sequence of the bacterium was subjected to pairwise sequence alignment using BLAST; the colony morphology, and physiological, biochemical, and stress resistance were studied. The results showed that the bacterium was Clostridium sartagoforme, a gram positive anaerobe, which can produce spores. The colony diameter was 0.5 mm—2.5 mm, the diameter of the bacteria was 0.5 μm—1.0 μm × 2.0 μm—6.3 μm, and the spore diameter was 1 μm—1.2 μm × 1 μm—1.2 μm. C. sartagoforme can utilize various sugars and alcohols such as fructose, galactose, sorbitol, and inositol. It secreted cellulase into the extracellular environment to form a transparent hydrolysis circle in Congo red medium, it could not liquify gelatin, and the lysine decarboxylase reaction was positive. In liquid medium it entered the stable growth period after 9 h of inoculation. Additionally, it had good stress resistance with a survival rate that exceeded 53% after gastric juice (pH 2.5) treatment for 3 h, it grew in a medium with a bile salt concentration of 0.3%, and the survival rate exceeded 85% after 10 minutes at 80°C. Moreover, animal testing indicated that this strain has no adverse effects on the morbidity and mortality of rabbits. In summary, C. sartagoforme XN-T4 was isolated from rabbit feces. This bacterium has good resistance to stress, can decompose a variety of monosaccharides and polysaccharides including cellulose, which is relatively harmless for animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiguang Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A and F University, Yangling Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangyang Ye
- Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Guanghzou, China
| | - Shuhui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A and F University, Yangling Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhanjun Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A and F University, Yangling Shaanxi, China
- * E-mail:
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Lee KS, Jeong YJ, Lee MS. Escherichia coli Shiga Toxins and Gut Microbiota Interactions. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13060416. [PMID: 34208170 PMCID: PMC8230793 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli (EHEC) and Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 are enterohemorrhagic bacteria that induce hemorrhagic colitis. This, in turn, may result in potentially lethal complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is characterized by thrombocytopenia, acute renal failure, and neurological abnormalities. Both species of bacteria produce Shiga toxins (Stxs), a phage-encoded exotoxin inhibiting protein synthesis in host cells that are primarily responsible for bacterial virulence. Although most studies have focused on the pathogenic roles of Stxs as harmful substances capable of inducing cell death and as proinflammatory factors that sensitize the host target organs to damage, less is known about the interface between the commensalism of bacterial communities and the pathogenicity of the toxins. The gut contains more species of bacteria than any other organ, providing pathogenic bacteria that colonize the gut with a greater number of opportunities to encounter other bacterial species. Notably, the presence in the intestines of pathogenic EHEC producing Stxs associated with severe illness may have compounding effects on the diversity of the indigenous bacteria and bacterial communities in the gut. The present review focuses on studies describing the roles of Stxs in the complex interactions between pathogenic Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, the resident microbiome, and host tissues. The determination of these interactions may provide insights into the unresolved issues regarding these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Soo Lee
- Environmental Diseases Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
- Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 127 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Jeong
- Environmental Diseases Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.J.); (M.-S.L.)
| | - Moo-Seung Lee
- Environmental Diseases Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
- Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 127 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.J.); (M.-S.L.)
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Recent advances in the bioprospection and applications of chitinolytic bacteria for valorization of waste chitin. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:1953-1969. [PMID: 33710379 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02234-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the most abundant natural polymers on earth, chitin is a fibrous and structural polysaccharide, composed of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. The biopolymer is the major structural constituent of fungi, arthropods, mollusks, nematodes, and some algae. The biodegradation of chitin is largely manifested by chitinolytic enzyme secreting organisms including bacteria, insects, and plants. Among them, bacterial chitinases represent the most promising, inexpensive, and sustainable source of proteins that can be employed for industrial-scale applications. To this end, the presented review comes at a timely moment to highlight the major sources of chitinolytic bacteria. It also discusses the potential pros and cons of prospecting bacterial chitinases that can be easily manipulated through genetic engineering. Additionally, we have elaborated the recent applications of the chitin thereby branding chitinases as potential candidates for biorefinery and biomedical research for eco-friendly and sustainable management of chitin waste in the environment.
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Kröger S, Heide C, Zentek J. Evaluation of an extruded diet for adult dogs containing larvae meal from the Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Anim Feed Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2020.114699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Suzuki TA. Links between Natural Variation in the Microbiome and Host Fitness in Wild Mammals. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 57:756-769. [PMID: 28992216 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies in model organisms have shown that compositional variation in the microbiome can affect a variety of host phenotypes including those related to digestion, development, immunity, and behavior. Natural variation in the microbiome within and between natural populations and species may also affect host phenotypes and thus fitness in the wild. Here, I review recent evidence that compositional variation in the microbiome may affect host phenotypes and fitness in wild mammals. Studies over the last decade indicate that natural variation in the mammalian microbiome may be important in the assistance of energy uptake from different diet types, detoxification of plant secondary compounds, protection from pathogens, chemical communication, and behavior. I discuss the importance of combining both field observations and manipulative experiments in a single system to fully characterize the functions and fitness effects of the microbiome. Finally, I discuss the evolutionary consequences of mammal-microbiome associations by proposing a framework to test how natural selection on hosts is mediated by the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi A Suzuki
- Department of Integrative Biology, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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10
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Maxinová E, Šustr V, Uhrin M. Digestive enzymes in Rhinolophus euryale (Rhinolophidae, Chiroptera) are active also during hibernation. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/eje-2017-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDuring the winter, bats use hibernation as a means of surviving the period of low prey offer. However, the Mediterranean horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus euryale) arouses from torpor quite frequently. Based on the actual climatic conditions, it can profit from occasional foraging oportunities, when they occur. We analysed faeces collected on four nights during the period from November 2012 to February 2013 from the Domica-Baradla cave system (Slovakia and Hungary). In mid-November, the largest proportion of faecal contents were from Lepidoptera. Later on, the proportion of non-consumptive mass in the faeces increased and prey remnants disappeared. We analysed the activity of digestive enzymes (amylase, chitobiase, endochitinase and glukosaminidase) in faeces. The activity of these enzymes was detected in fresh faeces throughout the whole winter. The faecal activity of the chitinases was relatively stable during the monitored period, whilst the activity of amylase was highest during late November and December. Some level of active digestive enzymes during the winter could be an adaptation to occasional winter foraging.
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Bosch G, Vervoort J, Hendriks W. In vitro digestibility and fermentability of selected insects for dog foods. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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12
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Miltko R, Bełżecki G, Herman A, Kowalik B, Skomiał J. The effect of rumen ciliates on chitinolytic activity, chitin content and the number of fungal zoospores in the rumen fluid of sheep. Arch Anim Nutr 2016; 70:425-40. [PMID: 27501267 DOI: 10.1080/1745039x.2016.1215695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of selected protozoa on the degradation and concentration of chitin and the numbers of fungal zoospores in the rumen fluid of sheep. Three adult ewes were fed a hay-concentrate diet, defaunated, then monofaunated with Entodinium caudatum or Diploplastron affine alone and refaunated with natural rumen fauna. The average density of the protozoa population varied from 6.1 · 10(4) (D. affine) to 42.2 · 10(4) cells/ml rumen fluid (natural rumen fauna). The inoculation of protozoa in the rumen of defaunated sheep increased the total activity of chitinolytic enzymes from 2.9 to 3.6 μmol N-acetylglucosamine/g dry matter (DM) of rumen fluid per min, the chitin concentration from 6.3 to 7.2 mg/g DM of rumen fluid and the number of fungal zoospores from 8.1 to 10.9 · 10(5) cells/ml rumen fluid. All examined indices showed diurnal variations. Ciliate population density was highest immediately prior to feeding and lowest at 4 h thereafter. The opposite effects were observed for the numbers of fungal zoospores, the chitin concentration and chitinolytic activity. Furthermore, it was found that chitin from zoospores may account for up to 95% of total microbial chitin in the rumen fluid of sheep. In summary, the examined ciliate species showed the ability of chitin degradation as well as a positive influence on the development of the ruminal fungal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Miltko
- a The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition , Polish Academy of Sciences , Jabłonna , Poland
| | - Grzegorz Bełżecki
- a The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition , Polish Academy of Sciences , Jabłonna , Poland
| | - Andrzej Herman
- a The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition , Polish Academy of Sciences , Jabłonna , Poland
| | - Barbara Kowalik
- a The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition , Polish Academy of Sciences , Jabłonna , Poland
| | - Jacek Skomiał
- a The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition , Polish Academy of Sciences , Jabłonna , Poland
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Nathani NM, Duggirala SM, Bhatt VD, Patel AK, Kothari RK, Joshi CG. Correlation between genomic analyses with metatranscriptomic study reveals various functional pathways ofClostridium sartagoformeAAU1, a buffalo rumen isolate. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2015.1091346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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The bamboo-eating giant panda harbors a carnivore-like gut microbiota, with excessive seasonal variations. mBio 2015; 6:e00022-15. [PMID: 25991678 PMCID: PMC4442137 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00022-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The giant panda evolved from omnivorous bears. It lives on a bamboo-dominated diet at present, but it still retains a typical carnivorous digestive system and is genetically deficient in cellulose-digesting enzymes. To find out whether this endangered mammalian species, like other herbivores, has successfully developed a gut microbiota adapted to its fiber-rich diet, we conducted a 16S rRNA gene-based large-scale structural profiling of the giant panda fecal microbiota. Forty-five captive individuals were sampled in spring, summer, and late autumn within 1 year. Significant intraindividual variations in the diversity and structure of gut microbiota across seasons were observed in this population, which were even greater than the variations between individuals. Compared with published data sets involving 124 gut microbiota profiles from 54 mammalian species, these giant pandas, together with 9 captive and 7 wild individuals investigated previously, showed extremely low gut microbiota diversity and an overall structure that diverged from those of nonpanda herbivores but converged with those of carnivorous and omnivorous bears. The giant panda did not harbor putative cellulose-degrading phylotypes such as Ruminococcaceae and Bacteroides bacteria that are typically enriched in other herbivores, but instead, its microbiota was dominated by Escherichia/Shigella and Streptococcus bacteria. Members of the class Clostridia were common and abundant in the giant panda gut microbiota, but most of the members present were absent in other herbivores and were not phylogenetically related with known cellulolytic lineages. Therefore, the giant panda appears not to have evolved a gut microbiota compatible with its newly adopted diet, which may adversely influence the coevolutionary fitness of this herbivore. The giant panda, an endangered mammalian species endemic to western China, is well known for its unique bamboo diet. Unlike other herbivores that have successfully evolved anatomically specialized digestive systems to efficiently deconstruct fibrous plant matter, the giant panda still retains a gastrointestinal tract typical of carnivores. We characterized the fecal bacterial communities from a giant panda population to determine whether this animal relies on its symbiotic gut microbiota to cope with the complex carbohydrates that dominate its diet, as is common in other herbivores. We found that the giant panda gut microbiota is low in diversity and highly variable across seasons. It also shows an overall composition typical of bears and entirely differentiated from other herbivores, with low levels of putative cellulose-digesting bacteria. The gut microbiota of this herbivore, therefore, may not have well adapted to its highly fibrous diet, suggesting a potential link with its poor digestive efficiency.
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Delsuc F, Metcalf JL, Wegener Parfrey L, Song SJ, González A, Knight R. Convergence of gut microbiomes in myrmecophagous mammals. Mol Ecol 2013; 23:1301-1317. [PMID: 24118574 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammals have diversified into many dietary niches. Specialized myrmecophagous (ant- and termite-eating) placental mammals represent a textbook example of evolutionary convergence driven by extreme diet specialization. Armadillos, anteaters, aardvarks, pangolins and aardwolves thus provide a model system for understanding the potential role of gut microbiota in the convergent adaptation to myrmecophagy. Here, we expand upon previous mammalian gut microbiome studies by using high-throughput barcoded Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the composition of gut microbiota in 15 species representing all placental myrmecophagous lineages and their close relatives from zoo- and field-collected samples. We confirm that both diet and phylogeny drive the evolution of mammalian gut microbiota, with cases of convergence in global composition, but also examples of phylogenetic inertia. Our results reveal specialized placental myrmecophages as a spectacular case of large-scale convergence in gut microbiome composition. Indeed, neighbour-net networks and beta-diversity plots based on UniFrac distances show significant clustering of myrmecophagous species (anteaters, aardvarks and aardwolves), even though they belong to phylogenetically distant lineages representing different orders. The aardwolf, which diverged from carnivorous hyenas only in the last 10 million years, experienced a convergent shift in the composition of its gut microbiome to become more similar to other myrmecophages. These results confirm diet adaptation to be a major driving factor of convergence in gut microbiome composition over evolutionary timescales. This study sets the scene for future metagenomic studies aiming at evaluating potential convergence in functional gene content in the microbiomes of specialized mammalian myrmecophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Delsuc
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, UMR 5554-CNRS-IRD, Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA; Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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16
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Strobel S, Roswag A, Becker NI, Trenczek TE, Encarnação JA. Insectivorous bats digest chitin in the stomach using acidic mammalian chitinase. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72770. [PMID: 24019876 PMCID: PMC3760910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract of animals is adapted to their primary source of food to optimize resource use and energy intake. Temperate bat species mainly feed on arthropods. These contain the energy-rich carbohydrate chitin, which is indigestible for the endogenous enzymes of a typical mammalian gastrointestinal tract. However, the gastrointestinal tract of bat species should be adapted to their diet and be able to digest chitin. We hypothesized that (i) European vespertilionid bat species have the digestive enzyme chitinase and that (ii) the chitinolytic activity is located in the intestine, as has been found for North American bat species. The gastrointestinal tracts of seven bat species (Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Plecotus auritus, Myotis bechsteinii, Myotis nattereri, Myotis daubentonii, Myotis myotis, and Nyctalus leisleri) were tested for chitinolytic activity by diffusion assay. Gastrointestinal tracts of P. pipistrellus, P. auritus, M. nattereri, M. myotis, and N. leisleri were examined for acidic mammalian chitinase by western blot analysis. Tissue sections of the gastrointestinal tract of P. pipistrellus were immunohistochemically analyzed to locate the acidic mammalian chitinase. Chitinolytic activity was detected in the stomachs of all bat species. Western blot analysis confirmed the acidic mammalian chitinase in stomach samples. Immunohistochemistry of the P. pipistrellus gastrointestinal tract indicated that acidic mammalian chitinase is located in the stomach chief cells at the base of the gastric glands. In conclusion, European vespertilionid bat species have acidic mammalian chitinase that is produced in the gastric glands of the stomach. Therefore, the gastrointestinal tracts of insectivorous bat species evolved an enzymatic adaptation to their diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Strobel
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of General Zoology and Developmental Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anna Roswag
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nina I. Becker
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tina E. Trenczek
- Department of General Zoology and Developmental Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jorge A. Encarnação
- Mammalian Ecology Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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17
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Zhao L, Tyler P, Starnes J, Bratcher C, Rankins D, McCaskey T, Wang L. Correlation analysis of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli
shedding and faecal bacterial composition in beef cattle. J Appl Microbiol 2013; 115:591-603. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Zhao
- Food Microbiology and Safety Lab, Department of Animal Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - P.J. Tyler
- Food Microbiology and Safety Lab, Department of Animal Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - J. Starnes
- Ruminant Nutrition Lab, Department of Animal Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - C.L. Bratcher
- Meat Lab, Department of Animal Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - D. Rankins
- Ruminant Nutrition Lab, Department of Animal Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - T.A. McCaskey
- Food Microbiology and Safety Lab, Department of Animal Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - L. Wang
- Food Microbiology and Safety Lab, Department of Animal Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
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18
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The chbG gene of the chitobiose (chb) operon of Escherichia coli encodes a chitooligosaccharide deacetylase. J Bacteriol 2012; 194:4959-71. [PMID: 22797760 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00533-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The chb operon of Escherichia coli is involved in the utilization of the β-glucosides chitobiose and cellobiose. The function of chbG (ydjC), the sixth open reading frame of the operon that codes for an evolutionarily conserved protein is unknown. We show that chbG encodes a monodeacetylase that is essential for growth on the acetylated chitooligosaccharides chitobiose and chitotriose but is dispensable for growth on cellobiose and chitosan dimer, the deacetylated form of chitobiose. The predicted active site of the enzyme was validated by demonstrating loss of function upon substitution of its putative metal-binding residues that are conserved across the YdjC family of proteins. We show that activation of the chb promoter by the regulatory protein ChbR is dependent on ChbG, suggesting that deacetylation of chitobiose-6-P and chitotriose-6-P is necessary for their recognition by ChbR as inducers. Strains carrying mutations in chbR conferring the ability to grow on both cellobiose and chitobiose are independent of chbG function for induction, suggesting that gain of function mutations in ChbR allow it to recognize the acetylated form of the oligosaccharides. ChbR-independent expression of the permease and phospho-β-glucosidase from a heterologous promoter did not support growth on both chitobiose and chitotriose in the absence of chbG, suggesting an additional role of chbG in the hydrolysis of chitooligosaccharides. The homologs of chbG in metazoans have been implicated in development and inflammatory diseases of the intestine, indicating that understanding the function of E. coli chbG has a broader significance.
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Simůnek J, Tishchenko G, Koppová I. Chitinolytic activities of Clostridium sp. JM2 isolated from stool of human administered per orally by chitosan. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2008; 53:249-54. [PMID: 18661303 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-008-0037-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2007] [Revised: 01/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The novel chitinolytic bacterium Clostridium beijerinckii strain JM2 was isolated from the stool of healthy volunteers supplied daily per orally with 3 g of chitosan. The bacterium grown on colloidal chitin produced a complete array of chitinolytic enzymes. Significant activities of endochitinase, exochitinase and chitosanase were excreted into the medium (301, 282 and 268 nkat/microg protein, respectively). The high cellular activity of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAGase) and chitosanase were detected (732.4 and 154 nkat/microg protein, respectively). NAGase activity represented the main activity associated with the cellular fraction. The activities of both enzymes tested increased from 20 to 50 degrees C; the optimum reaction temperature estimated being 50 degrees C. Endochitinase as well as NAGase showed an activity in the pH interval of 4.0-8.0; the optimum pH values were 6.5 and 6.0, respectively. The extracellular endochitinase complex consisted of six isoenzymes with molar mass of 32-76 kDa; in the cellular fraction five bands with molar mass of 45-86 kDa were detected. Exochitinase activity was demonstrated in the form of three bands (with molar mass of 30-57 kDa), NAGase activity displayed one band of 45 kDa.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Simůnek
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 142 20 Prague, Czechia.
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20
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Simůnek J, Tishchenko G, Hodrová B, Bartonová H. Effect of chitosan on the growth of human colonic bacteria. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2006; 51:306-8. [PMID: 17007432 DOI: 10.1007/bf02931820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Growth of 6 bacterial strains representing dominant members of the human colonic microflora was measured in the presence of 0.025, 0.05 and 0.5 % chitosan (from shrimp shells, with a 97 % final degree of deacetylation). The effect of chitosan was variable and dependent on bacterial species. The most susceptible to chitosan were bacteria belonging to genera Bacteroides and Clostridium (91-97% growth inhibition). On the other hand, Roseburia sp., Eubacterium sp. and Faecalibacterium sp. were more resistant (63-83 % inhibition of growth). Chitosan can thus be considered as one of the means for influencing the bacterial population in the human colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Simůnek
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czechia.
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21
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Lee KY, Shibutani M, Takagi H, Arimura T, Takigami S, Uneyama C, Kato N, Hirose M. Subchronic toxicity study of dietary N-acetylglucosamine in F344 rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2004; 42:687-95. [PMID: 15019194 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2003.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2003] [Accepted: 12/09/2003] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A subchronic toxicity study of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), a monomeric form of chitin, was conducted in groups of 10 male and 10 female F344 rats fed pelleted diets containing 0, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 or 5% concentrations for 13 weeks. All animals survived until the end of the experiment. Slight, non-significant increase in body weights was observed in males receiving 0.625, 1.25 or 2.5% from week 4 until the end of the experiment, when significant elevation was found for the males receiving 0.625, 1.25 or 2.5% at the terminal sacrifice to result in decreased relative weights of many organs in these cases. However, there were no obvious indications of toxicity in any group receiving GlcNAc in terms of clinical signs, food intake, hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathological findings. Thus, it was concluded that orally administered GlcNAc exerts no obvious toxicity to F344 rats at concentrations up to 5% in the diet for 13 weeks. Based on the present toxicity data, > or =5% was determined to be a no-observed-adverse-effect level, translated into 2476 and 2834 mg/kg/day for male and female rats, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Youl Lee
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
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22
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Simůnek J, Tishchenko G, Rozhetsky K, Bartonová H, Kopecný J, Hodrová B. Chitinolytic enzymes fromClostridium aminovalericum: Activity screening and purification. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2004; 49:194-8. [PMID: 15227797 DOI: 10.1007/bf02931401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A strain isolated from the feces of takin was identified as Clostridium aminovalericum. In response to various types of chitin used as growth substrates, the bacterium produced a complete array of chitinolytic enzymes: chitinase ('endochitinase'), exochitinase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, chitosanase and chitin deacetylase. The highest activities of chitinase (536 pkat/mL) and exochitinase (747 pkat/mL) were induced by colloidal chitin. Fungal chitin also induced high levels of these enzymes (463 pkat/mL and 502 pkat/mL, respectively). Crab shell chitin was the best inducer of chitosanase activity (232 pkat/mL). The chitinolytic enzymes of this strain were separated from culture filtrate by ion-exchange chromatography on the carboxylic sorbent Polygran 27. At pH 4.5, some isoforms of the chitinolytic enzymes (30% of total enzyme activity) did not bind to Polygran 27. The enzymes were eluted under a stepwise pH gradient (pH 5-8) in 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer. At merely acidic pH (4.5-5.5), the adsorbed enzymes were co-eluted. However, at pH close to neutral values, the peaks of highly purified isoforms of exochitinases and chitinases were isolated. The protein and enzyme recovery reached 90%.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Simůnek
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 142 20 Prague, Czechia.
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23
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Cruz Camarillo R, Sánchez Pérez O, Rojas Avelizapa NG, Gómez Ramírez M, Rojas Avelizapa LI. Chitosanase activity in Bacillus thuringiensis. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2004; 49:94-6. [PMID: 15114873 DOI: 10.1007/bf02931653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The ability to produce extracellular chitosanase (EC 3.2.1.132) was found by plate assays in 18 (23%) out of 77 crystalliferous strains of Bacillus thuringiensis. The best chitosanase producer was selected after the growth chosen in a liquid medium with colloidal chitosan as carbon source. Enzyme production was optimized (a 4-d incubation at 32 degrees C with shaking in a medium of pH 6.5 with 4% colloidal chitosan) and the enzyme was partially characterized. This is the first report on the chitosanase of B. thuringiensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cruz Camarillo
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politecnico National, México 11340, DF, México.
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Flieger M, Kantorová M, Prell A, Rezanka T, Votruba J. Biodegradable plastics from renewable sources. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2003; 48:27-44. [PMID: 12744074 DOI: 10.1007/bf02931273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Plastic waste disposal is a huge ecotechnological problem and one of the approaches to solving this problem is the development of biodegradable plastics. This review summarizes data on their use, biodegradability, commercial reliability and production from renewable resources. Some commercially successful biodegradable plastics are based on chemical synthesis (i.e. polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, and polyvinyl alcohol). Others are products of microbial fermentations (i.e. polyesters and neutral polysaccharides) or are prepared from chemically modified natural products (e.g., starch, cellulose, chitin or soy protein).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Flieger
- Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 142 20 Prague, Czechia
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25
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Simůnek J, Kopecný J, Hodrová B, Bartonová H. Identification and characterization of Clostridium paraputrificum, a chitinolytic bacterium of human digestive tract. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2002; 47:559-64. [PMID: 12503404 DOI: 10.1007/bf02818798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A strictly anaerobic, mesophilic and chitinolytic bacterial strain was isolated from human feces. Based on morphological and physiological properties and 16S rRNA sequence analysis the strain was identified as Clostridium paraputrificum. The strain utilized chitin and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, grew on glucose and hydrolyzed starch. Cultivation of the strain with colloidal chitin as the growth substrate resulted in the production of gas (hydrogen and carbon dioxide) and formation of acetate and lactate (21.6 and 18.9 mmol/L, respectively) and only small quantities of propionate and butyrate (1.7 and 2.6 mmol/L, respectively). In the course of a 10-d cultivation with chitin, the endochitinase activity was detected after 1 d and gradually increased, reaching maximum after 3 d (251 nkat/L N-acetyl-D-glucosamine). The beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity appeared just at the beginning of the cultivation, increased to day 2 and then remained nearly constant. More than 90% of chitin added was degraded within 2 d of cultivation. On the zymogram of the extracellular chitinolytic complex were visible at least 6 isoenzymes with molar mass 43.5-65.0 kDa. The temperature optimum of endochitinase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activities was 50 degrees C; the optimum activity of both enzymes was found at pH 4-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Simůnek
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 104 00 Prague 10, Czechia.
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26
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Homerová D, Knirschová R, Kormanec J. Response regulator ChiR regulates expression of chitinase gene, chiC, in Streptomyces coelicolor. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2002; 47:499-505. [PMID: 12503394 DOI: 10.1007/bf02818788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Transcription from the chiC promoter, directing expression of the chitinase gene, chiC, in Streptomyces coelicolor, was analyzed using xylE reporter gene and high-resolution S1-nuclease mapping. The transcription from the chiC promoter was induced by chitin, and this induction was dramatically reduced in the S. coelicolor chiR-disrupted strain. This indicated a dependence of chiC expression upon the chiR gene encoding a response regulator protein. To investigate this relationship, the S. coelicolor ChiR was overproduced using Escherichia coli T7 RNA polymerase expression system. However, gel mobility shift-assay with such a purified ChiR showed no binding in the chiC promoter region, which indicates a lack of specific phosphorylation of E. coli overproduced ChiR that is necessary for DNA-binding activity of response regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Homerová
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 842 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
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