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Estrada K, Garciarrubio A, Merino E. Unraveling the plasticity of translation initiation in prokaryotes: Beyond the invariant Shine-Dalgarno sequence. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289914. [PMID: 38206950 PMCID: PMC10783764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Translation initiation in prokaryotes is mainly defined, although not exclusively, by the interaction between the anti-Shine-Dalgarno sequence (antiSD), located at the 3'-terminus of the 16S ribosomal RNA, and a complementary sequence, the ribosome binding site, or Shine-Dalgarno (SD), located upstream of the start codon in prokaryotic mRNAs. The antiSD has a conserved 5'-CCUCC-3' core, but inter-species variations have been found regarding the participation of flanking bases in binding. These variations have been described for certain bacteria and, to a lesser extent, for some archaea. To further analyze these variations, we conducted binding-energy prediction analyses on over 6,400 genomic sequences from both domains. We identified 15 groups of antiSD variants that could be associated with the organisms' phylogenetic origin. Additionally, our findings revealed that certain organisms exhibit variations in the core itself. Importantly, an unaltered core is not necessarily required for the interaction between the 3'-terminus of the rRNA and the region preceding the AUG of the mRNA. In our study, we classified organisms into four distinct categories: i) those possessing a conserved core and demonstrating binding; ii) those with a conserved core but lacking evidence of binding; iii) those exhibiting binding in the absence of a conserved core; and iv) those lacking both a conserved core and evidence of binding. Our results demonstrate the flexibility of organisms in evolving different sequences involved in translation initiation beyond the traditional Shine-Dalgarno sequence. These findings are discussed in terms of the evolution of translation initiation in prokaryotic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Estrada
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- Massive Sequencing and Bioinformatics Unit, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Alejandro Garciarrubio
- Department of Cell Engineering and Biocatalysis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Enrique Merino
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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Schumann C, Fernández Méndez J, Berggren G, Lindblad P. Novel concepts and engineering strategies for heterologous expression of efficient hydrogenases in photosynthetic microorganisms. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1179607. [PMID: 37502399 PMCID: PMC10369191 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1179607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen is considered one of the key enablers of the transition towards a sustainable and net-zero carbon economy. When produced from renewable sources, hydrogen can be used as a clean and carbon-free energy carrier, as well as improve the sustainability of a wide range of industrial processes. Photobiological hydrogen production is considered one of the most promising technologies, avoiding the need for renewable electricity and rare earth metal elements, the demands for which are greatly increasing due to the current simultaneous electrification and decarbonization goals. Photobiological hydrogen production employs photosynthetic microorganisms to harvest solar energy and split water into molecular oxygen and hydrogen gas, unlocking the long-pursued target of solar energy storage. However, photobiological hydrogen production has to-date been constrained by several limitations. This review aims to discuss the current state-of-the art regarding hydrogenase-driven photobiological hydrogen production. Emphasis is placed on engineering strategies for the expression of improved, non-native, hydrogenases or photosynthesis re-engineering, as well as their combination as one of the most promising pathways to develop viable large-scale hydrogen green cell factories. Herein we provide an overview of the current knowledge and technological gaps curbing the development of photobiological hydrogenase-driven hydrogen production, as well as summarizing the recent advances and future prospects regarding the expression of non-native hydrogenases in cyanobacteria and green algae with an emphasis on [FeFe] hydrogenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Schumann
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jorge Fernández Méndez
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gustav Berggren
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Mu R, Jia Y, Ma G, Liu L, Hao K, Qi F, Shao Y. Advances in the use of microalgal-bacterial consortia for wastewater treatment: Community structures, interactions, economic resource reclamation, and study techniques. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2021; 93:1217-1230. [PMID: 33305497 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The rise in living standards has generated a demand for higher aquatic environmental quality. The microalgal community and the surrounding organic molecules, environmental factors, and microorganisms, such as bacteria, are together defined as the phycosphere. The bacteria in the phycosphere can form consortia with microalgae through various forms of interaction. The study of the species in these consortia and their relative proportions is of great significance in determining the species and strains of stable algae that can be used in sewage treatment. This article summarizes the following topics: the interactions between microalgae and bacteria that are required to establish consortia; how symbiosis between algae and bacteria is established; microalgal competition with bacteria through inhibition and anti-inhibition strategies; the influence of environmental factors on microalgal-bacterial aggregates, such as illumination conditions, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and nutrient levels; the application of algal-bacterial aggregates to enhance biomass production and nutrient reuse; and techniques for studying the community structure and interactions of algal-bacterial consortia, such as microscopy, flow cytometry, and omics. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Community structures in microalgal-bacterial consortia in wastewater treatment. Interactions between algae and bacteria in wastewater treatment. Effects of ecological factors on the algal-bacterial community in wastewater treatment. Economically recycling resources from algal-bacterial consortia based on wastewater. Technologies for studying microalgal-bacterial consortia in wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruimin Mu
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
| | - Yantian Jia
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
| | - Guixia Ma
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
| | | | - Kaixuan Hao
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Qi
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shao
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
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Fan Q, Neubauer P, Lenz O, Gimpel M. Heterologous Hydrogenase Overproduction Systems for Biotechnology-An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5890. [PMID: 32824336 PMCID: PMC7460606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogenases are complex metalloenzymes, showing tremendous potential as H2-converting redox catalysts for application in light-driven H2 production, enzymatic fuel cells and H2-driven cofactor regeneration. They catalyze the reversible oxidation of hydrogen into protons and electrons. The apo-enzymes are not active unless they are modified by a complicated post-translational maturation process that is responsible for the assembly and incorporation of the complex metal center. The catalytic center is usually easily inactivated by oxidation, and the separation and purification of the active protein is challenging. The understanding of the catalytic mechanisms progresses slowly, since the purification of the enzymes from their native hosts is often difficult, and in some case impossible. Over the past decades, only a limited number of studies report the homologous or heterologous production of high yields of hydrogenase. In this review, we emphasize recent discoveries that have greatly improved our understanding of microbial hydrogenases. We compare various heterologous hydrogenase production systems as well as in vitro hydrogenase maturation systems and discuss their perspectives for enhanced biohydrogen production. Additionally, activities of hydrogenases isolated from either recombinant organisms or in vivo/in vitro maturation approaches were systematically compared, and future perspectives for this research area are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Fan
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technical University of Berlin, Ackerstraße 76, 13355 Berlin, Germany; (Q.F.); (P.N.)
| | - Peter Neubauer
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technical University of Berlin, Ackerstraße 76, 13355 Berlin, Germany; (Q.F.); (P.N.)
| | - Oliver Lenz
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Matthias Gimpel
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technical University of Berlin, Ackerstraße 76, 13355 Berlin, Germany; (Q.F.); (P.N.)
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Genetic Engineering for Enhancement of Biofuel Production in Microalgae. CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-9593-6_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Nanoengineered cellulosic biohydrogen production via dark fermentation: A novel approach. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 37:107384. [PMID: 31014935 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The insights of nanotechnology for cellulosic biohydrogen production through dark fermentation are reviewed. Lignocellulosic biomass to sugar generation is a complex process and covers the most expensive part of cellulose to sugar production technology. In this context, the impacts of nanomaterial on lignocellulosic biomass to biohydrogen production process have been reviewed. In addition, the feasibility of nanomaterials for implementation in each step of the cellulosic biohydrogen production is discussed for economic viability of the process. Numerous aspects such as possible replacement of chemical pretreatment method using nanostructured materials, use of immobilized enzyme for a fast rate of reaction and its reusability along with long viability of microbial cells and hydrogenase enzyme for improving the productivity are the highlights of this review. It is found that various types of nanostructured materials e.g. metallic nanoparticles (Fe°, Ni, Cu, Au, Pd, Au), metal oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3, F3O4, NiCo2O4, CuO, NiO, CoO, ZnO), nanocomposites (Si@CoFe2O4, Fe3O4/alginate) and graphene-based nanomaterials can influence different parameters of the process and therefore may perhaps be utilized for cellulosic biohydrogen production. The emphasis has been given on the cost issue and synthesis sustainability of nanomaterials for making the biohydrogen technology cost effective. Finally, recent advancements and feasibility of nanomaterials as the potential solution for improved cellulose conversion to the biohydrogen production process have been discussed, and this is likely to assist in developing an efficient, economical and sustainable biohydrogen production technology.
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Perera IA, Abinandan S, Subashchandrabose SR, Venkateswarlu K, Naidu R, Megharaj M. Advances in the technologies for studying consortia of bacteria and cyanobacteria/microalgae in wastewaters. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2019; 39:709-731. [PMID: 30971144 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2019.1597828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The excessive generation and discharge of wastewaters have been serious concerns worldwide in the recent past. From an environmental friendly perspective, bacteria, cyanobacteria and microalgae, and the consortia have been largely considered for biological treatment of wastewaters. For efficient use of bacteria‒cyanobacteria/microalgae consortia in wastewater treatment, detailed knowledge on their structure, behavior and interaction is essential. In this direction, specific analytical tools and techniques play a significant role in studying these consortia. This review presents a critical perspective on physical, biochemical and molecular techniques such as microscopy, flow cytometry with cell sorting, nanoSIMS and omics approaches used for systematic investigations of the structure and function, particularly nutrient removal potential of bacteria‒cyanobacteria/microalgae consortia. In particular, the use of specific molecular techniques of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics metabolomics and genetic engineering to develop more stable consortia of bacteria and cyanobacteria/microalgae with their improved biotechnological capabilities in wastewater treatment has been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isiri Adhiwarie Perera
- a Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Sudharsanam Abinandan
- a Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Suresh R Subashchandrabose
- a Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia.,b Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of Environment (CRC CARE) , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Kadiyala Venkateswarlu
- c Formerly Department of Microbiology , Sri Krishnadevaraya University , Anantapuramu , Andhra Pradesh , India
| | - Ravi Naidu
- a Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia.,b Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of Environment (CRC CARE) , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- a Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia.,b Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of Environment (CRC CARE) , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia
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Wiegand K, Winkler M, Rumpel S, Kannchen D, Rexroth S, Hase T, Farès C, Happe T, Lubitz W, Rögner M. Rational redesign of the ferredoxin-NADP +-oxido-reductase/ferredoxin-interaction for photosynthesis-dependent H 2-production. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2018; 1859:253-262. [PMID: 29378161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Utilization of electrons from the photosynthetic water splitting reaction for the generation of biofuels, commodities as well as application in biotransformations requires a partial rerouting of the photosynthetic electron transport chain. Due to its rather negative redox potential and its bifurcational function, ferredoxin at the acceptor side of Photosystem 1 is one of the focal points for such an engineering. With hydrogen production as model system, we show here the impact and potential of redox partner design involving ferredoxin (Fd), ferredoxin-oxido-reductase (FNR) and [FeFe]‑hydrogenase HydA1 on electron transport in a future cyanobacterial design cell of Synechocystis PCC 6803. X-ray-structure-based rational design and the allocation of specific interaction residues by NMR-analysis led to the construction of Fd- and FNR-mutants, which in appropriate combination enabled an about 18-fold enhanced electron flow from Fd to HydA1 (in competition with equimolar amounts of FNR) in in vitro assays. The negative impact of these mutations on the Fd-FNR electron transport which indirectly facilitates H2 production (with a contribution of ≤42% by FNR variants and ≤23% by Fd-variants) and the direct positive impact on the Fd-HydA1 electron transport (≤23% by Fd-mutants) provide an excellent basis for the construction of a hydrogen-producing design cell and the study of photosynthetic efficiency-optimization with cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Wiegand
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - M Winkler
- Photobiotechnology, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - S Rumpel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Chemische Energiekonversion, 45470 Mülheim, Germany
| | - D Kannchen
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - S Rexroth
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - T Hase
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - C Farès
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, 45470 Mülheim, Germany
| | - T Happe
- Photobiotechnology, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - W Lubitz
- Max-Planck-Institut für Chemische Energiekonversion, 45470 Mülheim, Germany
| | - M Rögner
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
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Rewiring of Cyanobacterial Metabolism for Hydrogen Production: Synthetic Biology Approaches and Challenges. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1080:171-213. [PMID: 30091096 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0854-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
With the demand for renewable energy growing, hydrogen (H2) is becoming an attractive energy carrier. Developing H2 production technologies with near-net zero carbon emissions is a major challenge for the "H2 economy." Certain cyanobacteria inherently possess enzymes, nitrogenases, and bidirectional hydrogenases that are capable of H2 evolution using sunlight, making them ideal cell factories for photocatalytic conversion of water to H2. With the advances in synthetic biology, cyanobacteria are currently being developed as a "plug and play" chassis to produce H2. This chapter describes the metabolic pathways involved and the theoretical limits to cyanobacterial H2 production and summarizes the metabolic engineering technologies pursued.
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10
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Khetkorn W, Rastogi RP, Incharoensakdi A, Lindblad P, Madamwar D, Pandey A, Larroche C. Microalgal hydrogen production - A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 243:1194-1206. [PMID: 28774676 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.07.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bio-hydrogen from microalgae including cyanobacteria has attracted commercial awareness due to its potential as an alternative, reliable and renewable energy source. Photosynthetic hydrogen production from microalgae can be interesting and promising options for clean energy. Advances in hydrogen-fuel-cell technology may attest an eco-friendly way of biofuel production, since, the use of H2 to generate electricity releases only water as a by-product. Progress in genetic/metabolic engineering may significantly enhance the photobiological hydrogen production from microalgae. Manipulation of competing metabolic pathways by modulating the certain key enzymes such as hydrogenase and nitrogenase may enhance the evolution of H2 from photoautotrophic cells. Moreover, biological H2 production at low operating costs is requisite for economic viability. Several photobioreactors have been developed for large-scale biomass and hydrogen production. This review highlights the recent technological progress, enzymes involved and genetic as well as metabolic engineering approaches towards sustainable hydrogen production from microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanthanee Khetkorn
- Division of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Thanyaburi, Pathumthani 12110, Thailand
| | - Rajesh P Rastogi
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi 110 003, India.
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Uppsala University, Box 523, SE-75120 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Datta Madamwar
- Department of Biosciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Sardar Patel University, Vadtal Road, Satellite Campus, Bakrol, Anand, Gujarat 388 315, India
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, C-127 2nd Floor Phase 8 Industrial Area, SAS Nagar, Mohali 160 071, Punjab, India
| | - Christian Larroche
- Labex IMobS3 and Institut Pascal, 4 Avenue Blaise Pascal, TSA 60026/CS 60026, 63178 Aubière Cedex, France
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El-Khouly ME, El-Mohsnawy E, Fukuzumi S. Solar energy conversion: From natural to artificial photosynthesis. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C-PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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12
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Wecker MSA, Ghirardi ML. High-throughput biosensor discriminates between different algal H2 -photoproducing strains. Biotechnol Bioeng 2014; 111:1332-40. [PMID: 24578287 DOI: 10.1002/bit.25206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A number of species of microalgae and cyanobacteria photosynthetically produce H2 gas by coupling water oxidation with the reduction of protons to molecular hydrogen, generating renewable energy from sunlight and water. Photosynthetic H2 production, however, is transitory, and there is considerable interest in increasing and extending it for commercial applications. Here we report a Petri-plate version of our previous, microplate-based assay that detects photosynthetic H2 production by algae. The assay consists of an agar overlay of H2 -sensing Rhodobacter capsulatus bacteria carrying a green fluorescent protein that responds to H2 produced by single algal colonies in the bottom agar layer. The assay distinguishes between algal strains that photoproduce H2 at different levels under high light intensities, and it does so in a simple, inexpensive, and high-throughput manner. The assay will be useful for screening both natural populations and mutant libraries for strains having increased H2 production, and useful for identifying various genetic factors that physiologically or genetically alter algal hydrogen production.
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Gupta SK, Kumari S, Reddy K, Bux F. Trends in biohydrogen production: major challenges and state-of-the-art developments. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2013; 34:1653-1670. [PMID: 24350426 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2013.822022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen has shown enormous potential to be an alternative fuel of the future. Hydrogen production technology has gained much attention in the last few decades due to advantages such as its high conversion efficiency, recyclability and non-polluting nature. Over the last few decades, biological hydrogen production has shown great promise for generating large scale sustainable energy to meet ever increasing global energy demands. Various microorganisms, namely bacteria, cyanobacteria, and algae which are capable of producing hydrogen from water, solar energy, and a variety of organic substrates, are explored and studied in detail. Current biohydrogen production technologies, however, face two major challenges such as low-yield and high production cost. Advances have been made in recent years in biohydrogen research to improve the hydrogen yield through process modifications, physiological manipulations, through metabolic and genetic engineering. Recently, cell immobilization such as microbes trapping with nanoparticles within the bioreactor has shown an increase in hydrogen production. This review critically evaluated various biological hydrogen production technologies, key challenges, and recent advancements in biohydrogen research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kumar Gupta
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Sheena Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Karen Reddy
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Faizal Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
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Kim JYH, Cha HJ. Recent progress in hydrogenase and its biotechnological application for viable hydrogen technology. KOREAN J CHEM ENG 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11814-012-0208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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15
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Srirangan K, Pyne ME, Perry Chou C. Biochemical and genetic engineering strategies to enhance hydrogen production in photosynthetic algae and cyanobacteria. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2011; 102:8589-8604. [PMID: 21514821 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2011] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
As an energy carrier, hydrogen gas is a promising substitute to carbonaceous fuels owing to its superb conversion efficiency, non-polluting nature, and high energy content. At present, hydrogen is predominately synthesized via chemical reformation of fossil fuels. While various biological methods have been extensively explored, none of them is justified as economically feasible. A sustainable platform for biological production of hydrogen will certainly impact the biofuel market. Among a selection of biological systems, algae and cyanobacteria have garnered major interests as potential cell factories for hydrogen production. In conjunction with photosynthesis, these organisms utilize inexpensive inorganic substrates and solar energy for simultaneous biosynthesis and hydrogen evolution. However, the hydrogen yield associated with these organisms remains far too low to compete with the existing chemical systems. This article reviews recent advances of biochemical, bioprocess, and genetic engineering strategies in circumventing technological limitations to hopefully improve the applicative potential of these photosynthetic hydrogen production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajan Srirangan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
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16
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Kim JYH, Jo BH, Cha HJ. Production of biohydrogen by heterologous expression of oxygen-tolerant Hydrogenovibrio marinus [NiFe]-hydrogenase in Escherichia coli. J Biotechnol 2011; 155:312-9. [PMID: 21794837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Revised: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen sensitivity of hydrogenase is a critical issue in efficient biological hydrogen production. In the present study, oxygen-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenase from the marine bacterium, Hydrogenovibrio marinus, was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, for the first time. Recombinant E. coli BL21 expressing H. marinus [NiFe]-hydrogenase actively produced hydrogen, but the parent strain did not. Recombinant H. marinus hydrogenase required both nickel and iron for biological activity. Compared to the recombinant E. coli [NiFe]-hydrogenase 1 described in our previous report, recombinant H. marinus [NiFe]-hydrogenase displayed 1.6- to 1.7-fold higher hydrogen production activity in vitro. Importantly, H. marinus [NiFe]-hydrogenase exhibited relatively good oxygen tolerance in analyses involving changes of surface aeration and oxygen proportion within a gas mixture. Specifically, recombinant H. marinus [NiFe]-hydrogenase produced ∼7- to 9-fold more hydrogen than did E. coli [NiFe]-hydrogenase 1 in a gaseous environment containing 5-10% (v/v) oxygen. In addition, purified H. marinus [NiFe]-hydrogenase displayed a hydrogen evolution activity of ∼28.8 nmol H₂/(minmg protein) under normal aerobic purification conditions. Based on these results, we suggest that oxygen-tolerant H. marinus [NiFe]-hydrogenase can be employed for in vivo and in vitro biohydrogen production without requirement for strictly anaerobic facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaoon Y H Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Hydrogenases catalyze the reversible reaction 2H(+) + 2e(-) ↔ H(2) with an equilibrium constant that is dependent on the reducing potential of electrons carried by their redox partner. To examine the possibility of increasing the photobiological production of hydrogen within cyanobacterial cultures, we expressed the [FeFe] hydrogenase, HydA, from Clostridium acetobutylicum in the non-nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus sp. 7942. We demonstrate that the heterologously expressed hydrogenase is functional in vitro and in vivo, and that the in vivo hydrogenase activity is connected to the light-dependent reactions of the electron transport chain. Under anoxic conditions, HydA activity is capable of supporting light-dependent hydrogen evolution at a rate > 500-fold greater than that supported by the endogenous [NiFe] hydrogenase. Furthermore, HydA can support limited growth solely using H(2) and light as the source of reducing equivalents under conditions where Photosystem II is inactivated. Finally, we demonstrate that the addition of exogenous ferredoxins can modulate redox flux in the hydrogenase-expressing strain, allowing for greater hydrogen yields and for dark fermentation of internal energy stores into hydrogen gas.
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The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is able to express an active [FeFe]-hydrogenase without additional maturation proteins. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 405:678-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.01.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Bothe H, Schmitz O, Yates MG, Newton WE. Nitrogen fixation and hydrogen metabolism in cyanobacteria. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2010; 74:529-51. [PMID: 21119016 PMCID: PMC3008169 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00033-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes recent aspects of (di)nitrogen fixation and (di)hydrogen metabolism, with emphasis on cyanobacteria. These organisms possess several types of the enzyme complexes catalyzing N(2) fixation and/or H(2) formation or oxidation, namely, two Mo nitrogenases, a V nitrogenase, and two hydrogenases. The two cyanobacterial Ni hydrogenases are differentiated as either uptake or bidirectional hydrogenases. The different forms of both the nitrogenases and hydrogenases are encoded by different sets of genes, and their organization on the chromosome can vary from one cyanobacterium to another. Factors regulating the expression of these genes are emerging from recent studies. New ideas on the potential physiological and ecological roles of nitrogenases and hydrogenases are presented. There is a renewed interest in exploiting cyanobacteria in solar energy conversion programs to generate H(2) as a source of combustible energy. To enhance the rates of H(2) production, the emphasis perhaps needs not to be on more efficient hydrogenases and nitrogenases or on the transfer of foreign enzymes into cyanobacteria. A likely better strategy is to exploit the use of radiant solar energy by the photosynthetic electron transport system to enhance the rates of H(2) formation and so improve the chances of utilizing cyanobacteria as a source for the generation of clean energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Bothe
- Botanical Institute, The University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47b, D-50923 Cologne, Germany.
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20
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Zhao JF, Song WL, Cheng J, Zhang CX. Heterologous expression of a hydrogenase gene in Enterobacter aerogenes to enhance hydrogen gas production. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-009-0139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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English CM, Eckert C, Brown K, Seibert M, King PW. Recombinant and in vitro expression systems for hydrogenases: new frontiers in basic and applied studies for biological and synthetic H2 production. Dalton Trans 2009:9970-8. [DOI: 10.1039/b913426n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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22
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Hydrogen Fuel Production by Transgenic Microalgae. TRANSGENIC MICROALGAE AS GREEN CELL FACTORIES 2008; 616:110-21. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-75532-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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23
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Vignais PM, Billoud B. Occurrence, Classification, and Biological Function of Hydrogenases: An Overview. Chem Rev 2007; 107:4206-72. [PMID: 17927159 DOI: 10.1021/cr050196r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1034] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paulette M. Vignais
- CEA Grenoble, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biophysique des Systèmes Intégrés, UMR CEA/CNRS/UJF 5092, Institut de Recherches en Technologies et Sciences pour le Vivant (iRTSV), 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble cedex 9, France, and Atelier de BioInformatique Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6), 12 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Bernard Billoud
- CEA Grenoble, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biophysique des Systèmes Intégrés, UMR CEA/CNRS/UJF 5092, Institut de Recherches en Technologies et Sciences pour le Vivant (iRTSV), 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble cedex 9, France, and Atelier de BioInformatique Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6), 12 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
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Tamagnini P, Leitão E, Oliveira P, Ferreira D, Pinto F, Harris DJ, Heidorn T, Lindblad P. Cyanobacterial hydrogenases: diversity, regulation and applications. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2007; 31:692-720. [PMID: 17903205 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2007.00085.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria may possess two distinct nickel-iron (NiFe)-hydrogenases: an uptake enzyme found in N(2)-fixing strains, and a bidirectional one present in both non-N(2)-fixing and N(2)-fixing strains. The uptake hydrogenase (encoded by hupSL) catalyzes the consumption of the H(2) produced during N(2) fixation, while the bidirectional enzyme (hoxEFUYH) probably plays a role in fermentation and/or acts as an electron valve during photosynthesis. hupSL constitute a transcriptional unit, and are essentially transcribed under N(2)-fixing conditions. The bidirectional hydrogenase consists of a hydrogenase and a diaphorase part, and the corresponding five hox genes are not always clustered or cotranscribed. The biosynthesis/maturation of NiFe-hydrogenases is highly complex, requiring several core proteins. In cyanobacteria, the genes that are thought to affect hydrogenases pleiotropically (hyp), as well as the genes presumably encoding the hydrogenase-specific endopeptidases (hupW and hoxW) have been identified and characterized. Furthermore, NtcA and LexA have been implicated in the transcriptional regulation of the uptake and the bidirectional enzyme respectively. Recently, the phylogenetic origin of cyanobacterial and algal hydrogenases was analyzed, and it was proposed that the current distribution in cyanobacteria reflects a differential loss of genes according to their ecological needs or constraints. In addition, the possibilities and challenges of cyanobacterial-based H(2) production are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tamagnini
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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25
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Abstract
Enzymes possessing the capacity to oxidize molecular hydrogen have developed convergently three class of enzymes leading to: [FeFe]-, [NiFe]-, and [FeS]-cluster-free hydrogenases. They differ in the composition and the structure of the active site metal centre and the sequence of the constituent structural polypeptides but they show one unifying feature, namely the existence of CN and/or CO ligands at the active site Fe. Recent developments in the analysis of the maturation of [FeFe]- and [NiFe]- hydrogenases have revealed a remarkably complex pattern of mostly novel biochemical reactions. Maturation of [FeFe]-hydrogenases requires a minimum of three auxiliary proteins, two of which belong to the class of Radical-SAM enzymes and other to the family of GTPases. They are sufficient to generate active enzyme when their genes are co-expressed with the structural genes in a heterologous host, otherwise deficient in [FeFe]-hydrogenase expression. Maturation of the large subunit of [NiFe]-hydrogenases depends on the activity of at least seven core proteins that catalyse the synthesis of the CN ligand, have a function in the coordination of the active site iron, the insertion of nickel and the proteolytic maturation of the large subunit. Whereas this core maturation machinery is sufficient to generate active hydrogenase in the cytoplasm, like that of hydrogenase 3 from Escherichia coli, additional proteins are involved in the export of the ready-assembled heterodimeric enzyme to the periplasm via the twin-arginine translocation system in the case of membrane-bound hydrogenases. A series of other gene products with intriguing putative functions indicate that the minimal pathway established for E. coli [NiFe]-hydrogenase maturation may possess even higher complexity in other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Böck
- Department Biology I, University of Munich, 80638 Munich, Germany
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26
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27
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Boyer ME, Wang CW, Swartz JR. Simultaneous expression and maturation of the iron-sulfur protein ferredoxin in a cell-free system. Biotechnol Bioeng 2006; 94:128-38. [PMID: 16570319 DOI: 10.1002/bit.20830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The model iron-sulfur (Fe-S) protein ferredoxin (Fd) from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has been simultaneously produced and matured in a cell-free production system. After 6 h of incubation at 37 degrees C, Fd accumulated to >450 microg/mL. Essentially all was soluble, and 85% was active. Production and maturation of the protein in the cell-free system were found to be dependent in a coupled manner on the concentration of the supplemented iron and sulfur sources, ferrous ammonium sulfate and cysteine, respectively. The recombinant expression of ISC helper proteins during cell extract preparation did not increase cell-free Fd accumulation or activity, although the efficiency of iron and cysteine utilization increased. Fd maturation was independent of protein production rate, and proceeded at a constant rate throughout the period of active translation. In addition, incubation of denatured apo Fd with cell-free reaction components resulted in recovery of Fd activity, supporting the interpretation that maturation mechanisms did not act co-translationally. Incubation at 28 degrees C increased total and active protein accumulation, but decreased the ratio of active to total Fd produced. In summary, the high product yields and folding efficiency make the cell-free system described here an attractive platform for the study of Fe-S protein production and maturation. The system enables both small-volume, high throughput investigations as well as larger scale production. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of directed, high-yield production and maturation of an Fe-S protein in a cell-free system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus E Boyer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, California 94305, USA
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28
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King PW, Posewitz MC, Ghirardi ML, Seibert M. Functional studies of [FeFe] hydrogenase maturation in an Escherichia coli biosynthetic system. J Bacteriol 2006; 188:2163-72. [PMID: 16513746 PMCID: PMC1428129 DOI: 10.1128/jb.188.6.2163-2172.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2005] [Accepted: 12/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Maturation of [FeFe] hydrogenases requires the biosynthesis and insertion of the catalytic iron-sulfur cluster, the H cluster. Two radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) proteins proposed to function in H cluster biosynthesis, HydEF and HydG, were recently identified in the hydEF-1 mutant of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (M. C. Posewitz, P. W. King, S. L. Smolinski, L. Zhang, M. Seibert, and M. L. Ghirardi, J. Biol. Chem. 279:25711-25720, 2004). Previous efforts to study [FeFe] hydrogenase maturation in Escherichia coli by coexpression of C. reinhardtii HydEF and HydG and the HydA1 [FeFe] hydrogenase were hindered by instability of the hydEF and hydG expression clones. A more stable [FeFe] hydrogenase expression system has been achieved in E. coli by cloning and coexpression of hydE, hydF, and hydG from the bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum. Coexpression of the C. acetobutylicum maturation proteins with various algal and bacterial [FeFe] hydrogenases in E. coli resulted in purified enzymes with specific activities that were similar to those of the enzymes purified from native sources. In the case of structurally complex [FeFe] hydrogenases, maturation of the catalytic sites could occur in the absence of an accessory iron-sulfur cluster domain. Initial investigations of the structure and function of the maturation proteins HydE, HydF, and HydG showed that the highly conserved radical-SAM domains of both HydE and HydG and the GTPase domain of HydF were essential for achieving biosynthesis of active [FeFe] hydrogenases. Together, these results demonstrate that the catalytic domain and a functionally complete set of Hyd maturation proteins are fundamental to achieving biosynthesis of catalytic [FeFe] hydrogenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W King
- Basic Sciences Center, NREL, Golden, CO 80401, USA.
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29
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Valdez-Vazquez I, Sparling R, Risbey D, Rinderknecht-Seijas N, Poggi-Varaldo HM. Hydrogen generation via anaerobic fermentation of paper mill wastes. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2005; 96:1907-13. [PMID: 16084370 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2005.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2003] [Revised: 01/27/2005] [Accepted: 01/27/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to determine the hydrogen production from paper mill wastes using microbial consortia of solid substrate anaerobic digesters. Inocula from mesophilic, continuous solid substrate anaerobic digestion (SSAD) reactors were transferred to small lab scale, batch reactors. Milled paper (used as a surrogate paper waste) was added as substrate and acetylene or 2-bromoethanesulfonate (BES) was spiked for methanogenesis inhibition. In the first phase of experiments it was found that acetylene at 1% v/v in the headspace was as effective as BES in inhibiting methanogenic activity. Hydrogen gas accumulated in the headspace of the bottles, reaching a plateau. Similar final hydrogen concentrations were obtained for reactors spiked with acetylene and BES. In the second phase of tests the headspace of the batch reactors was flushed with nitrogen gas after the first plateau of hydrogen was reached, and subsequently incubated, with no further addition of inhibitor nor substrate. It was found that hydrogen production resumed and reached a second plateau, although somewhat lower than the first one. This procedure was repeated a third time and an additional amount of hydrogen was obtained. The plateaux and initial rates of hydrogen accumulation decreased in each subsequent incubation cycle. The total cumulative hydrogen harvested in the three cycles was much higher (approx. double) than in the first cycle alone. We coined this procedure as IV-SSAH (intermittently vented solid substrate anaerobic hydrogen generation). Our results point out to a feasible strategy for obtaining higher hydrogen yields from the fermentation of industrial solid wastes, and a possible combination of waste treatment processes consisting of a first stage IV-SSAH followed by a second SSAD stage. Useful products of this approach would be hydrogen, organic acids or methane, and anaerobic digestates that could be used as soil amenders after post-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idania Valdez-Vazquez
- CINVESTAV-IPN, Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Environmental Biotechnology R&D Group, P.O. Box 14-740, México DF, 07000, Mexico
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30
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Girbal L, von Abendroth G, Winkler M, Benton PMC, Meynial-Salles I, Croux C, Peters JW, Happe T, Soucaille P. Homologous and heterologous overexpression in Clostridium acetobutylicum and characterization of purified clostridial and algal Fe-only hydrogenases with high specific activities. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:2777-81. [PMID: 15870373 PMCID: PMC1087525 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.5.2777-2781.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 was selected for the homologous overexpression of its Fe-only hydrogenase and for the heterologous expressions of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Scenedesmus obliquus HydA1 Fe-only hydrogenases. The three Strep tag II-tagged Fe-only hydrogenases were isolated with high specific activities by two-step column chromatography. The purified algal hydrogenases evolve hydrogen with rates of around 700 micromol H(2) min(-1) mg(-1), while HydA from C. acetobutylicum (HydA(Ca)) shows the highest activity (5,522 micromol H(2) min(-1) mg(-1)) in the direction of hydrogen uptake. Further, kinetic parameters and substrate specificity were reported. An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis of the thionin-oxidized HydA(Ca) protein indicates a characteristic rhombic EPR signal that is typical for the oxidized H cluster of Fe-only hydrogenases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Girbal
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie-Bioprocédés, UMR CNRS 5504, UMR INRA 792, INSA, 135 Avenue de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse Cédex 4, France.
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31
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Prince RC, Kheshgi HS. The photobiological production of hydrogen: potential efficiency and effectiveness as a renewable fuel. Crit Rev Microbiol 2005; 31:19-31. [PMID: 15839402 DOI: 10.1080/10408410590912961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Photosynthetic microorganisms can produce hydrogen when illuminated, and there has been considerable interest in developing this to a commercially viable process. Its appealing aspects include the fact that the hydrogen would come from water, and that the process might be more energetically efficient than growing, harvesting, and processing crops. We review current knowledge about photobiological hydrogen production, and identify and discuss some of the areas where scientific and technical breakthroughs are essential for commercialization. First we describe the underlying biochemistry of the process, and identify some opportunities for improving photobiological hydrogen production at the molecular level. Then we address the fundamental quantum efficiency of the various processes that have been suggested, technological issues surrounding large-scale growth of hydrogen-producing microorganisms, and the scale and efficiency on which this would have to be practiced to make a significant contribution to current energy use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger C Prince
- ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co., Annandale, New Jersey 08801, USA.
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Posewitz MC, King PW, Smolinski SL, Zhang L, Seibert M, Ghirardi ML. Discovery of two novel radical S-adenosylmethionine proteins required for the assembly of an active [Fe] hydrogenase. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:25711-20. [PMID: 15082711 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m403206200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify genes necessary for the photoproduction of H(2) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, random insertional mutants were screened for clones unable to produce H(2). One of the identified mutants, denoted hydEF-1, is incapable of assembling an active [Fe] hydrogenase. Although the hydEF-1 mutant transcribes both hydrogenase genes and accumulates full-length hydrogenase protein, H(2) production activity is not observed. The HydEF protein contains two unique domains that are homologous to two distinct prokaryotic proteins, HydE and HydF, which are found exclusively in organisms containing [Fe] hydrogenase. In the C. reinhardtii genome, the HydEF gene is adjacent to another hydrogenase-related gene, HydG. All organisms with [Fe] hydrogenase and sequenced genomes contain homologues of HydE, HydF, and HydG, which, prior to this study, were of unknown function. Within several prokaryotic genomes HydE, HydF, and HydG are found in putative operons with [Fe] hydrogenase structural genes. Both HydE and HydG belong to the emerging radical S-adenosylmethionine (commonly designated "Radical SAM") superfamily of proteins. We demonstrate here that HydEF and HydG function in the assembly of [Fe] hydrogenase. Northern blot analysis indicates that mRNA transcripts for both the HydEF gene and the HydG gene are anaerobically induced concomitantly with the two C. reinhardtii [Fe] hydrogenase genes, HydA1 and HydA2. Complementation of the bx;1C. reinhardtii hydEF-1 mutant with genomic DNA corresponding to a functional copy of the HydEF gene restores hydrogenase activity. Moreover, co-expression of the C. reinhardtii HydEF, HydG, and HydA1 genes in Escherichia coli results in the formation of an active HydA1 enzyme. This represents the first report on the nature of the accessory genes required for the maturation of an active [Fe] hydrogenase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Posewitz
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
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Emlyn-Jones D, Price GD, Andrews TJ. Nitrogen-regulated hypermutator strain of Synechococcus sp. for use in in vivo artificial evolution. Appl Environ Microbiol 2004; 69:6427-33. [PMID: 14602596 PMCID: PMC262265 DOI: 10.1128/aem.69.11.6427-6433.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificially evolved variants of proteins with roles in photosynthesis may be selected most conveniently by using a photosynthetic organism, such as a cyanobacterium, whose growth depends on the function of the target protein. However, the limited transformation efficiency of even the most transformable cyanobacteria wastes much of the diversity of mutant libraries of genes produced in vitro, impairing the coverage of sequence space. This highlights the advantages of an in vivo approach for generating diversity in the selection organism itself. We constructed two different hypermutator strains of Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7942 by insertionally inactivating or nutritionally repressing the DNA mismatch repair gene, mutS. Inactivation of mutS greatly increases the mutation rate of the cyanobacterium's genes, leading to an up-to-300-fold increase in the frequency of resistance to the antibiotics rifampin and spectinomycin. In order to control the rate of mutation and to limit cellular damage resulting from prolonged hypermutation, we placed the uninterrupted mutS gene in the cyanobacterial chromosome under the transcriptional control of the cyanobacterial nirA promoter, which is repressed in the presence of NH(4)(+) as an N source and derepressed in its absence. By removing or adding this substrate, hypermutation was activated or repressed as required. As expected, hypermutation caused by repression in PnirA-mutS transformants led to an accumulation of spectinomycin resistance mutations during growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Emlyn-Jones
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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Tamagnini P, Axelsson R, Lindberg P, Oxelfelt F, Wünschiers R, Lindblad P. Hydrogenases and hydrogen metabolism of cyanobacteria. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2002; 66:1-20, table of contents. [PMID: 11875125 PMCID: PMC120778 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.66.1.1-20.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 375] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria may possess several enzymes that are directly involved in dihydrogen metabolism: nitrogenase(s) catalyzing the production of hydrogen concomitantly with the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia, an uptake hydrogenase (encoded by hupSL) catalyzing the consumption of hydrogen produced by the nitrogenase, and a bidirectional hydrogenase (encoded by hoxFUYH) which has the capacity to both take up and produce hydrogen. This review summarizes our knowledge about cyanobacterial hydrogenases, focusing on recent progress since the first molecular information was published in 1995. It presents the molecular knowledge about cyanobacterial hupSL and hoxFUYH, their corresponding gene products, and their accessory genes before finishing with an applied aspect--the use of cyanobacteria in a biological, renewable production of the future energy carrier molecular hydrogen. In addition to scientific publications, information from three cyanobacterial genomes, the unicellular Synechocystis strain PCC 6803 and the filamentous heterocystous Anabaena strain PCC 7120 and Nostoc punctiforme (PCC 73102/ATCC 29133) is included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tamagnini
- Department of Botany, Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal, Department of Physiological Botany, EBC, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rikard Axelsson
- Department of Botany, Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal, Department of Physiological Botany, EBC, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pia Lindberg
- Department of Botany, Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal, Department of Physiological Botany, EBC, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Oxelfelt
- Department of Botany, Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal, Department of Physiological Botany, EBC, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Röbbe Wünschiers
- Department of Botany, Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal, Department of Physiological Botany, EBC, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Department of Botany, Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal, Department of Physiological Botany, EBC, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
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