The diameter and critical collapse pressure of gas vesicles in Microcystis are correlated with GvpCs of different length

Dynamics of Microcystis surface scum formation under different wind conditions: the role of hydrodynamic processes at the air-water interface

Due to climate change, Microcystis blooms occur at increasing frequencies in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Wind-generated turbulence is a crucial environmental stressor that can vertically disperse the Microcystis surface scum, reducing its light availability. Yet, the interactions of Microcystis scum with the wind-generated hydrodynamic processes, particularly those at the air-water interface, remain poorly understood. Here, we explore the response of Microcystis (including colony size and migration dynamics) to varying magnitudes and durations of intermittent wind disturbances in a mesocosm system. The flow velocities, size of Microcystis colonies, and the areal coverage of the water surface by scum were measured through video observations. Our results demonstrate that low wind speeds increase colony size by providing a stable condition where Microcystis forms a scum layer and aggregates into large colonies at the air-water interface. In contrast, wind disturbances disperse scum and generate turbulence, resulting in smaller colonies with higher magnitudes of wind disturbance. We observed that surface scum can form rapidly following a long period (6 h) of high-magnitude (4.5 m s-1) wind disturbance. Furthermore, our results indicate reduced water surface tension caused by the presence of Microcystis, which can decrease surface flow velocity and counteract wind-driven mixing. The reduced surface tension may also drive lateral convection at the water surface. These findings suggest that Microcystis reduces surface tension, likely by releasing surface-active materials, as an adaptive response to various wind conditions. This could result in an increased rate of surface scum re-formation under wind conditions and potentially facilitate the lateral expansion of scum patches during weak wind periods. This study reveals new insights into how Microcystis copes with different wind conditions and highlights the importance of the air-water interface for Microcystis scum dynamics.

The buckling-condensation mechanism driving gas vesicle collapse

Gas vesicles (GVs) are proteinaceous cylindrical shells found within bacteria or archea growing in aqueous environments and are composed primarily of two proteins, gas vesicle protein A and C (GvpA and GvpC). GVs exhibit strong performance as next-generation ultrasound contrast agents due to their gas-filled interior, tunable collapse pressure, stability in vivo and functionalizable exterior. However, the exact mechanism leading to GV collapse remains inconclusive, which leads to difficulty in predicting collapse pressures for different species of GVs and in extending favorable nonlinear response regimes. Here, we propose a two stage mechanism leading to GV loss of echogenicity and rupture under hydrostatic pressure: elastic buckling of the cylindrical shell coupled with condensation driven weakening of the GV membrane. Our goal is to therefore test whether the final fracture of the GV membrane occurs by the interplay of both mechanisms or purely through buckling failure as previously believed. To do so, we (1) compare the theoretical condensation and buckling pressures with that for experimental GV collapse and (2) describe how condensation can lead to plastic buckling failure. GV shell properties that are necessary input to this theoretical description, such as the elastic moduli and wettability of GvpA, are determined using molecular dynamics simulations of a novel structural model of GvpA that better represents the hydrophobic core. For GVs that are not reinforced by GvpC, this analytical framework shows that the experimentally observed pressures resulting in loss of echogenicity coincide with both the elastic buckling and condensation pressure regimes. We also found that the stress strain curve for GvpA wetted on both the interior and exterior exhibits a loss of mechanical stability compared to GvpA only wetted on the exterior by the bulk solution. We identify a pressure vs. vesicle size regime where condensation can occur prior to buckling, which may preclude nonlinear shell buckling responses in contrast imaging.

Recent Advances in the Study of Gas Vesicle Proteins and Application of Gas Vesicles in Biomedical Research

The formation of gas vesicles has been investigated in bacteria and haloarchaea for more than 50 years. These air-filled nanostructures allow cells to stay at a certain height optimal for growth in their watery environment. Several gvp genes are involved and have been studied in Halobacterium salinarum, cyanobacteria, Bacillus megaterium, and Serratia sp. ATCC39006 in more detail. GvpA and GvpC form the gas vesicle shell, and additional Gvp are required as minor structural proteins, chaperones, an ATP-hydrolyzing enzyme, or as gene regulators. We analyzed the Gvp proteins of Hbt. salinarum with respect to their protein–protein interactions, and developed a model for the formation of these nanostructures. Gas vesicles are also used in biomedical research. Since they scatter waves and produce ultrasound contrast, they could serve as novel contrast agent for ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, gas vesicles were engineered as acoustic biosensors to determine enzyme activities in cells. These applications are based on modifications of the surface protein GvpC that alter the mechanical properties of the gas vesicles. In addition, gas vesicles have been decorated with GvpC proteins fused to peptides of bacterial or viral pathogens and are used as tools for vaccine development.

Measuring gas vesicle dimensions by electron microscopy

Gas vesicles (GVs) are cylindrical or spindle-shaped protein nanostructures filled with air and used for flotation by various cyanobacteria, heterotrophic bacteria, and Archaea. Recently, GVs have gained interest in biotechnology applications due to their ability to serve as imaging agents and actuators for ultrasound, magnetic resonance and several optical techniques. The diameter of GVs is a crucial parameter contributing to their mechanical stability, buoyancy function and evolution in host cells, as well as their properties in imaging applications. Despite its importance, reported diameters for the same types of GV differ depending on the method used for its assessment. Here, we provide an explanation for these discrepancies and utilize electron microscopy (EM) techniques to accurately estimate the diameter of the most commonly studied types of GVs. We show that during air drying on the EM grid, GVs flatten, leading to a ~1.5-fold increase in their apparent diameter. We demonstrate that GVs' diameter can be accurately determined by direct measurements from cryo-EM samples or alternatively indirectly derived from widths of flat collapsed and negatively stained GVs. Our findings help explain the inconsistency in previously reported data and provide accurate methods to measure GVs dimensions.

An investigation of mechanisms for the enhanced coagulation removal of Microcystis aeruginosa by low-frequency ultrasound under different ultrasound energy densities

There is a lack of studies elaborating the differences in mechanisms of low-frequency ultrasound-enhanced coagulation for algae removal among different ultrasound energy densities, which are essential to optimizing the economy of the ultrasound technology for practical application. The performance and mechanisms of low-frequency ultrasound (29.4 kHz, horn type, maximum output amplitude = 10 μm) -coagulation process in removing a typical species of cyanobacteria, Microcystis aeruginosa, at different ultrasound energy densities were studied based on a set of comprehensive characterization approaches. The turbidity removal ratio of coagulation (with polymeric aluminum salt coagulant at a dosage of 4 mg Al/L) was considerably increased from 44.1% to 59.7%, 67.0%, and 74.9% with 30 s of ultrasonic pretreatment at energy densities of 0.6, 1.11, and 2.22 J/mL, respectively, indicating that low-frequency ultrasound-coagulation is a potential alternative to effectively control unexpected blooms of M. aeruginosa. However, the energy density of ultrasound should be deliberately considered because a high energy density (≥18 J/mL) results in a significant release of algal organic matter, which may threaten water quality security. The specific mechanisms for the enhanced coagulation removal by low-frequency ultrasonic pretreatment under different energy densities can be summarized as the reduction of cell activity (energy density ≥ 0.6 J/mL), the slight release of negatively charged algal organic matter from cells (energy density ≥ 1.11 J/mL), and the aggregation of M. aeruginosa cells (energy density ≥ 1.11 J/mL). This study provides new insights for the ongoing study of ultrasonic pretreatment for the removal of algae via coagulation.

Temperature triggers the annual cycle of Microcystis, comparable results from the laboratory and a large shallow lake

Microcystis development in most temperate lakes shows an annual cycle that is mainly triggered by water temperature and includes four stages. This study aims to identify the optimum growth temperature and the temperature thresholds for recruitment and overwintering in Microcystis in Lake Taihu, based on field data and experiments at the cellular and genetic level on Microcystis under a simulated temperature condition. The field investigation showed that the cyanobacterial biomass began to increase at 11-15 °C in spring, reached a peak at 20-30 °C and remained at a low level after the water temperature declined below 6 °C. The simulation experiment found that the recovery of gene expression, photosynthesis and growth in Microcystis cells occurred at 11-14 °C and increased to an appreciable level after the temperature exceeded 20 °C. Microcystis cells stopped growing and maintained low photosynthetic activity and gene expression when the temperature declined to 10 °C or lower. These results suggest that Microcystis in Lake Taihu begin recruitment at 11-14 °C in spring and grow vigorously at 20-30 °C, then overwinter at 10 °C or lower in winter.

The model cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 possess an intact but partially degenerated gene cluster encoding gas vesicles

Background

Bacterial gas vesicles, composed of two major gas vesicle proteins and filled with gas, are a unique class of intracellular bubble-like nanostructures. They provide buoyancy for cells, and thus play an essential role in the growth and survival of aquatic and soil microbes. Moreover, the gas vesicle could be applied to multimodal and noninvasive biological imaging as a potential nanoscale contrast agent. To date, cylinder-shaped gas vesicles have been found in several strains of cyanobacteria. However, whether the functional gas vesicles could be produced in the model filamentous cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 remains controversial.

Results

In this study, we found that an intact gvp gene cluster indeed exists in the model filamentous cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Real-time PCR assays showed that the gvpA gene is constitutively transcribed in vivo, and its expression level is upregulated at low light intensity and/or high growth temperature. Functional expression of this intact gvp gene cluster enables the recombinant Escherichia coli to gain the capability of floatation in the liquid medium, thanks to the assembly of irregular gas vesicles. Furthermore, crystal structure of GvpF in combination with enzymatic activity assays of GvpN suggested that these two auxiliary proteins of gas vesicle are structurally and enzymatically conserved, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings show that the laboratory strain of model filamentous cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 possesses an intact but partially degenerated gas vesicle gene cluster, indicating that the natural isolate might be able to produce gas vesicles under some given environmental stimuli for better floatation.

Use of High-Resolution Pressure Nephelometry To Measure Gas Vesicle Collapse as a Means of Determining Growth and Turgor Changes in Planktonic Cyanobacteria

Previous work has demonstrated that the physical properties of intracellular bacterial gas vesicles (GVs) can be analyzed in vivo using pressure nephelometry. In analyzing the buoyant state of GV-containing cyanobacteria, hydrostatic pressure within a sample cell is increased in a stepwise manner, where the concomitant collapse of GVs due to pressure and the resultant decrease in suspended cells are detected by changes in nephelometric scattering. As the relative pressure at which GVs collapse is a function of turgor pressure and cellular osmotic gradients, pressure nephelometry is a powerful tool for assaying changes in metabolism that affect turgor, such as photosynthetic and osmoregulatory processes. We have developed an updated and automated pressure nephelometer that utilizes visible-infrared (Vis-IR) spectra to accurately quantify GV critical collapse pressure, critical collapse pressure distribution, and cell turgor pressure. Here, using the updated pressure nephelometer and axenic cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa PCC7806, we demonstrate that GV critical collapse pressure is stable during mid-exponential growth phase, introduce pressure-sensitive turbidity as a robust metric for the abundance of gas-vacuolate cyanobacteria, and demonstrate that pressure-sensitive turbidity is a more accurate proxy for abundance and growth than photopigment fluorescence. As cyanobacterium-dominated harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB) formation is dependent on the constituent cells possessing gas vesicles, characterization of environmental cyanobacteria populations via pressure nephelometry is identified as an underutilized monitoring method. Applications of this instrument focus on physiological and ecological studies of cyanobacteria, for example, cyanoHAB dynamics and the drivers associated with cyanotoxin production in aquatic ecosystems.IMPORTANCE The increased prevalence of bloom-forming cyanobacteria and associated risk of exposure to cyanobacterial toxins through drinking water utilities and recreational waterways are growing public health concerns. Cost-effective, early-detection methodologies specific to cyanobacteria are crucial for mitigating these risks, with a gas vesicle-specific signal offering a number of benefits over photopigment fluorescence, including improved detection limits and discrimination against non-gas-vacuolate phototrophs. Here, we present a multiplexed instrument capable of quantifying the relative abundance of cyanobacteria based on the signal generated from the presence of intracellular gas vesicles specific to bloom-forming cyanobacteria. Additionally, as cell turgor can be measured in vivo via pressure nephelometry, the measurement furnishes information about the internal osmotic pressure of gas-vacuolate cyanobacteria, which relates to the metabolic state of the cell. Together these advances may improve routine waterway monitoring and the mitigation of human health threats due to cyanobacterial blooms.

Study on the method and mechanism of pre-pressure coagulation and sedimentation for Microcystis removal from drinking-water sources

In order to effectively remove the Microcystis from drinking-water sources, pre-pressure treatment was first used to make the Microcystis lose buoyancy, and then it is easily removed by coagulation and sedimentation processes. The Microcystis-containing water from Taihu Lake was taken for the pre-pressure coagulation and sedimentation treatments in this study. Both intermittent laboratory experiment and continuous-flow field experiment were conducted. Experimental results showed that the optimum pre-pressure condition was pressuring at 0.6-0.8 MPa for at least 10 s, and 60 s was the best. Comparing with the pre-oxidation, pre-pressure could obviously increase the removal efficiency of Microcystis by following coagulation and sedimentation, and would not increase the dissolved microcystins. The mechanism of pre-pressure treatment was that the pre-pressure destroys the gas vesicles in Microcystis cells and the gas diffuses out of the cells, which leads the Microcystis to lose buoyancy and make them to sink. The recovery time of gas vesicles was longer than the sludge discharge period of sedimentation tank; therefore, the sinking Microcystis would not re-float in the sedimentation tank. In the practical application of drinking water treatment plant, the continuous-flow pressure device could be chosen, with the energy consumption of about 22.9 kw·h per 10,000 m³.

Unusual cohabitation and competition between Planktothrix rubescens and Microcystis sp. (cyanobacteria) in a subtropical reservoir (Hammam Debagh) located in Algeria

Succession in bloom-forming cyanobacteria belonging to distant functional groups in freshwater ecosystems is currently an undescribed phenomenon. However in the Hammam Debagh reservoir (Algeria), P. rubescens and Microcystis sp. co-occur and sometimes proliferate. With the aim of identifying the main factors and processes involved in this unusual cohabitation, water samples were collected monthly from February 2013 to June 2015 at the subsurface at four sampling stations and along the entire water column at one sampling station. In addition, the composition of the cyanobacterial communities was estimated by Illumina sequencing of a 16S rRNA gene fragment from samples collected over one year (October 2013-November 2014). This molecular approach showed that the Hammam Debagh reservoir displays high species richness (89 species) but very low diversity due to the high dominance of Microcystis in this community. Furthermore, it appears that Planktothrix rubescens and Microcystis sp. coexisted (from September to January) but proliferated alternately (Spring 2015 for P. rubescens and Spring 2014 and Autumn 2014/2015 for Microcystis). The main factors and processes explaining these changes in bloom-forming species seem to be related to the variation in the depth of the lake during the mixing period and to the water temperatures during the winter prior to the bloom season in spring.

A review on acoustic methods of algal growth control by ultrasonication through existing and novel emerging technologies

The uncontrolled proliferation of algae and algal blooms due to excessive nutrient loading in natural and industrial water bodies is a major issue for water quality maintenance. It reduces usability of the water, imposes hazardous effects of algal toxins released from algal blooms, and creates nuisance in the operation of several industrial water units. Among several existing water treatment methods to diminish the post-algae growth effects, ultrasonication has emerged as an environmentally safe technology that does not involve any use of algaecide. The interaction of several parameters, including climatic and environmental conditions with algae growth rate, have been reviewed in this article. The effects of different acoustic operating conditions for inhibition of algae growth have also been discussed. Concern about high energy consumption led other technologies to be integrated with ultrasonication. It has enhanced the process efficiency and reduced the energy consumption as reported in some long-term field investigations and patent proposals. Several issues that require further research for making this technology widely applicable or to install an effective system design have been highlighted in this article.

Complete genome sequence and genomic characterization of Microcystis panniformis FACHB 1757 by third-generation sequencing

The cyanobacterial genus Microcystis is well known as the main group that forms harmful blooms in water. A strain of Microcystis, M. panniformis FACHB1757, was isolated from Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu in August 2011. The whole genome was sequenced using PacBio RS II sequencer with 48-fold coverage. The complete genome sequence with no gaps contained a 5,686,839 bp chromosome and a 38,683 bp plasmid, which coded for 6,519 and 49 proteins, respectively. Comparison with strains of M. aeruginosa and some other water bloom-forming cyanobacterial species revealed large-scale structure rearrangement and length variation at the genome level along with 36 genomic islands annotated genome-wide, which demonstrates high plasticity of the M. panniformis FACHB1757 genome and reveals that Microcystis has a flexible genome evolution.

Beating the blues: is there any music in fighting cyanobacteria with ultrasound?

The hypothesis that cyanobacteria can be controlled by commercially available ultrasound transducers was tested in laboratory experiments with cultures of the cyanobacteria Anabaena sp., Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and Microcystis aeruginosa and the green alga Scenedesmus obliquus that were grown in the absence or presence of ultrasound (mix of 20, 28 and 44 kHz). The Scenedesmus experiment also included a treatment with the zooplankton grazer Daphnia magna. Chlorophyll-a and biovolume-based growth of Anabaena was significantly lower in ultrasound exposed cultures than in controls. Particle based growth rates were higher in ultrasound treatments. Filaments were significantly shorter in ultrasound exposed cultures reflecting filament breakage. Photosystem II efficiency was not affected by ultrasound. In Cylindrospermopsis chlorophyll-a based growth rates and photosystem II efficiencies were similar in controls and ultrasound treatments, but biovolume-based growth was significantly lower in ultrasound exposed cultures compared to controls. Despite biovolume growth rates of the filamentous cyanobacteria were reduced in ultrasound treatments compared to controls, growth remained positive implying still a population increase. In Microcystis and Scenedesmus growth rates were similar in controls and ultrasound treatments. Hence, no effect of ultrasound on these phytoplankton species was found. Ultrasound should not be viewed "environmental friendly" as it killed all Daphnia within 15 min, releasing Scenedesmus from grazing control in the cultures. Based on our experiments and critical literature review, we conclude that there is no music in controlling cyanobacteria in situ with the commercially available ultrasound transducers we have tested.

Structure of the gas vesicle protein GvpF from the cyanobacteriumMicrocystis aeruginosa

Gas vesicles are gas-filled proteinaceous organelles that provide buoyancy for bacteria and archaea. A gene cluster that is highly conserved in various species encodes about 8–14 proteins (Gvp proteins) that are involved in the formation of gas vesicles. Here, the first crystal structure of the gas vesicle protein GvpF fromMicrocystis aeruginosaPCC 7806 is reported at 2.7 Å resolution. GvpF is composed of two structurally distinct domains (the N-domain and C-domain), both of which display an α+β class overall structure. The N-domain adopts a novel fold, whereas the C-domain has a modified ferredoxin fold with an apparent variation owing to an extension region consisting of three sequential helices. The two domains pack against each otherviainteractions with a C-terminal tail that is conserved among cyanobacteria. Taken together, it is concluded that the overall architecture of GvpF presents a novel fold. Moreover, it is shown that GvpF is most likely to be a structural protein that is localized at the gas-facing surface of the gas vesicle by immunoblotting and immunogold labelling-based tomography.

Quorum sensing-controlled buoyancy through gas vesicles: Intracellular bacterial microcompartments for environmental adaptation

Gas vesicles are gas-filled microcompartments produced by many cyanobacteria and haloarchaea to regulate buoyancy and control positioning in the water column. Recently we identified the first case of gas vesicle production by a member of the Enterobacteriaceae, Serratia sp ATCC39006. Gas vesicle production enabled colonisation of the air-liquid interface and was positively regulated in low-oxygen conditions, suggesting development of these intracellular organelles is an adpative mechanism facilitating migration to the water surface. Vesicle production was also regulated by the intercellular communication molecule N‑butanoyl-L‑homoserine lactone (BHL) showing that gas vesicle production is controlled at the population level, through quorum sensing, with BHL acting as a morphogen. Gas vesicle production was also reciprocally regulated with flagella-driven swarming motility by the global regulatory protein RsmA, suggesting a fork in the regulatory pathway that controls induction of these distinct modes of mobility. Here we discuss these findings in the context of the interesting physiology of Serratia 39006 and highlight future prospects for gas vesicle research in this highly tractable strain.

A quorum-sensing molecule acts as a morphogen controlling gas vesicle organelle biogenesis and adaptive flotation in an enterobacterium

Gas vesicles are hollow intracellular proteinaceous organelles produced by aquatic Eubacteria and Archaea, including cyanobacteria and halobacteria. Gas vesicles increase buoyancy and allow taxis toward air-liquid interfaces, enabling subsequent niche colonization. Here we report a unique example of gas vesicle-mediated flotation in an enterobacterium; Serratia sp. strain ATCC39006. This strain is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae previously studied for its production of prodigiosin and carbapenem antibiotics. Genes required for gas vesicle synthesis mapped to a 16.6-kb gene cluster encoding three distinct homologs of the main structural protein, GvpA. Heterologous expression of this locus in Escherichia coli induced copious vesicle production and efficient cell buoyancy. Gas vesicle morphogenesis in Serratia enabled formation of a pellicle-like layer of highly vacuolated cells, which was dependent on oxygen limitation and the expression of ntrB/C and cheY-like regulatory genes within the gas-vesicle gene cluster. Gas vesicle biogenesis was strictly controlled by intercellular chemical signaling, through an N-acyl homoserine lactone, indicating that in this system the quorum-sensing molecule acts as a morphogen initiating organelle development. Flagella-based motility and gas vesicle morphogenesis were also oppositely regulated by the small RNA-binding protein, RsmA, suggesting environmental adaptation through physiological control of the choice between motility and flotation as alternative taxis modes. We propose that gas vesicle biogenesis in this strain represents a distinct mechanism of mobility, regulated by oxygen availability, nutritional status, the RsmA global regulatory system, and the quorum-sensing morphogen.

Complete genomic structure of the bloom-forming toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa NIES-843

The nucleotide sequence of the complete genome of a cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa NIES-843, was determined. The genome of M. aeruginosa is a single, circular chromosome of 5 842 795 base pairs (bp) in length, with an average GC content of 42.3%. The chromosome comprises 6312 putative protein-encoding genes, two sets of rRNA genes, 42 tRNA genes representing 41 tRNA species, and genes for tmRNA, the B subunit of RNase P, SRP RNA, and 6Sa RNA. Forty-five percent of the putative protein-encoding sequences showed sequence similarity to genes of known function, 32% were similar to hypothetical genes, and the remaining 23% had no apparent similarity to reported genes. A total of 688 kb of the genome, equivalent to 11.8% of the entire genome, were composed of both insertion sequences and miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements. This is indicative of a plasticity of the M. aeruginosa genome, through a mechanism that involves homologous recombination mediated by repetitive DNA elements. In addition to known gene clusters related to the synthesis of microcystin and cyanopeptolin, novel gene clusters that may be involved in the synthesis and modification of toxic small polypeptides were identified. Compared with other cyanobacteria, a relatively small number of genes for two component systems and a large number of genes for restriction-modification systems were notable characteristics of the M. aeruginosa genome.

Analysis of tryptic digests indicates regions of GvpC that bind to gas vesicles of Anabaena flos-aquae

The gas vesicles of the cyanobacterium Anabaena flos-aquae contain two main proteins: GvpA, which forms the ribs of the hollow cylindrical shell, and GvpC, which occurs on the outer surface. Analysis by MALDI-TOF MS shows that after incubating Anabaena gas vesicles in trypsin, GvpA was cleaved only at sites near the N-terminus, whereas GvpC was cleaved at most of its potential tryptic sites. Many of the resulting tryptic peptides from GvpC remained attached to the underlying GvpA shell: the pattern of attachment indicated that there are binding sites to GvpA at both ends of the 33-residue repeats (33RRs) in GvpC, although one of the tryptic peptides within the 33RR did not remain attached. Tryptic peptides near the two ends of the GvpC molecule were also lost. The mean critical collapse pressure of Anabaena gas vesicles decreased from 0.63 MPa to 0.20 MPa when GvpC was removed with urea or fully digested with trypsin; partial digestion resulted in partial decrease in critical pressure.