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He L, Zhu G. Regulation and application of quorum sensing on anaerobic digestion system. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142983. [PMID: 39089336 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) plays an important role in the social behavior of microbial communities. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process using anaerobic microorganisms to degrade organic macromolecules into small molecules for biogas and biofertilizer production. In AD, the QS signaling molecule N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) induces bacterial metabolism, improving AD process efficiency. However, there are fewer systematic reports about QS regulation of microbial behavior in AD. In this report, the effects of signaling molecules on extracellular polymer secretion, biofilm formation, granulation of granular sludge and bacterial metabolism in AD were investigated in detail. At present, the regulation behavior of QS on AD is a group phenomenon, and there are few in-depth studies on the regulation pathway. Therefore, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the pure culture system, granular sludge and reactor in the AD. Then we pointed out that the future application potential of QS in the AD may be combined with quorum quenching (QQ) and omics technology, which is of great significance for the future application of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan He
- School of Chemistry and Life Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China
| | - Gefu Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Life Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China.
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Zhang Z, Li J. Cyanobacterial Bloom Formation by Enhanced Ecological Adaptability and Competitive Advantage of Microcystis-Non-Negligible Role of Quorum Sensing. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1489. [PMID: 39065257 PMCID: PMC11278601 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microcystis-dominated cyanobacterial blooms (MCBs) frequently occur in freshwaters worldwide due to massive Microcystis colony formation and severely threaten human and ecosystem health. Quorum sensing (QS) is a direct cause of Microcystis colony formation that drives MCBs outbreak by regulating Microcystis population characteristics and behaviors. Many novel findings regarding the fundamental knowledge of the Microcystis QS phenomenon and the signaling molecules have been documented. However, little effort has been devoted to comprehensively summarizing and discussing the research progress and exploration directions of QS signaling molecules-mediated QS system in Microcystis. This review summarizes the action process of N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) as major signaling molecules in Microcystis and discusses the detailed roles of AHL-mediated QS system in cellular morphology, physiological adaptability, and cell aggregation for colony formation to strengthen ecological adaptability and competitive advantage of Microcystis. The research progress on QS mechanisms in Microcystis are also summarized. Compared to other QS systems, the LuxI/LuxR-type QS system is more likely to be found in Microcystis. Also, we introduce quorum quenching (QQ), a QS-blocking process in Microcystis, to emphasize its potential as QS inhibitors in MCBs control. Finally, in response to the research deficiencies and gaps in Microcystis QS, we propose several future research directions in this field. This review deepens the understanding on Microcystis QS knowledge and provide theoretical guidance in developing strategies to monitor, control, and harness MCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jieming Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Xu C, Ni L, Du C, Shi J, Ma Y, Li S, Li Y. Decoding Microcystis aeruginosa quorum sensing through AHL-mediated transcriptomic molecular regulation mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:172101. [PMID: 38556017 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) serves as a key signaling molecule for quorum sensing (QS) in bacteria. QS-related genes and physiological processes in Microcystis aeruginosa remain elusive. In this study, we elucidated the regulatory role of AHL-mediated QS in M. aeruginosa. Using AHL activity extract and transcriptomic analysis, we revealed significant effects of the AHL on growth and photosynthesis. AHL significantly increased chlorophyll a (Chl-a) content and accelerated photosynthetic rate thereby promoting growth. Transcriptome analysis revealed that AHL stimulated the up-regulation of photosynthesis-related genes (apcABF, petE, psaBFK, psbUV, etc.) as well as nitrogen metabolism and ribosomal metabolism. In addition, AHL-regulated pathways are associated with lipopolysaccharide and phenazine synthesis. Our findings deepen the understanding of the QS system in M. aeruginosa and are important for gaining insights into the role of QS in Microcystis bloom formation. It also provides new insights into the prevalence of M. aeruginosa in water blooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixiao Ni
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Cunhao Du
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahui Shi
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yushen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyin Li
- College of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiping Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
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Xu C, Ni L, Li S, Du C, Sang W, Jiang Z. Quorum sensing regulation in Microcystis aeruginosa: Insights into AHL-mediated physiological processes and MC-LR production. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170867. [PMID: 38340844 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a widespread regulatory mechanism in Gram-negative bacteria, primarily involving the secretion of N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) to facilitate population density sensing. However, the existence of QS in blue-green algae, a subset of photoautotrophic Gram-negative bacteria forming high-density communities in water blooms, remains elusive. This study delves into the unexplored realm of QS in Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) by investigating AHL-related regulatory mechanisms and their impact on various physiological processes. Utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and biosensors, a hitherto unknown long-chain AHL exhibiting a mass-to-charge ratio of 318 was identified in sterile M. aeruginosa cultures. Our investigation focused on discerning correlations between AHL activity fluctuations and key parameters such as microcystin (MC-LR) production, algal density, photosynthesis, buoyancy, and aggregation. Furthermore, the AHL extract was introduced during the logarithmic stage of M. aeruginosa cultures to observe the response in physiological processes. The results revealed that AHL, functioning as an autoinducer (AI), positively influenced algal growth and photosynthesis, as evidenced by the upregulated photosynthetic conversion efficiency of PSI and chlorophyll synthesis gene (psbA). AI also played a crucial role in altering surface characteristics through the synthesis of polysaccharides and proteins in EPS, subsequently promoting cell aggregation. Concomitantly, AI upregulated mcyD, enhancing the synthesis of MC-LR. Notably, our investigation pinpointed the initiation of QS in Microcystis at a density of approximately 1.22 × 10^7 cells/mL. This groundbreaking evidence underscores the regulatory role of AI in governing the physiological processes of growth, aggregation, buoyancy, and MC-LR production by activating pertinent gene expressions. This study significantly expands the understanding of QS in AHL, providing crucial insights into the regulatory networks operating in blue-green algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixiao Ni
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shiyin Li
- College of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cunhao Du
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenlu Sang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
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Kim W, Park Y, Jung J, Jeon CO, Toyofuku M, Lee J, Park W. Biological and Chemical Approaches for Controlling Harmful Microcystis Blooms. J Microbiol 2024; 62:249-260. [PMID: 38587591 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-024-00115-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The proliferation of harmful cyanobacterial blooms dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa has become an increasingly serious problem in freshwater ecosystems due to climate change and eutrophication. Microcystis-blooms in freshwater generate compounds with unpleasant odors, reduce the levels of dissolved O2, and excrete microcystins into aquatic ecosystems, potentially harming various organisms, including humans. Various chemical and biological approaches have thus been developed to mitigate the impact of the blooms, though issues such as secondary pollution and high economic costs have not been adequately addressed. Red clays and H2O2 are conventional treatment methods that have been employed worldwide for the mitigation of the blooms, while novel approaches, such as the use of plant or microbial metabolites and antagonistic bacteria, have also recently been proposed. Many of these methods rely on the generation of reactive oxygen species, the inhibition of photosynthesis, and/or the disruption of cellular membranes as their mechanisms of action, which may also negatively impact other freshwater microbiota. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms of anticyanobacterial chemicals and antagonistic bacteria remain unclear. This review thus discusses both conventional and innovative approaches for the management of M. aeruginosa in freshwater bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjae Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Environmental Microbiology, Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yerim Park
- Laboratory of Molecular Environmental Microbiology, Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaejoon Jung
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Che Ok Jeon
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Masanori Toyofuku
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-0006, Japan
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Woojun Park
- Laboratory of Molecular Environmental Microbiology, Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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