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Bittleston LS, Wolock CJ, Maeda J, Infante V, Ané JM, Pierce NE, Pringle A. Carnivorous Nepenthes Pitchers with Less Acidic Fluid House Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0081223. [PMID: 37338413 PMCID: PMC10370301 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00812-23] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnivorous pitcher plants are uniquely adapted to nitrogen limitation, using pitfall traps to acquire nutrients from insect prey. Pitcher plants in the genus Sarracenia may also use nitrogen fixed by bacteria inhabiting the aquatic microcosms of their pitchers. Here, we investigated whether species of a convergently evolved pitcher plant genus, Nepenthes, might also use bacterial nitrogen fixation as an alternative strategy for nitrogen capture. First, we constructed predicted metagenomes of pitcher organisms from three species of Singaporean Nepenthes using 16S rRNA sequence data and correlated predicted nifH abundances with metadata. Second, we used gene-specific primers to amplify and quantify the presence or absence of nifH directly from 102 environmental samples and identified potential diazotrophs with significant differential abundance in samples that also had positive nifH PCR tests. Third, we analyzed nifH in eight shotgun metagenomes from four additional Bornean Nepenthes species. Finally, we conducted an acetylene reduction assay using greenhouse-grown Nepenthes pitcher fluids to confirm nitrogen fixation is indeed possible within the pitcher habitat. Results show active acetylene reduction can occur in Nepenthes pitcher fluid. Variation in nifH from wild samples correlates with Nepenthes host species identity and pitcher fluid acidity. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are associated with more neutral fluid pH, while endogenous Nepenthes digestive enzymes are most active at low fluid pH. We hypothesize Nepenthes species experience a trade-off in nitrogen acquisition; when fluids are acidic, nitrogen is primarily acquired via plant enzymatic degradation of insects, but when fluids are neutral, Nepenthes plants take up more nitrogen via bacterial nitrogen fixation. IMPORTANCE Plants use different strategies to obtain the nutrients that they need to grow. Some plants access their nitrogen directly from the soil, while others rely on microbes to access the nitrogen for them. Carnivorous pitcher plants generally trap and digest insect prey, using plant-derived enzymes to break down insect proteins and generate a large portion of the nitrogen that they subsequently absorb. In this study, we present results suggesting that bacteria living in the fluids formed by Nepenthes pitcher plants can fix nitrogen directly from the atmosphere, providing an alternative pathway for plants to access nitrogen. These nitrogen-fixing bacteria are only likely to be present when pitcher plant fluids are not strongly acidic. Interestingly, the plant's enzymes are known to be more active under strongly acidic conditions. We propose a potential trade-off where pitcher plants sometimes access nitrogen using their own enzymes to digest prey and at other times take advantage of bacterial nitrogen fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonora S. Bittleston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charles J. Wolock
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Junko Maeda
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Valentina Infante
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jean-Michel Ané
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Naomi E. Pierce
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anne Pringle
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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2
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Kocáb O, Bačovčinová M, Bokor B, Šebela M, Lenobel R, Schöner CR, Schöner MG, Pavlovič A. Enzyme activities in two sister-species of carnivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes) with contrasting nutrient sequestration strategies. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2021; 161:113-121. [PMID: 33581619 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The carnivorous pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes usually attract, capture and digest arthropod prey to obtain mineral nutrients. But few members of the genus have evolved specialized nutrient sequestration strategies to acquire nitrogen from the faeces and urine of mutualistic mammals, which they attract. Because the plants obtain significant amounts of nitrogen in a more available form, we hypothesized that they have relaxed the production of digestive enzymes. If so, species that digest mammal faeces should show fewer digestive enzymes than closely related species that rely on arthropods. We tested this hypothesis by comparing digestive enzymes in 1) Nepenthes hemsleyana, whose pitchers serve as roosts for the mutualistic woolly bat Kerivoula hardwickii, which also defecate inside the pitchers, and 2) the close relative Nepenthes rafflesiana, a typical arthropod capturing species. To investigate the dynamics of aspartic proteases (nepenthesin I and II) and type III and IV chitinases in both species, we conducted qPCR, western blotting, mass spectrometry, and enzyme activity measurements. We found that mRNA in pitcher tissue and enzyme abundance in the digestive fluid is upregulated in both species in response to faeces and insect feeding. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, the final nepenthesin proteolytic activity in the digestive fluid is higher in response to faeces addition than to insect prey irrespective of Nepenthes species. This indicates that faeces can mimic arthropod prey triggering the production of digestive enzymes and N. hemsleyana retained capacity for production of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Kocáb
- Department of Biophysics, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Bačovčinová
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Šafárik University, Mánesova 23, SK-040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Boris Bokor
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, Mlynská Dolina B2, SK-842 15, Bratislava, Slovakia; Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 8, SK-841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marek Šebela
- Department of Protein Biochemistry and Proteomics, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - René Lenobel
- Department of Protein Biochemistry and Proteomics, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Caroline R Schöner
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Straße 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Michael G Schöner
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Straße 26, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andrej Pavlovič
- Department of Biophysics, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, CZ-783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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3
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Chan EWL, Chin MY, Low YH, Tan HY, Ooi YS, Chong CW. The Antibacterial Agent Identified from Acidocella spp. in the Fluid of Nepenthes gracilis Against Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Functional Metagenomic Approach. Microb Drug Resist 2020; 27:1018-1028. [PMID: 33325795 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2020.0311] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The fluid of Nepenthes gracilis harbors diverse bacterial taxa that could serve as a gene pool for the discovery of the new genre of antimicrobial agents against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of antibacterial genes in the fluids of N. gracilis growing in the wild. Methods: Using functional metagenomic approach, fosmid clones were isolated and screened for antibacterial activity against three strains of K. pneumoniae. A clone that exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity was sent for sequencing to identify the genes responsible for the observed activity. The secondary metabolites secreted by the selected clone was sequentially extracted using hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. The chemical profiles of a clone (C6) hexane extract were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: Fosmid clone C6 from the fluid of pitcher plant that exhibited antibacterial activity against three strains of K. pneumoniae was isolated using functional metagenome approach. A majority of the open reading frames detected from C6 were affiliated with the largely understudied Acidocella genus. Among them, the gene that encodes for coproporphyrinogen III oxidase in the heme biosynthesis pathway could be involved in the observed antibacterial activity. Based on the GC-MS analysis, the identities of the putative bioactive compounds were 2,5-di-tert-butylphenol and 1-ethyl-2-methyl cyclododecane. Conclusions: The gene that encodes for coproporphyrinogen III oxidase in the heme biosynthesis pathway as well as the secondary metabolites, namely 2,5-di-tert-butylphenol and 1-ethyl-2-methyl cyclododecane could be the potential antibacterial molecules responsible for the antibacterial activity of C6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Wan Ling Chan
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mei Yu Chin
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yi Hui Low
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hui Yin Tan
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yi Sing Ooi
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun Wie Chong
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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4
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Woodhams DC, Bletz MC, Becker CG, Bender HA, Buitrago-Rosas D, Diebboll H, Huynh R, Kearns PJ, Kueneman J, Kurosawa E, LaBumbard BC, Lyons C, McNally K, Schliep K, Shankar N, Tokash-Peters AG, Vences M, Whetstone R. Host-associated microbiomes are predicted by immune system complexity and climate. Genome Biol 2020; 21:23. [PMID: 32014020 PMCID: PMC6996194 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-019-1908-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Host-associated microbiomes, the microorganisms occurring inside and on host surfaces, influence evolutionary, immunological, and ecological processes. Interactions between host and microbiome affect metabolism and contribute to host adaptation to changing environments. Meta-analyses of host-associated bacterial communities have the potential to elucidate global-scale patterns of microbial community structure and function. It is possible that host surface-associated (external) microbiomes respond more strongly to variations in environmental factors, whereas internal microbiomes are more tightly linked to host factors. RESULTS Here, we use the dataset from the Earth Microbiome Project and accumulate data from 50 additional studies totaling 654 host species and over 15,000 samples to examine global-scale patterns of bacterial diversity and function. We analyze microbiomes from non-captive hosts sampled from natural habitats and find patterns with bioclimate and geophysical factors, as well as land use, host phylogeny, and trophic level/diet. Specifically, external microbiomes are best explained by variations in mean daily temperature range and precipitation seasonality. In contrast, internal microbiomes are best explained by host factors such as phylogeny/immune complexity and trophic level/diet, plus climate. CONCLUSIONS Internal microbiomes are predominantly associated with top-down effects, while climatic factors are stronger determinants of microbiomes on host external surfaces. Host immunity may act on microbiome diversity through top-down regulation analogous to predators in non-microbial ecosystems. Noting gaps in geographic and host sampling, this combined dataset represents a global baseline available for interrogation by future microbial ecology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C. Woodhams
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Roosevelt Ave. Tupper Building – 401, 0843-03092 Panamá, Panama
| | - Molly C. Bletz
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
| | - C. Guilherme Becker
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 USA
| | - Hayden A. Bender
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
| | - Daniel Buitrago-Rosas
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Roosevelt Ave. Tupper Building – 401, 0843-03092 Panamá, Panama
| | - Hannah Diebboll
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
| | - Roger Huynh
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
| | - Patrick J. Kearns
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
| | - Jordan Kueneman
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Roosevelt Ave. Tupper Building – 401, 0843-03092 Panamá, Panama
| | - Emmi Kurosawa
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
| | | | - Casandra Lyons
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
| | - Kerry McNally
- School for the Environment, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125 USA
- Animal Health Department, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA 02110 USA
| | - Klaus Schliep
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
| | - Nachiket Shankar
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
| | - Amanda G. Tokash-Peters
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
- Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management, University of Rwanda, RN1, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Miguel Vences
- Zoological Institute, Braunschweig University of Technology, Mendelssohnstr. 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ross Whetstone
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125 USA
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5
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Wang Y, Wang C, Gu Y, Wang P, Song W, Ma J, Yang X. The variability of bacterial communities in both the endosphere and ectosphere of different niches in Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227671. [PMID: 31945106 PMCID: PMC6964972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Deciphering the various types of interactions between plants and their microbiomes is a hot topic for research in ecology as well as in plant sciences and agronomy. To analyse and compare the differences in microbial communities in different compartments of Chinese chives, high-throughput sequencing technology was employed to amplify and sequence the V5-V6 region of the 16S rDNA of microorganisms in the leaves, phylloplanes, stems, roots and rhizospheres of Chinese chives. The sequences were clustered by operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and the community composition of bacteria between the endosphere (inner tissues) and ectosphere (outer surfaces) of Chinese chives was analysed based on the OTU. Overall, the results indicated that the endophytic bacteria in Chinese chives mainly include Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Actinomycetes. Alpha diversity index analysis and OTU number analysis showed that the bacterial diversity and richness of the underground plant compartments were higher than those of the above-ground parts. PCoA based on the OTU level showed that the vertical stratification structure of plants and compartments had significant effects on the bacterial community structure. The richness of endophytic bacteria also varied greatly among the different varieties of Chinese chive. A considerable number of endophytic bacteria form symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationships with host plants, which play an important role in regulating host growth, metabolism and stress resistance. Further investigations are needed to uncover the evolution of interactions between plants and endophytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- College of Water Resources & Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Chaonan Wang
- College of Water Resources & Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Yizhu Gu
- College of Water Resources & Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Pingzhi Wang
- College of Water Resources & Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Weitang Song
- College of Water Resources & Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhai Ma
- Henan Jiuxing Institute of Biotechnology, Pingdingshan, Henan, China
| | - Xiaofei Yang
- Henan Jiuxing Institute of Biotechnology, Pingdingshan, Henan, China
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6
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Lam WN, Ling J, Lum TQH, Tan HTW. Ecology and natural history of swimming pitcher mites (
Creutzeria
spp., Histiostomatidae) from the traps of
Nepenthes
pitcher plants. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W. N. Lam
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore City Singapore
| | - J. Ling
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore City Singapore
| | - T. Q. H. Lum
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore City Singapore
| | - H. T. W. Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore City Singapore
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7
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Sickel W, Van de Weyer AL, Bemm F, Schultz J, Keller A. Venus flytrap microbiotas withstand harsh conditions during prey digestion. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2019; 95:5289860. [PMID: 30649283 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiz010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The carnivorous Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) overcomes environmental nutrient limitation by capturing small animals. Such prey is digested with an acidic enzyme-containing mucilage that is secreted into the closed trap. However, surprisingly little is known about associations with microorganisms. Therefore, we assessed microbiotas of traps and petioles for the Venus flytrap by 16S amplicon meta-barcoding. We also performed time-series assessments of dynamics during digestion in traps and experimental acidification of petioles. We found that the traps hosted distinct microbiotas that differed from adjacent petioles. Further, they showed a significant taxonomic turnover during digestion. Following successful catches, prey-associated bacteria had strong effects on overall composition. With proceeding digestion, however, microbiotas were restored to compositions resembling pre-digestion stages. A comparable, yet less extensive shift was found when stimulating digestion with coronatine. Artificial acidification of petioles did not induce changes towards trap-like communities. Our results show that trap microbiota were maintained during digestion despite harsh conditions and recovered after short-term disturbances through prey microbiota. This indicates trap-specific and resilient associations. By mapping to known genomes, we predicted putative adaptations and functional implications for the system, yet direct mechanisms and quantification of host benefits, like the involvement in digestion, remain to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Sickel
- Molecular Biodiversity Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Felix Bemm
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Schultz
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Keller
- Molecular Biodiversity Group, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, University of Würzburg, Germany
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8
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Keller A, Brandel A, Becker MC, Balles R, Abdelmohsen UR, Ankenbrand MJ, Sickel W. Wild bees and their nests host Paenibacillus bacteria with functional potential of avail. MICROBIOME 2018; 6:229. [PMID: 30579360 PMCID: PMC6303958 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-018-0614-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In previous studies, the gram-positive firmicute genus Paenibacillus was found with significant abundances in nests of wild solitary bees. Paenibacillus larvae is well-known for beekeepers as a severe pathogen causing the fatal honey bee disease American foulbrood, and other members of the genus are either secondary invaders of European foulbrood or considered a threat to honey bees. We thus investigated whether Paenibacillus is a common bacterium associated with various wild bees and hence poses a latent threat to honey bees visiting the same flowers. RESULTS We collected 202 samples from 82 individuals or nests of 13 bee species at the same location and screened each for Paenibacillus using high-throughput sequencing-based 16S metabarcoding. We then isolated the identified strain Paenibacillus MBD-MB06 from a solitary bee nest and sequenced its genome. We did find conserved toxin genes and such encoding for chitin-binding proteins, yet none specifically related to foulbrood virulence or chitinases. Phylogenomic analysis revealed a closer relationship to strains of root-associated Paenibacillus rather than strains causing foulbrood or other accompanying diseases. We found anti-microbial evidence within the genome, confirmed by experimental bioassays with strong growth inhibition of selected fungi as well as gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. CONCLUSIONS The isolated wild bee associate Paenibacillus MBD-MB06 is a common, but irregularly occurring part of wild bee microbiomes, present on adult body surfaces and guts and within nests especially in megachilids. It was phylogenetically and functionally distinct from harmful members causing honey bee colony diseases, although it shared few conserved proteins putatively toxic to insects that might indicate ancestral predisposition for the evolution of insect pathogens within the group. By contrast, our strain showed anti-microbial capabilities and the genome further indicates abilities for chitin-binding and biofilm-forming, suggesting it is likely a useful associate to avoid fungal penetration of the bee cuticula and a beneficial inhabitant of nests to repress fungal threats in humid and nutrient-rich environments of wild bee nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Keller
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
- Present Address: Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Hubland Nord, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
- Present Address: Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Annette Brandel
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
- Present Address: Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Present Address: BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mira C Becker
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
- Present Address: Department of Behavioral Physiology & Sociobiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Balles
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen
- Department of Botany II, Julius-von-Sachs Institute for Biological Sciences, University of Würzburg, Julius-von-Sachs-Platz 3, 97082, Würzburg, Germany
- Present Address: Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
| | - Markus J Ankenbrand
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
- Present Address: Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Hubland Nord, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
- Present Address: Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Sickel
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
- Present Address: Molecular Biology of the Rhizosphere, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, Nussallee 13, 53115, Bonn, Germany
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9
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Kokubun T. Occurrence of myo-inositol and alkyl-substituted polysaccharide in the prey-trapping mucilage of Drosera capensis. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2017; 104:83. [PMID: 28940006 PMCID: PMC5610204 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-017-1502-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The chemical composition of the exudate mucilage droplets of the carnivorous plant Drosera capensis was investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The mucilage was found to contain beside a very large molecular weight polysaccharide a significant amount of myo-inositol. It appears that myo-inositol escaped detection due to the commonly applied methodology on the chemical analysis of plant mucilage, such as dialysis, precipitation of polysaccharide component with alcohol, acid hydrolysis and detection of the resultant monosaccharide (aldose) units. The possible functions of myo-inositol in the mucilage droplets and the fate after being washed off from the leaf tentacles are proposed. On the polysaccharide component, the presence of methyl ester and alkyl chain-like moieties could be confirmed. These lipophilic moieties may provide the prey-trapping mucilage with the unique adhesive property onto the hydrophobic insect body parts, as well as onto the nature's well-known superhydrophobic surfaces such as the leaves of the sacred lotus plants. A re-evaluation of the mineral components of the mucilage, reported 40 years ago, is presented from the viewpoints of the current result and plants' natural habitat. A case for re-examination of the well-studied plant mucilaginous materials is made in light of the new findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Kokubun
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, UK.
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