1
|
Chen Y, Dong L, Sui W, Niu M, Cui X, Hinrichs KU, Wang F. Cycling and persistence of iron-bound organic carbon in subseafloor sediments. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6370. [PMID: 39075044 PMCID: PMC11286938 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50578-5] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive iron (FeR) serves as an important sink of organic carbon (OC) in marine surface sediments, which preserves approximately 20% of total OC (TOC) as reactive iron-bound OC (FeR-OC). However, the fate of FeR-OC in subseafloor sediments and its availability to microorganisms, remain undetermined. Here, we reconstructed continuous FeR-OC records in two sediment cores of the northern South China Sea encompassing the suboxic to methanic biogeochemical zones and reaching a maximum age of ~100 kyr. The downcore FeR-OC contributes a relatively stable proportion of 13.3 ± 3.2% to TOC. However, distinctly lower values of less than 5% of TOC, accompanied by notable 13C depletion of FeR-OC, are observed in the sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ). FeR-OC is suggested to be remobilized by microbially mediated reductive dissolution of FeR and subsequently remineralized, the flux of which is 18-30% of the methane consumption in the SMTZ. The global reservoir of FeR-OC in microbially active Quaternary marine sediments could be 19-46 times the size of the atmospheric carbon pool. Thus, the FeR-OC pool may support subseafloor microorganisms and contribute to regulating Earth's carbon cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunru Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, D-28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Liang Dong
- Key Laboratory of Polar Ecosystem and Climate Change, Ministry of Education, and School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Weikang Sui
- Key Laboratory of Polar Ecosystem and Climate Change, Ministry of Education, and School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Mingyang Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xingqian Cui
- Key Laboratory of Polar Ecosystem and Climate Change, Ministry of Education, and School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Kai-Uwe Hinrichs
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, D-28359, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, D-28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Fengping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Key Laboratory of Polar Ecosystem and Climate Change, Ministry of Education, and School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xie M, Zhang X, Li S, Maulani N, Cai F, Zheng Y, Cai C, Virdis B, Yuan Z, Hu S. Humic substances as electron acceptor for anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and electron shuttle in Mn (IV)-dependent AOM. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169576. [PMID: 38145665 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) belonging to the family Methanoperedenaceae are crucial for the global carbon cycle and different biogeochemical processes, owing to their metabolic versatility to couple anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) with different electron acceptors. A universal feature of Methanoperedenaceae is the abundant genes encoded in their genomes associated with extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways. Candidatus. 'Methanoperedens manganicus', an archaeon belonging to the family Methanoperedenaceae, was recently enriched in a bioreactor performing AOM coupled with Mn (IV) reduction. Using this EET-capable ANME, we tested the hypothesis in this study that ANME can catalyse the humic-dependent AOM for growth. A two-year incubation showed that AOM activity can be sustained by Ca. 'M. manganicus' consortium in a bioreactor fed only with humic acids and methane. An isotopic mass balance batch test confirmed that the observed AOM was coupled to the reduction of humic acids. The increase of relative abundance of Ca. 'M. manganicus', and the total archaea population in the microbial community suggested that Ca. 'M. manganicus' can grow on methane and humic acids. The observation of humic-dependent AOM led to a subsequent hypothesis that humic acids could be used as the electron shuttle to mediate the EET in dissimilatory Mn (IV) reduction by Ca. 'M. manganicus'. We tested this hypothesis by adding humic acids to a Ca. 'M. manganicus' dominated-culture, which showed that the AOM rate was doubled by the addition of humic acids. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that quinone moieties were consumed when humic acids worked as electron acceptors while remaining stable when functioning as a shuttle for electron transfer. The results of our study suggest that humic acids may serve as electron shuttles to allow ANME to access more electron acceptors through long-range EET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Xie
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Xueqin Zhang
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Shiqing Li
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nova Maulani
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Fangrui Cai
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yue Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chen Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Bernardino Virdis
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shihu Hu
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fenibo EO, Selvarajan R, Wang H, Wang Y, Abia ALK. Untapped talents: insight into the ecological significance of methanotrophs and its prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166145. [PMID: 37579801 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The deep ocean is a rich reservoir of unique organisms with great potential for bioprospecting, ecosystem services, and the discovery of novel materials. These organisms thrive in harsh environments characterized by high hydrostatic pressure, low temperature, and limited nutrients. Hydrothermal vents and cold seeps, prominent features of the deep ocean, provide a habitat for microorganisms involved in the production and filtration of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Methanotrophs, comprising archaea and bacteria, play a crucial role in these processes. This review examines the intricate relationship between the roles, responses, and niche specialization of methanotrophs in the deep ocean ecosystem. Our findings reveal that different types of methanotrophs dominate specific zones depending on prevailing conditions. Type I methanotrophs thrive in oxygen-rich zones, while Type II methanotrophs display adaptability to diverse conditions. Verrumicrobiota and NC10 flourish in hypoxic and extreme environments. In addition to their essential role in methane regulation, methanotrophs contribute to various ecosystem functions. They participate in the degradation of foreign compounds and play a crucial role in cycling biogeochemical elements like metals, sulfur, and nitrogen. Methanotrophs also serve as a significant energy source for the oceanic food chain and drive chemosynthesis in the deep ocean. Moreover, their presence offers promising prospects for biotechnological applications, including the production of valuable compounds such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, methanobactin, exopolysaccharides, ecotines, methanol, putrescine, and biofuels. In conclusion, this review highlights the multifaceted roles of methanotrophs in the deep ocean ecosystem, underscoring their ecological significance and their potential for advancements in biotechnology. A comprehensive understanding of their niche specialization and responses will contribute to harnessing their full potential in various domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Oliver Fenibo
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence, Centre for Oilfield Chemical Research, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt 500272, Nigeria
| | - Ramganesh Selvarajan
- Laboratory of Extraterrestrial Ocean Systems (LEOS), Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering (IDSSE), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Sanya, China; Department of Environmental Science, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, 1710, South Africa
| | - Huiqi Wang
- Laboratory of Extraterrestrial Ocean Systems (LEOS), Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering (IDSSE), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Sanya, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Laboratory of Extraterrestrial Ocean Systems (LEOS), Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering (IDSSE), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Sanya, China
| | - Akebe Luther King Abia
- Environmental Research Foundation, Westville 3630, South Africa; Antimicrobial Research Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yan Z, Du K, Yan Y, Huang R, Zhu F, Yuan X, Wang S, Ferry JG. Respiration-driven methanotrophic growth of diverse marine methanogens. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303179120. [PMID: 37729205 PMCID: PMC10523532 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303179120] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic marine environments are the third largest producer of the greenhouse gas methane. The release to the atmosphere is prevented by anaerobic 'methanotrophic archaea (ANME) dependent on a symbiotic association with sulfate-reducing bacteria or direct reduction of metal oxides. Metagenomic analyses of ANME are consistent with a reverse methanogenesis pathway, although no wild-type isolates have been available for validation and biochemical investigation. Herein is reported the characterization of methanotrophic growth for the diverse marine methanogens Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A and Methanococcoides orientis sp. nov. Growth was dependent on reduction of either ferrihydrite or humic acids revealing a respiratory mode of energy conservation. Acetate and/or formate were end products. Reversal of the well-characterized methanogenic pathways is remarkably like the consensus pathways for uncultured ANME based on extensive metagenomic analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
| | - Kaifeng Du
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Yunfeng Yan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Fanping Zhu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Xianzheng Yuan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Shuguang Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - James G. Ferry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16801
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang J, Zhao W, Ju J, Liu S, Ye J, Long Y. The existence of ferric hydroxide links the carbon and nitrogen cycles by promoting nitrite-coupled methane anaerobic oxidation. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120192. [PMID: 37454463 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Microorganism-mediated anaerobic oxidation of methane can efficiently mitigate methane atmospheric emissions and is a key process linking the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and iron. The results showed that methane oxidation and nitrite removal rates in the CF were 1.12 and 1.28 times higher than those in CK, respectively, suggesting that ferric hydroxide can enhance nitrite-driven AOM. The biochemical process was mediated by the enrichment of methanogens, methanotrophs, and denitrifiers. Methanobacterium and Methanosarcina were positively correlated with Fe3+ and Fe2+, whereas Methylocystis and Methylocaldum were positively correlated with methane, and denitrifiers were positively correlated with nitrite. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the genes related to methane oxidation, nitrogen reduction, and heme c-type cytochrome were upregulated in CF, indicating that a synergistic action of bacteria and methanogens drove AOM via diverse metabolic pathways, within which ferric hydroxide played a crucial role. This study provides novel insights into the synergistic mechanism of ferric iron and nitrite-driven AOM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health of Guangdong Province, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wurong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health of Guangdong Province, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jinwei Ju
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health of Guangdong Province, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Suifen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health of Guangdong Province, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jinshao Ye
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health of Guangdong Province, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan Long
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health of Guangdong Province, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liang L, Vigderovich H, Sivan O, Hou J, Niu M, Yorshansky O, Zhang T, Bosco-Santos A, Wang F. Iron (oxyhydr)oxides shift the methanogenic community in deep sea methanic sediment - insights from long-term high-pressure incubations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157590. [PMID: 35901888 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intermittent increases of dissolved ferrous iron concentrations have been observed in deep marine methanic sediments which is different from the traditional diagenetic electron acceptor cascade, where iron reduction precedes methanogenesis. Here we aimed to gain insight into the mechanism of iron reduction and the associated microbial processes in deep sea methanic sediment by setting up long-term high-pressure incubation experiments supplemented with ferrihydrite and methane. Continuous iron reduction was observed during the entire incubation period. Intriguingly, ferrihydrite addition shifted the archaeal community from the dominance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens (Methanogenium) to methylotrophic methanogens (Methanococcoides). The enriched samples were then amended with 13C-labeled methane and different iron (oxyhydr)oxides in batch slurries to test the mechanism of iron reduction. Intensive iron reduction was observed, the highest rates with ferrihydrite, followed by hematite and then magnetite, however, no anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) was observed in any treatment. Further tests on the enriched slurry showed that the addition of molybdate decreased iron reduction, suggesting a link between iron reduction with sulfur cycling. This was accompanied by the enrichment of microbes capable of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and sulfur/thiosulfate oxidation, which indicates the presence of a cryptic sulfur cycle in the incubation system with the addition of iron (oxyhydr)oxides. Our work suggests that under low sulfate conditions, the presence of iron (oxyhydr)oxides would trigger a cascade of microbial reactions, and iron reduction could link with the microbial sulfur cycle, changing the kinetics of the methanogenesis process in methanic sediment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lewen Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hanni Vigderovich
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Orit Sivan
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Jialin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mingyang Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Omer Yorshansky
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Taoliang Zhang
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Alice Bosco-Santos
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Fengping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shi T, Liu X, Xue Y, He F, Dang Y, Sun D. Enhancement of denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation via applied electric potential. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 318:115527. [PMID: 35759969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, single-chamber three-electrode electrochemical sequencing batch reactor (ESBR) was set up to investigate the impact of applying potential on denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation (DAMO) process. When the applied potential was +0.8 V, the conversion rate of nitrite to nitrogen was superior to those of other potentials. With the optimal potential of +0.8 V for 60 days, the nitrite removal rate of ESBR could reach 3.34 ± 0.28 mg N/L/d, which was 4.5 times more than that of the non-current control (0.74 ± 0.16 mg N/L/d). The DAMO functional bacteria Candidatus Methylomirabilis exhibited noticeable enrichment under applying potential, and its functional gene of pmoA was significantly expressed. Through untargeted LC-MS metabolomics analysis, applied potential was shown to affect the regulation of prior metabolites including spermidine, spermine and glycerophosphocholine that were related to the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism, which had positive effects on DAMO process. These results show that applying electric potential could be a useful strategy in DAMO process used for methane and nitrogen removal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianjing Shi
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xinying Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yiting Xue
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fang He
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yan Dang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dezhi Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liang L, Sun Y, Dong Y, Ahmad T, Chen Y, Wang J, Wang F. Methanococcoides orientis sp. nov., a methylotrophic methanogen isolated from sediment of the East China Sea. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel methylotrophic methanogen Methanococcoides orientis sp. nov. was isolated from East China Sea sediment. Type strain LMO-1T of Methanococcoides orientis sp. nov. was irregular 1–2 µm cocci without flagella. Strain LMO-1T could utilize a variety of methylated compounds including methanol, methylamine, dimethylamine and trimethylamine for growth and methanogenesis, while H2/CO2 or acetate could not be used for growth or methanogenesis. Optimum growth temperature was 30–35 °C, optimum pH range for growth was 7.0–7.5, while the optimum salinity spectrum for growth was 1.0%–5.0% NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene similarity, strain LMO-1T belongs to
Methanococcoides
, with the highest sequence similarity to
Methanococcoides methylutens
DSM 2657T (99.8 %),
Methanococcoides vulcani
SLH33T(99.4 %), followed by
Methanococcoides alaskense
AK-5T(98.1 %),
Methanococcoides burtonii
DSM 6242T (98.0 %). Digital DNA–DNA hybridization also showed highest similarity with
Methanococcoides methylutens
DSM 2657T, with the value of 58.4 %. The average nucleotide identity between strain LMO-1T and
Methanococcoides methylutens
DSM 2657T was 94.06 %. In summary, LMO-1T represents a novel species of the genus Methaococcoides, for which the name Methanococcoides orientis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LMO-1T (=MCCC 4K00106T=JCM 39195T).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lewen Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Yu Sun
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Yijing Dong
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Tariq Ahmad
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Yifan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Fengping Wang
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen Y, Xu C, Wu N, Sun Z, Liu C, Zhen Y, Xin Y, Zhang X, Geng W, Cao H, Zhai B, Li J, Qin S, Zhou Y. Diversity of Anaerobic Methane Oxidizers in the Cold Seep Sediments of the Okinawa Trough. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:819187. [PMID: 35495656 PMCID: PMC9048799 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.819187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Active cold seeps in the Okinawa Trough (OT) have been widely identified, but the sediment microbial communities associated with these sites are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the distribution and biomass of the microbial communities, particularly those associated with the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM), in sediments from an active cold seep in the mid-Okinawa Trough. Methane-oxidizing archaea, including ANME-1a, ANME-1b, ANME-2a/b, ANME-2c, and ANME-3, were detected in the OT cold seep sediments. Vertical stratification of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) communities was observed in the following order: ANME-3, ANME-1a, and ANME-1b. In addition, the abundance of methyl coenzyme M reductase A (mcrA) genes corresponded to high levels of dissolved iron, suggesting that methane-metabolizing archaea might participate in iron reduction coupled to methane oxidation (Fe-AOM) in the OT cold seep. Furthermore, the relative abundance of ANME-1a was strongly related to the concentration of dissolved iron, indicating that ANME-1a is a key microbial player for Fe-AOM in the OT cold seep sediments. Co-occurrence analysis revealed that methane-metabolizing microbial communities were mainly associated with heterotrophic microorganisms, such as JS1, Bathy-1, and Bathy-15.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chen
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Cuiling Xu
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Nengyou Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Nengyou Wu,
| | - Zhilei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
- Zhilei Sun,
| | - Changling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Zhen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Youzhi Xin
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xilin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Geng
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Cao
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Bin Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuangshuang Qin
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yucheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dong Y, Shan Y, Xia K, Shi L. The Proposed Molecular Mechanisms Used by Archaea for Fe(III) Reduction and Fe(II) Oxidation. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:690918. [PMID: 34276623 PMCID: PMC8280799 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.690918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron (Fe) is the fourth most abundant element in the Earth's crust where ferrous Fe [Fe(II)] and ferric Fe [Fe(III)] can be used by archaea for energy conservation. In these archaea-Fe interactions, Fe(III) serves as terminal electron acceptor for anaerobic respiration by a variety of archaea, while Fe(II) serves as electron donor and/or energy sources for archaeal growth. As no Fe is incorporated into the archaeal cells, these redox reactions are referred to as dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction and Fe(II) oxidation, respectively. Dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing archaea (FeRA) and Fe(II)-oxidizing archaea (FeOA) are widespread on Earth where they play crucial roles in biogeochemical cycling of not only Fe, but also carbon and sulfur. To reduce extracellular Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides, some FeRA transfer electrons directly to the Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides most likely via multiheme c-type cytochromes (c-Cyts). These multiheme c-Cyts may form the pathways similar to those found in bacteria for transferring electrons from the quinone/quinol pool in the cytoplasmic membrane to the Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides external to the archaeal cells. Use of multiheme c-Cyts for extracellular Fe(III) reduction by both Domains of Archaea and Bacteria emphasizes an ancient mechanism of extracellular electron transfer, which is well conserved. Other FeRA, however, reduce Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides indirectly via electron shuttles. Similarly, it is proposed that FeOA use pathways to oxidize Fe(II) on the surface of the cytoplasmic membrane and then to transfer the released electrons across the cytoplasmic membrane inward to the O2 and NAD+ in the cytoplasm. In this review, we focus on the latest understandings of the molecular mechanisms used by FeRA and FeOA for Fe(III) reduction and Fe(II) oxidation, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Dong
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yawei Shan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Kemin Xia
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dang CC, Xie GJ, Liu BF, Xing DF, Ding J, Ren NQ. Heavy metal reduction coupled to methane oxidation:Mechanisms, recent advances and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:124076. [PMID: 33268204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Methane emission has contributed greatly to the global warming and climate change, and the pollution of heavy metals is an important concern due to their toxicity and environmental persistence. Recently, multiple heavy metals have been demonstrated to be electron acceptors for methane oxidation, which offers a potential for simultaneous methane emission mitigation and heavy metal detoxification. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of heavy metals reduction coupled to methane oxidation, and identifies knowledge gaps and opportunities for future research. The functional microorganisms and possible mechanisms are detailed in groups under aerobic, hypoxic and anaerobic conditions. The potential application and major environmental significances for global methane mitigation, the elements cycle and heavy metals detoxification are also discussed. The future research opportunities are also discussed to provide insights for further research and efficient practical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Cheng Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Guo-Jun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
| | - Bing-Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - De-Feng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Jie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Nan-Qi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ferry JG. Methanosarcina acetivorans: A Model for Mechanistic Understanding of Aceticlastic and Reverse Methanogenesis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1806. [PMID: 32849414 PMCID: PMC7399021 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetate-utilizing methanogens are responsible for approximately two-thirds of the one billion metric tons of methane produced annually in Earth's anaerobic environments. Methanosarcina acetivorans has emerged as a model organism for the mechanistic understanding of aceticlastic methanogenesis and reverse methanogenesis applicable to understanding the methane and carbon cycles in nature. It has the largest genome in the Archaea, supporting a metabolic complexity that enables a remarkable ability for adapting to environmental opportunities and challenges. Biochemical investigations have revealed an aceticlastic pathway capable of fermentative and respiratory energy conservation that explains how Ms. acetivorans is able to grow and compete in the environment. The mechanism of respiratory energy conservation also plays a role in overcoming endothermic reactions that are key to reversing methanogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James G Ferry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li H, Yang Q, Zhou H. Niche Differentiation of Sulfate- and Iron-Dependent Anaerobic Methane Oxidation and Methylotrophic Methanogenesis in Deep Sea Methane Seeps. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1409. [PMID: 32733397 PMCID: PMC7360803 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Methane seeps are widespread seafloor ecosystems shaped by complex physicochemical-biological interactions over geological timescales, and seep microbiomes play a vital role in global biogeochemical cycling of key elements on Earth. However, the mechanisms underlying the coexistence of methane-cycling microbial communities remain largely elusive. Here, high-resolution sediment incubation experiments revealed a cryptic methane cycle in the South China Sea (SCS) methane seep ecosystem, showing the coexistence of sulfate (SO4 2-)- or iron (Fe)-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and methylotrophic methanogenesis. This previously unrecognized methane cycling is not discernible from geochemical profiles due to high net methane consumption. High-throughput sequencing and Catalyzed Reporter Deposition-Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (CARD-FISH) results suggested that anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME)-2 and -3 coupled to sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) carried out SO4 2--AOM, and alternative ANME-2 and -3 solely or coupled to iron-reducing bacteria (IRB) might participate in Fe-AOM in sulfate-depleted environments. This finding suggested that ANME could alter AOM metabolic pathways according to geochemical changes. Furthermore, the majority of methylotrophic methanogens belonged to Methanimicrococcus, and hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic methanogens were likely inhibited by sulfate or iron respiration. Fe-AOM and methylotrophic methanogenesis are overlooked potential sources and sinks of methane in methane seep ecosystems, thus influencing methane budgets and even the global carbon budget in the ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Qunhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaiyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xu L, Zhuang GC, Montgomery A, Liang Q, Joye SB, Wang F. Methyl-compounds driven benthic carbon cycling in the sulfate-reducing sediments of South China Sea. Environ Microbiol 2020; 23:641-651. [PMID: 32506654 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas; methane production and consumption within seafloor sediments has generated intense interest. Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and methanogenesis (MOG) primarily occur at the depth of the sulfate-methane transition zone or underlying sediment respectively. Methanogenesis can also occur in the sulfate-reducing sediments through the utilization of non-competitive methylated compounds; however, the occurrence and importance of this process are not fully understood. Here, we combined a variety of data, including geochemical measurements, rate measurements and molecular analyses to demonstrate the presence of a cryptic methane cycle in sulfate-reducing sediments from the continental shelf of the northern South China Sea. The abundance of methanogenic substrates as well as the high MOG rates from methylated compounds indicated that methylotrophic methanogenesis was the dominant methanogenic pathway; this conclusion was further supported by the presence of the methylotrophic genus Methanococcoides. High potential rates of AOM were observed in the sediments, indicating that methane produced in situ could be oxidized simultaneously by AOM, presumably by ANME-2a/b as indicated by 16S rRNA gene analysis. A significant correlation between the relative abundance of methanogens and methanotrophs was observed over sediment depth, indicating that methylotrophic methanogenesis could potentially fuel AOM in this environment. In addition, higher potential rates of AOM than sulfate reduction rates at in situ methane conditions were observed, making alternative electron acceptors important to support AOM in sulfate-reducing sediment. AOM rates were stimulated by the addition of Fe/Mn oxides, suggesting AOM could be partially coupled to metal oxide reduction. These results suggest that methyl-compounds driven methane production drives a cryptic methane cycling and fuels AOM coupled to the reduction of sulfate and other electron acceptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Guang-Chao Zhuang
- Frontiers Science Centre for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System (FDOMES)/Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China.,Department of Marine Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Andrew Montgomery
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Qianyong Liang
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, 510740, China
| | - Samantha B Joye
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Fengping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang Y, Wegener G, Ruff SE, Wang F. Methyl/alkyl-coenzyme M reductase-based anaerobic alkane oxidation in archaea. Environ Microbiol 2020; 23:530-541. [PMID: 32367670 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) has been originally identified to catalyse the final step of the methanogenesis pathway. About 20 years ago anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME) were discovered that use MCR enzymes to activate methane. ANME thrive at the thermodynamic limit of life, are slow-growing, and in most cases form syntrophic consortia with sulfate-reducing bacteria. Recently, archaea that have the ability to anaerobically oxidize non-methane multi-carbon alkanes such as ethane and n-butane were described in both enrichment cultures and environmental samples. These anaerobic multi-carbon alkane-oxidizing archaea (ANKA) use enzymes homologous to MCR named alkyl-coenzyme M reductase (ACR). Here we review the recent progresses on the diversity, distribution and functioning of both ANME and ANKA by presenting a detailed MCR/ACR-based phylogeny, compare their metabolic pathways and discuss the gaps in our knowledge of physiology of these organisms. To improve our understanding of alkane oxidation in archaea, we identified three directions for future research: (i) expanding cultivation attempts to validate omics-based metabolic models of yet-uncultured organisms, (ii) performing biochemical and structural analyses of key enzymes to understand thermodynamic and steric constraints and (iii) investigating the evolution of anaerobic alkane metabolisms and their impact on biogeochemical cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinzhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, School of Naval Architecture, Ocean & Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Gunter Wegener
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany.,MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - S Emil Ruff
- Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA.,J. Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Fengping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cai M, Liu Y, Yin X, Zhou Z, Friedrich MW, Richter-Heitmann T, Nimzyk R, Kulkarni A, Wang X, Li W, Pan J, Yang Y, Gu JD, Li M. Diverse Asgard archaea including the novel phylum Gerdarchaeota participate in organic matter degradation. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:886-897. [PMID: 32201928 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Asgard is an archaeal superphylum that might hold the key to understand the origin of eukaryotes, but its diversity and ecological roles remain poorly understood. Here, we reconstructed 15 metagenomic-assembled genomes from coastal sediments covering most known Asgard archaea and a novel group, which is proposed as a new Asgard phylum named as the "Gerdarchaeota". Genomic analyses predict that Gerdarchaeota are facultative anaerobes in utilizing both organic and inorganic carbon. Unlike their closest relatives Heimdallarchaeota, Gerdarchaeota have genes encoding for cellulase and enzymes involved in the tetrahydromethanopterin-based Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Transcriptomics showed that most of our identified Asgard archaea are capable of degrading organic matter, including peptides, amino acids and fatty acids, occupying ecological niches in different depths of layers of the sediments. Overall, this study broadens the diversity of the mysterious Asgard archaea and provides evidence for their ecological roles in coastal sediments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xiuran Yin
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
- MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Zhichao Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Toxicology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Michael W Friedrich
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
- MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Tim Richter-Heitmann
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Rolf Nimzyk
- Department of Microbe-Plant Interactions, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Ajinkya Kulkarni
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Wenjin Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yuchun Yang
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Toxicology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Ji-Dong Gu
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Toxicology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Meng Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Huang L, Xiao X, Zhao G. Microbes: the hidden giant behind the biogeochemical cycling of elements in the hydrosphere. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2019; 62:1271-1274. [PMID: 31578664 PMCID: PMC7089548 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-1554-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xiang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Guoping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|