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Veeraragavan S, Johansen M, Johnston IG. Evolution and maintenance of mtDNA gene content across eukaryotes. Biochem J 2024; 481:1015-1042. [PMID: 39101615 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Across eukaryotes, most genes required for mitochondrial function have been transferred to, or otherwise acquired by, the nucleus. Encoding genes in the nucleus has many advantages. So why do mitochondria retain any genes at all? Why does the set of mtDNA genes vary so much across different species? And how do species maintain functionality in the mtDNA genes they do retain? In this review, we will discuss some possible answers to these questions, attempting a broad perspective across eukaryotes. We hope to cover some interesting features which may be less familiar from the perspective of particular species, including the ubiquity of recombination outside bilaterian animals, encrypted chainmail-like mtDNA, single genes split over multiple mtDNA chromosomes, triparental inheritance, gene transfer by grafting, gain of mtDNA recombination factors, social networks of mitochondria, and the role of mtDNA dysfunction in feeding the world. We will discuss a unifying picture where organismal ecology and gene-specific features together influence whether organism X retains mtDNA gene Y, and where ecology and development together determine which strategies, importantly including recombination, are used to maintain the mtDNA genes that are retained.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Johansen
- Department of Mathematics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Iain G Johnston
- Department of Mathematics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Computational Biology Unit, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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2
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Scott TJ, Queller DC, Strassmann JE. Complex third-party effects in the Dictyostelium-Paraburkholderia symbiosis: prey bacteria that are eaten, carried or left behind. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20241111. [PMID: 39016123 PMCID: PMC11253208 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.1111] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic interactions may change depending on third parties like predators or prey. Third-party interactions with prey bacteria are central to the symbiosis between Dictyostelium discoideum social amoeba hosts and Paraburkholderia bacterial symbionts. Symbiosis with inedible Paraburkholderia allows host D. discoideum to carry prey bacteria through the dispersal stage where hosts aggregate and develop into fruiting bodies that disperse spores. Carrying prey bacteria benefits hosts when prey are scarce but harms hosts when prey bacteria are plentiful, possibly because hosts leave some prey bacteria behind while carrying. Thus, understanding benefits and costs in this symbiosis requires measuring how many prey bacteria are eaten, carried and left behind by infected hosts. We found that Paraburkholderia infection makes hosts leave behind both symbionts and prey bacteria. However, the number of prey bacteria left uneaten was too small to explain why infected hosts produced fewer spores than uninfected hosts. Turning to carried bacteria, we found that hosts carry prey bacteria more often after developing in prey-poor environments than in prey-rich ones. This suggests that carriage is actively modified to ensure hosts have prey in the harshest conditions. Our results show that multi-faceted interactions with third parties shape the evolution of symbioses in complex ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trey J. Scott
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO63130, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138, USA
| | - David C. Queller
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO63130, USA
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Cabuslay C, Wertz JT, Béchade B, Hu Y, Braganza S, Freeman D, Pradhan S, Mukhanova M, Powell S, Moreau C, Russell JA. Domestication and evolutionary histories of specialized gut symbionts across cephalotine ants. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17454. [PMID: 39005142 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of animals and their gut symbionts is a complex phenomenon, obscured by lability and diversity. In social organisms, transmission of symbionts among relatives may yield systems with more stable associations. Here, we study the history of a social insect symbiosis involving cephalotine ants and their extracellular gut bacteria, which come predominantly from host-specialized lineages. We perform multi-locus phylogenetics for symbionts from nine bacterial orders, and map prior amplicon sequence data to lineage-assigned symbiont genomes, studying distributions of rigorously defined symbionts across 20 host species. Based on monophyly and additional hypothesis testing, we estimate that these specialized gut bacteria belong to 18 distinct lineages, of which 15 have been successfully isolated and cultured. Several symbiont lineages showed evidence for domestication events that occurred later in cephalotine evolutionary history, and only one lineage was ubiquitously detected in all 20 host species and 48 colonies sampled with amplicon 16S rRNA sequencing. We found evidence for phylogenetically constrained distributions in four symbionts, suggesting historical or genetic impacts on community composition. Two lineages showed evidence for frequent intra-lineage co-infections, highlighting the potential for niche divergence after initial domestication. Nearly all symbionts showed evidence for occasional host switching, but four may, more often, co-diversify with their hosts. Through our further assessment of symbiont localization and genomic functional profiles, we demonstrate distinct niches for symbionts with shared evolutionary histories, prompting further questions on the forces underlying the evolution of hosts and their gut microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Cabuslay
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John T Wertz
- Department of Biology, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Benoît Béchade
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- State key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Sonali Braganza
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Freeman
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shreyansh Pradhan
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maria Mukhanova
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott Powell
- Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Corrie Moreau
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Jacob A Russell
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Berasategui A, Salem H, Moller AG, Christopher Y, Vidaurre Montoya Q, Conn C, Read TD, Rodrigues A, Ziemert N, Gerardo N. Genomic insights into the evolution of secondary metabolism of Escovopsis and its allies, specialized fungal symbionts of fungus-farming ants. mSystems 2024; 9:e0057624. [PMID: 38904377 PMCID: PMC11265373 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00576-24] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The metabolic intimacy of symbiosis often demands the work of specialists. Natural products and defensive secondary metabolites can drive specificity by ensuring infection and propagation across host generations. But in contrast to bacteria, little is known about the diversity and distribution of natural product biosynthetic pathways among fungi and how they evolve to facilitate symbiosis and adaptation to their host environment. In this study, we define the secondary metabolism of Escovopsis and closely related genera, symbionts in the gardens of fungus-farming ants. We ask how the gain and loss of various biosynthetic pathways correspond to divergent lifestyles. Long-read sequencing allowed us to define the chromosomal features of representative Escovopsis strains, revealing highly reduced genomes composed of seven to eight chromosomes. The genomes are highly syntenic with macrosynteny decreasing with increasing phylogenetic distance, while maintaining a high degree of mesosynteny. An ancestral state reconstruction analysis of biosynthetic pathways revealed that, while many secondary metabolites are shared with non-ant-associated Sordariomycetes, 56 pathways are unique to the symbiotic genera. Reflecting adaptation to diverging ant agricultural systems, we observe that the stepwise acquisition of these pathways mirrors the ecological radiations of attine ants and the dynamic recruitment and replacement of their fungal cultivars. As different clades encode characteristic combinations of biosynthetic gene clusters, these delineating profiles provide important insights into the possible mechanisms underlying specificity between these symbionts and their fungal hosts. Collectively, our findings shed light on the evolutionary dynamic nature of secondary metabolism in Escovopsis and its allies, reflecting adaptation of the symbionts to an ancient agricultural system.IMPORTANCEMicrobial symbionts interact with their hosts and competitors through a remarkable array of secondary metabolites and natural products. Here, we highlight the highly streamlined genomic features of attine-associated fungal symbionts. The genomes of Escovopsis species, as well as species from other symbiont genera, many of which are common with the gardens of fungus-growing ants, are defined by seven chromosomes. Despite a high degree of metabolic conservation, we observe some variation in the symbionts' potential to produce secondary metabolites. As the phylogenetic distribution of the encoding biosynthetic gene clusters coincides with attine transitions in agricultural systems, we highlight the likely role of these metabolites in mediating adaptation by a group of highly specialized symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Berasategui
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Cluster of Excellence-Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hassan Salem
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Abraham G. Moller
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yuliana Christopher
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Ciudad del Saber, Panamá City, Panama
| | - Quimi Vidaurre Montoya
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caitlin Conn
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Biology, Berry College, Mount Berry, Georgia, USA
| | - Timothy D. Read
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andre Rodrigues
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nadine Ziemert
- Cluster of Excellence-Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Translational Genome Mining for Natural Products, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), Interfaculty Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBMI), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicole Gerardo
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Thia JA, Zhan D, Robinson K, Umina PA, Hoffmann AA, Yang Q. 'Drifting' Buchnera genomes track the microevolutionary trajectories of their aphid hosts. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39031957 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Evolution of Buchnera-aphid host symbioses is often studied among species at macroevolutionary scales. Investigations within species offer a different perspective about how eco-evolutionary processes shape patterns of genetic variation at microevolutionary scales. Our study leverages new and publicly available whole-genome sequencing data to study Buchnera-aphid host evolution in Myzus persicae, the peach potato aphid, a globally invasive and polyphagous pest. Across 43 different asexual, clonally reproducing isofemale strains, we examined patterns of genomic covariation between Buchnera and their aphid host and considered the distribution of mutations in protein-coding regions of the Buchnera genome. We found Buchnera polymorphisms within aphid strains, suggesting the presence of genetically different Buchnera strains within the same clonal lineage. Genetic distance between pairs of Buchnera samples was positively correlated to genetic distance between their aphid hosts, indicating shared evolutionary histories. However, there was no segregation of genetic variation for both M. persicae and Buchnera with plant host (Brassicaceae and non-tobacco Solanaceae) and no associations between genetic and geographic distance at global or regional spatial scales. Abundance patterns of non-synonymous mutations were similar to synonymous mutations in the Buchnera genome, and both mutation classes had similar site frequency spectra. We hypothesize that a predominance of neutral processes results in the Buchnera of M. persicae to simply 'drift' with the evolutionary trajectory of their aphid hosts. Our study presents a unique microevolutionary characterization of Buchnera-aphid host genomic covariation across multiple aphid clones. This provides a new perspective on the eco-evolutionary processes generating and maintaining polymorphisms in a major pest aphid species and its obligate primary endosymbiont.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Thia
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dongwu Zhan
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Katie Robinson
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul A Umina
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Cesar Australia Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ary A Hoffmann
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qiong Yang
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Piedl K, Aylward FO, Mevers E. The Microbiota of Moon Snail Egg Collars is Shaped by Host-Specific Factors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.10.602920. [PMID: 39071397 PMCID: PMC11275906 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.10.602920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Moon Snails lay eggs using a mixture of mucus and sediment to form an egg mass commonly referred to as an egg collar. These collars do not appear to experience micro-biofouling or predation and this observation led us to hypothesize that the egg collars possess a chemically-rich microbiota that protect the egg collars from pathogens. Herein, we sought to gain an understanding of the bacterial composition of the egg collars by amplifying and sequencing the 16S rRNA gene from egg collar and sediment samples collected at four distinct geographical regions in SW Florida. Relative abundance and non-metric multidimensional scaling plots revealed distinct differences in the bacterial composition between the egg collar and sediment samples. In addition, the egg collars had a lower α-diversity than the sediment, with specific genera being significantly enriched in the egg collars. Analysis of microorganisms consistent across two seasons suggests that Flavobacteriaceae make up a large portion of the core microbiota (36 - 58% of 16S sequences). We also investigated the natural product potential of the egg collar microbiota by sequencing a core biosynthetic gene, the adenylation domains (AD), within the gene clusters of non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS). AD sequences matched multiple modules within known bioactive NRPs biosynthetic gene clusters, suggesting production is possible within the egg collar system and lays the foundation for future studies into the chemical and ecological role of this microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Piedl
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Frank O. Aylward
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Emily Mevers
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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7
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Uppal S, Waterworth SC, Nick A, Vogel H, Flórez LV, Kaltenpoth M, Kwan JC. Repeated horizontal acquisition of lagriamide-producing symbionts in Lagriinae beetles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.23.576914. [PMID: 39026795 PMCID: PMC11257431 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.23.576914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Microbial symbionts associate with multicellular organisms on a continuum from facultative associations to mutual codependency. In some of the oldest intracellular symbioses there is exclusive vertical symbiont transmission, and co-diversification of symbiotic partners over millions of years. Such symbionts often undergo genome reduction due to low effective population sizes, frequent population bottlenecks, and reduced purifying selection. Here, we describe multiple independent acquisition events of closely related defensive symbionts followed by genome erosion in a group of Lagriinae beetles. Previous work in Lagria villosa revealed the dominant genome-eroded symbiont of the genus Burkholderia produces the antifungal compound lagriamide and protects the beetle's eggs and larvae from antagonistic fungi. Here, we use metagenomics to assemble 11 additional genomes of lagriamide-producing symbionts from seven different host species within Lagriinae from five countries, to unravel the evolutionary history of this symbiotic relationship. In each host species, we detected one dominant genome-eroded Burkholderia symbiont encoding the lagriamide biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). Surprisingly, however, we did not find evidence for host-symbiont co-diversification, or for a monophyly of the lagriamide-producing symbionts. Instead, our analyses support at least four independent acquisition events of lagriamide-encoding symbionts and subsequent genome erosion in each of these lineages. By contrast, a clade of plant-associated relatives retained large genomes but secondarily lost the lagriamide BGC. In conclusion, our results reveal a dynamic evolutionary history with multiple independent symbiont acquisitions characterized by high degree of specificity. They highlight the importance of the specialized metabolite lagriamide for the establishment and maintenance of this defensive symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Uppal
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Samantha C. Waterworth
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
- Current address: National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Alina Nick
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Laura V. Flórez
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jason C. Kwan
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
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Johnston IG. The Nitroplast and Its Relatives Support a Universal Model of Features Predicting Gene Retention in Endosymbiont and Organelle Genomes. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae132. [PMID: 38900924 PMCID: PMC11221429 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae132] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Endosymbiotic relationships have shaped eukaryotic life. As endosymbionts coevolve with their host, toward full integration as organelles, their genomes tend to shrink, with genes being completely lost or transferred to the host nucleus. Modern endosymbionts and organelles show diverse patterns of gene retention, and why some genes and not others are retained in these genomes is not fully understood. Recent bioinformatic study has explored hypothesized influences on these evolutionary processes, finding that hydrophobicity and amino acid chemistry predict patterns of gene retention, both in organelles across eukaryotes and in less mature endosymbiotic relationships. The exciting ongoing elucidation of endosymbiotic relationships affords an independent set of instances to test this theory. Here, we compare the properties of retained genes in the nitroplast, recently reported to be an integrated organelle, two related cyanobacterial endosymbionts that form "spheroid bodies" in their host cells, and a range of other endosymbionts, with free-living relatives of each. We find that in each case, the symbiont's genome encodes proteins with higher hydrophobicity and lower amino pKa than their free-living relative, supporting the data-derived model predicting the retention propensity of genes across endosymbiont and organelle genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain G Johnston
- Department of Mathematics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Computational Biology Unit, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Pontes A, Harrison MC, Rokas A, Gonçalves C. Convergent reductive evolution in bee-associated lactic acid bacteria. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.28.601270. [PMID: 39005388 PMCID: PMC11244873 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.28.601270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Distantly related organisms may evolve similar traits when exposed to similar environments or engaging in certain lifestyles. Several members of the Lactobacillaceae (LAB) family are frequently isolated from the floral niche, mostly from bees and flowers. In some floral LAB species (henceforth referred to as bee-associated), distinctive genomic (e.g., genome reduction) and phenotypic (e.g., preference for fructose over glucose or fructophily) features were recently documented. These features are found across distantly related species, raising the hypothesis that specific genomic and phenotypic traits evolved convergently during adaptation to the floral environment. To test this hypothesis, we examined representative genomes of 369 species of bee-associated and non-bee-associated LAB. Phylogenomic analysis unveiled seven independent ecological shifts towards the floral niche in LAB. In these bee-associated LAB, we observed pervasive, significant reductions of genome size, gene repertoire, and GC content. Using machine leaning, we could distinguish bee-associated from non-bee-associated species with 94% accuracy, based on the absence of genes involved in metabolism, osmotic stress, or DNA repair. Moreover, we found that the most important genes for the machine learning classifier were seemingly lost, independently, in multiple bee-associated lineages. One of these genes, adhE, encodes a bifunctional aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase associated with the evolution of fructophily, a rare phenotypic trait that was recently identified in many floral LAB species. These results suggest that the independent evolution of distinctive phenotypes in bee-associated LAB has been largely driven by independent loss of the same set of genes. Importance Several lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species are intimately associated with bees and exhibit unique biochemical properties with potential for food applications and honeybee health. Using a machine-learning based approach, our study shows that adaptation of LAB to the bee environment was accompanied by a distinctive genomic trajectory deeply shaped by gene loss. Several of these gene losses occurred independently in distantly related species and are linked to some of their unique biotechnologically relevant traits, such as the preference of fructose over glucose (fructophily). This study underscores the potential of machine learning in identifying fingerprints of adaptation and detecting instances of convergent evolution. Furthermore, it sheds light onto the genomic and phenotypic particularities of bee-associated bacteria, thereby deepening the understanding of their positive impact on honeybee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pontes
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy and UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO-i4HB, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Marie-Claire Harrison
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, VU Station B #35-1634, Nashville, TN 37235, United States of America
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, VU Station B #35-1634, Nashville, TN 37235, United States of America
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Carla Gonçalves
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy and UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO-i4HB, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
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Sosa-Jiménez VM, Kvist S, Manzano-Marín A, Oceguera-Figueroa A. Discovery of a novel symbiotic lineage associated with a hematophagous leech from the genus Haementeria. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0428623. [PMID: 38842327 PMCID: PMC11218487 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04286-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Similarly to other strict blood feeders, leeches from the Haementeria genus (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae) have established a symbiotic association with bacteria harbored intracellularly in esophageal bacteriomes. Previous genome sequence analyses of these endosymbionts revealed co-divergence with their hosts, a strong genome reduction, and a simplified metabolism largely dedicated to the production of B vitamins, which are nutrients lacking from a blood diet. 'Candidatus Providencia siddallii' has been identified as the obligate nutritional endosymbiont of a monophyletic clade of Mexican and South American Haementeria spp. However, the Haementeria genus includes a sister clade of congeners from Central and South America, where the presence or absence of the aforementioned symbiont taxon remains unknown. In this work, we report on a novel bacterial endosymbiont found in a representative from this Haementeria clade. We found that this symbiont lineage has evolved from within the Pluralibacter genus, known mainly from clinical but also environmental strains. Similarly to Ca. Providencia siddallii, the Haementeria-associated Pluralibacter symbiont displays clear signs of genome reduction, accompanied by an A+T-biased sequence composition. Genomic analysis of its metabolic potential revealed a retention of pathways related to B vitamin biosynthesis, supporting its role as a nutritional endosymbiont. Finally, comparative genomics of both Haementeria symbiont lineages suggests that an ancient Providencia symbiont was likely replaced by the novel Pluralibacter one, thus constituting the first reported case of nutritional symbiont replacement in a leech without morphological changes in the bacteriome. IMPORTANCE Obligate symbiotic associations with a nutritional base have likely evolved more than once in strict blood-feeding leeches. Unlike those symbioses found in hematophagous arthropods, the nature, identity, and evolutionary history of these remains poorly studied. In this work, we further explored obligate nutritional associations between Haementeria leeches and their microbial symbionts, which led to the unexpected discovery of a novel symbiosis with a member of the Pluralibacter genus. When compared to Providencia siddallii, an obligate nutritional symbiont of other Haementeria leeches, this novel bacterial symbiont shows convergent retention of the metabolic pathways involved in B vitamin biosynthesis. Moreover, the genomic characteristics of this Pluralibacter symbiont suggest a more recent association than that of Pr. siddallii and Haementeria. We conclude that the once-thought stable associations between blood-feeding Glossiphoniidae and their symbionts (i.e., one bacteriome structure, one symbiont lineage) can break down, mirroring symbiont turnover observed in various arthropod lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Manuel Sosa-Jiménez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sebastian Kvist
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alejandro Manzano-Marín
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alejandro Oceguera-Figueroa
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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11
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Hoffmann AA, Cooper BS. Describing endosymbiont-host interactions within the parasitism-mutualism continuum. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11705. [PMID: 38975267 PMCID: PMC11224498 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11705] [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: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Endosymbionts are widespread in arthropods, living in host cells with effects that extend from parasitic to mutualistic. Newly acquired endosymbionts tend to be parasitic, but vertical transmission favors coevolution toward mutualism, with hosts sometimes developing dependency. Endosymbionts negatively affecting host fitness may still spread by impacting host reproductive traits, referred to as reproductive "manipulation," although costs for hosts are often assumed rather than demonstrated. For cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that involves endosymbiont-mediated embryo death, theory predicts directional shifts away from "manipulation" toward reduced CI strength; moreover, CI-causing endosymbionts need to increase host fitness to initially spread. In nature, endosymbiont-host interactions and dynamics are complex, often depending on environmental conditions and evolutionary history. We advocate for capturing this complexity through appropriate datasets, rather than relying on terms like "manipulation." Such imprecision can lead to the misclassification of endosymbionts along the parasitism-mutualism continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ary A. Hoffmann
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, School of BioSciences, Bio21 InstituteUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Brandon S. Cooper
- Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMontanaUSA
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12
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Holt JR, Cavichiolli de Oliveira N, Medina RF, Malacrinò A, Lindsey ARI. Insect-microbe interactions and their influence on organisms and ecosystems. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11699. [PMID: 39041011 PMCID: PMC11260886 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11699] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms are important associates of insect and arthropod species. Insect-associated microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, can drastically impact host physiology, ecology, and fitness, while many microbes still have no known role. Over the past decade, we have increased our knowledge of the taxonomic composition and functional roles of insect-associated microbiomes and viromes. There has been a more recent shift toward examining the complexity of microbial communities, including how they vary in response to different factors (e.g., host genome, microbial strain, environment, and time), and the consequences of this variation for the host and the wider ecological community. We provide an overview of insect-microbe interactions, the variety of associated microbial functions, and the evolutionary ecology of these relationships. We explore the influence of the environment and the interactive effects of insects and their microbiomes across trophic levels. Additionally, we discuss the potential for subsequent synergistic and reciprocal impacts on the associated microbiomes, ecological interactions, and communities. Lastly, we discuss some potential avenues for the future of insect-microbe interactions that include the modification of existing microbial symbionts as well as the construction of synthetic microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Raul F. Medina
- Department of EntomologyTexas A&M University, Minnie Bell Heep CenterCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Antonino Malacrinò
- Department of AgricultureUniversità Degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio CalabriaReggio CalabriaItaly
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13
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Gilkes JM, Frampton RA, Board AJ, Hudson AO, Price TG, Morris VK, Crittenden DL, Muscroft‐Taylor AC, Sheen CR, Smith GR, Dobson RCJ. A new lysine biosynthetic enzyme from a bacterial endosymbiont shaped by genetic drift and genome reduction. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5083. [PMID: 38924211 PMCID: PMC11201819 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The effect of population bottlenecks and genome reduction on enzyme function is poorly understood. Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum is a bacterium with a reduced genome that is transmitted vertically to the egg of an infected psyllid-a population bottleneck that imposes genetic drift and is predicted to affect protein structure and function. Here, we define the function of Ca. L. solanacearum dihydrodipicolinate synthase (CLsoDHDPS), which catalyzes the committed branchpoint reaction in diaminopimelate and lysine biosynthesis. We demonstrate that CLsoDHDPS is expressed in Ca. L. solanacearum and expression is increased ~2-fold in the insect host compared to in planta. CLsoDHDPS has decreased thermal stability and increased aggregation propensity, implying mutations have destabilized the enzyme but are compensated for through elevated chaperone expression and a stabilized oligomeric state. CLsoDHDPS uses a ternary-complex kinetic mechanism, which is to date unique among DHDPS enzymes, has unusually low catalytic ability, but an unusually high substrate affinity. Structural studies demonstrate that the active site is more open, and the structure of CLsoDHDPS with both pyruvate and the substrate analogue succinic-semialdehyde reveals that the product is both structurally and energetically different and therefore evolution has in this case fashioned a new enzyme. Our study suggests the effects of genome reduction and genetic drift on the function of essential enzymes and provides insights on bacteria-host co-evolutionary associations. We propose that bacteria with endosymbiotic lifestyles present a rich vein of interesting enzymes useful for understanding enzyme function and/or informing protein engineering efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M. Gilkes
- Biomolecular Interaction CentreSchool of Biological Sciences, University of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research LimitedLincolnNew Zealand
- Callaghan Innovation, University of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Rebekah A. Frampton
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research LimitedLincolnNew Zealand
| | - Amanda J. Board
- Biomolecular Interaction CentreSchool of Biological Sciences, University of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - André O. Hudson
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life SciencesRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Thomas G. Price
- Biomolecular Interaction CentreSchool of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Vanessa K. Morris
- Biomolecular Interaction CentreSchool of Biological Sciences, University of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Deborah L. Crittenden
- Biomolecular Interaction CentreSchool of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | | | - Campbell R. Sheen
- Callaghan Innovation, University of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Grant R. Smith
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research LimitedLincolnNew Zealand
| | - Renwick C. J. Dobson
- Biomolecular Interaction CentreSchool of Biological Sciences, University of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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14
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Lu C, Zou T, Liu Q, Huang X. Twenty-nine newly sequenced genomes and a comprehensive genome dataset for the insect endosymbiont Buchnera. Sci Data 2024; 11:673. [PMID: 38909040 PMCID: PMC11193766 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03537-0] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Most phloem-feeding insects face nutritional deficiency and rely on their intracellular symbionts to provide nutrients, and most of endosymbiont genomes have undergone reduction. However, the study of genome reduction processes of endosymbionts has been constrained by the limited availability of genome data from different insect lineages. The obligate relationship between aphids and Buchnera aphidicola (hereafter Buchnera) makes them a classic model for studying insect-endosymbiont interaction. Here, we report 29 newly sequenced Buchnera genomes from 11 aphid subfamilies, and a comprehensive dataset based on 90 Buchnera genomes from 14 aphid subfamilies. The dataset shows a significant genomic difference of Buchnera among different aphid lineages. The dataset exhibits a more balanced distribution of Buchnera (from 14 aphid subfamilies) genome sizes, ranging from 400 kb to 600 kb, which can illustrate the genome reduction process of Buchnera. The new genome data provide valuable insights into the microevolutionary processes leading to genomic reduction of insect endosymbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Tianmin Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xiaolei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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15
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Grundmann CO, Guzman J, Vilcinskas A, Pupo MT. The insect microbiome is a vast source of bioactive small molecules. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:935-967. [PMID: 38411238 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00054k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Covering: September 1964 to June 2023Bacteria and fungi living in symbiosis with insects have been studied over the last sixty years and found to be important sources of bioactive natural products. Not only classic producers of secondary metabolites such as Streptomyces and other members of the phylum Actinobacteria but also numerous bacteria from the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and an impressive array of fungi (usually pathogenic) serve as the source of a structurally diverse number of small molecules with important biological activities including antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiparasitic and specific enzyme inhibitors. The insect niche is often the exclusive provider of microbes producing unique types of biologically active compounds such as gerumycins, pederin, dinactin, and formicamycins. However, numerous insects still have not been described taxonomically, and in most cases, the study of their microbiota is completely unexplored. In this review, we present a comprehensive survey of 553 natural products produced by microorganisms isolated from insects by collating and classifying all the data according to the type of compound (rather than the insect or microbial source). The analysis of the correlations among the metadata related to insects, microbial partners, and their produced compounds provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics between insects and their symbionts as well as the impact of their metabolites on these relationships. Herein, we focus on the chemical structure, biosynthesis, and biological activities of the most relevant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Guzman
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mônica Tallarico Pupo
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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16
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Mies US, Hervé V, Kropp T, Platt K, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J, Brune A. Genome reduction and horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of Endomicrobia-rise and fall of an intracellular symbiosis with termite gut flagellates. mBio 2024; 15:e0082624. [PMID: 38742878 PMCID: PMC11257099 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00826-24] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial endosymbionts of eukaryotic hosts typically experience massive genome reduction, but the underlying evolutionary processes are often obscured by the lack of free-living relatives. Endomicrobia, a family-level lineage of host-associated bacteria in the phylum Elusimicrobiota that comprises both free-living representatives and endosymbionts of termite gut flagellates, are an excellent model to study evolution of intracellular symbionts. We reconstructed 67 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Endomicrobiaceae among more than 1,700 MAGs from the gut microbiota of a wide range of termites. Phylogenomic analysis confirmed a sister position of representatives from termites and ruminants, and allowed to propose eight new genera in the radiation of Endomicrobiaceae. Comparative genome analysis documented progressive genome erosion in the new genus Endomicrobiellum, which comprises all flagellate endosymbionts characterized to date. Massive gene losses were accompanied by the acquisition of new functions by horizontal gene transfer, which led to a shift from a glucose-based energy metabolism to one based on sugar phosphates. The breakdown of glycolysis and many anabolic pathways for amino acids and cofactors in several subgroups was compensated by the independent acquisition of new uptake systems, including an ATP/ADP antiporter, from other gut microbiota. The putative donors are mostly flagellate endosymbionts from other bacterial phyla, including several, hitherto unknown lineages of uncultured Alphaproteobacteria, documenting the importance of horizontal gene transfer in the convergent evolution of these intracellular symbioses. The loss of almost all biosynthetic capacities in some lineages of Endomicrobiellum suggests that their originally mutualistic relationship with flagellates is on its decline.IMPORTANCEUnicellular eukaryotes are frequently colonized by bacterial and archaeal symbionts. A prominent example are the cellulolytic gut flagellates of termites, which harbor diverse but host-specific bacterial symbionts that occur exclusively in termite guts. One of these lineages, the so-called Endomicrobia, comprises both free-living and endosymbiotic representatives, which offers the unique opportunity to study the evolutionary processes underpinning the transition from a free-living to an intracellular lifestyle. Our results revealed a progressive gene loss in energy metabolism and biosynthetic pathways, compensated by the acquisition of new functions via horizontal gene transfer from other gut bacteria, and suggest the eventual breakdown of an initially mutualistic symbiosis. Evidence for convergent evolution of unrelated endosymbionts reflects adaptations to the intracellular environment of termite gut flagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undine S. Mies
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Vincent Hervé
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tom Kropp
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katja Platt
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology LEEC, UR 4443, University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Andreas Brune
- Research Group Insect Gut Microbiology and Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
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17
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Maeda GP, Kelly MK, Sundar A, Moran NA. Intracellular defensive symbiont is culturable and capable of transovarial, vertical transmission. mBio 2024; 15:e0325323. [PMID: 38712948 PMCID: PMC11237597 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03253-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects frequently form heritable associations with beneficial bacteria that are vertically transmitted from parent to offspring. Long-term vertical transmission has repeatedly resulted in genome reduction and gene loss, rendering many such bacteria incapable of establishment in axenic culture. Among aphids, heritable endosymbionts often provide context-specific benefits to their hosts. Although these associations have large impacts on host phenotypes, experimental approaches are often limited by an inability to cultivate these microbes. Here, we report the axenic culture of Candidatus Fukatsuia symbiotica strain WIR, a heritable bacterial endosymbiont of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Whole-genome sequencing revealed similar genomic features and high sequence similarity to previously described strains, suggesting that the cultivation techniques used here may be applicable to Ca. F. symbiotica strains from distantly related aphids. Microinjection of cultured Ca. F. symbiotica into uninfected aphids revealed that it can reinfect developing embryos and that infections are maintained in subsequent generations via transovarial maternal transmission. Artificially infected aphids exhibit phenotypic and life history traits similar to those observed for native infections. Our results show that Ca. F. symbiotica may be a useful tool for experimentally probing the molecular mechanisms underlying host-symbiont interactions in a heritable symbiosis. IMPORTANCE Diverse eukaryotic organisms form stable, symbiotic relationships with bacteria that provide benefits to their hosts. While these associations are often biologically important, they can be difficult to probe experimentally because intimately host-associated bacteria are difficult to access within host tissues, and most cannot be cultured. This is especially true for the intracellular, maternally inherited bacteria associated with many insects, including aphids. Here, we demonstrate that a pea aphid-associated strain of the heritable endosymbiont, Candidatus Fukatsuia symbiotica, can be grown outside of its host using standard microbiology techniques and can readily re-establish infection that is maintained across host generations. These artificial infections recapitulate the effects of native infections, making this host-symbiont pair a useful experimental system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald P. Maeda
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mary Katherine Kelly
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Aadhunik Sundar
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Nancy A. Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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18
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Kang Z, Wang T, Han X, Wang C, Zhang S, Yu H. Whole genome sequencing revealed the capability of Paenarthrobacter sp. KN0901 to simultaneously remove atrazine and corn straw at low temperatures: From gene identification to empirical validation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134251. [PMID: 38640669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134251] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Corn planting is often associated with serious atrazine pollution and excessive corn straw amounts, causing severe threats to environmental and ecological security, as well as to green agricultural development. In this context, a Paenarthrobacter sp. KN0901 strain was applied to simultaneously remove atrazine and straw at low temperatures. The results of whole genome sequencing indicated that KN0901 encoded over nine straw biodegradation-related enzymes. In addition, 100 % and 27.3 % of atrazine and straw were simultaneously degraded by KN0901 following an incubation period of seven days at 15 ºC and 180 rpm in darkness. The KN0901 strain maintained high atrazine and straw biodegradation rates under temperature and pH ranges of 4-25 ºC and 5-9, respectively. The simultaneous atrazine and corn straw additions improved the microbial growth and biodegradation rates by increasing the functional gene expression level, cell viability, inner membrane permeability, and extracellular polymeric substance contents of KN0901. The hydroponic experiment results demonstrated the capability of the KN0901 strain to mitigate the toxicity of atrazine to soybeans in four days under the presence of corn straw. The present study provides a new perspective on the development of bioremediation approaches and their application to restore atrazine-polluted cornfields with large straw quantities, particularly in cold areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 101400, China
| | - Tianye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Xuerong Han
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Chenxu Wang
- Institutional Center for Shared Technologies and Facilities of Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Shaoqing Zhang
- Institutional Center for Shared Technologies and Facilities of Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Hongwen Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China.
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19
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Bennett GM, Kwak Y, Maynard R. Endosymbioses Have Shaped the Evolution of Biological Diversity and Complexity Time and Time Again. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae112. [PMID: 38813885 PMCID: PMC11154151 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae112] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Life on Earth comprises prokaryotes and a broad assemblage of endosymbioses. The pages of Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution have provided an essential window into how these endosymbiotic interactions have evolved and shaped biological diversity. Here, we provide a current perspective on this knowledge by drawing on decades of revelatory research published in Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution, and insights from the field at large. The accumulated work illustrates how endosymbioses provide hosts with novel phenotypes that allow them to transition between adaptive landscapes to access environmental resources. Such endosymbiotic relationships have shaped and reshaped life on Earth. The early serial establishment of mitochondria and chloroplasts through endosymbioses permitted massive upscaling of cellular energetics, multicellularity, and terrestrial planetary greening. These endosymbioses are also the foundation upon which all later ones are built, including everything from land-plant endosymbioses with fungi and bacteria to nutritional endosymbioses found in invertebrate animals. Common evolutionary mechanisms have shaped this broad range of interactions. Endosymbionts generally experience adaptive and stochastic genome streamlining, the extent of which depends on several key factors (e.g. mode of transmission). Hosts, in contrast, adapt complex mechanisms of resource exchange, cellular integration and regulation, and genetic support mechanisms to prop up degraded symbionts. However, there are significant differences between endosymbiotic interactions not only in how partners have evolved with each other but also in the scope of their influence on biological diversity. These differences are important considerations for predicting how endosymbioses will persist and adapt to a changing planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon M Bennett
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
- National Science Foundation Biological Integration Institute—INSITE, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Younghwan Kwak
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
- National Science Foundation Biological Integration Institute—INSITE, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Reo Maynard
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
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20
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Dagar J, Maurya S, Antil S, Abraham JS, Somasundaram S, Lal R, Makhija S, Toteja R. Symbionts of Ciliates and Ciliates as Symbionts. Indian J Microbiol 2024; 64:304-317. [PMID: 39010998 PMCID: PMC11246404 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-024-01203-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Endosymbiotic relationships between ciliates and others are critical for their ecological roles, physiological adaptations, and evolutionary implications. These can be obligate and facultative. Symbionts often provide essential nutrients, contribute to the ciliate's metabolism, aid in digestion, and offer protection against predators or environmental stressors. In turn, ciliates provide a protected environment and resources for their symbionts, facilitating their survival and proliferation. Ultrastructural and full-cycle rRNA approaches are utilized to identify these endosymbionts. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using "species- and group-specific probes" which are complementary to the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a particular species or group of interest represent convenient tools for their detection directly in the environment. A systematic survey of these endosymbionts has been conducted using both traditional and metagenomic approaches. Ciliophora and other protists have a wide range of prokaryotic symbionts, which may contain potentially pathogenic bacteria. Ciliates can establish symbiotic relationships with a variety of hosts also, ranging from protists to metazoans. Understanding ciliate symbiosis can provide useful insights into the complex relationships that drive microbial communities and ecosystems in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Dagar
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Swati Maurya
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandeep Antil
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Rup Lal
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Seema Makhija
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravi Toteja
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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21
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Tschitschko B, Esti M, Philippi M, Kidane AT, Littmann S, Kitzinger K, Speth DR, Li S, Kraberg A, Tienken D, Marchant HK, Kartal B, Milucka J, Mohr W, Kuypers MMM. Rhizobia-diatom symbiosis fixes missing nitrogen in the ocean. Nature 2024; 630:899-904. [PMID: 38723661 PMCID: PMC11208148 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07495-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N2) fixation in oligotrophic surface waters is the main source of new nitrogen to the ocean1 and has a key role in fuelling the biological carbon pump2. Oceanic N2 fixation has been attributed almost exclusively to cyanobacteria, even though genes encoding nitrogenase, the enzyme that fixes N2 into ammonia, are widespread among marine bacteria and archaea3-5. Little is known about these non-cyanobacterial N2 fixers, and direct proof that they can fix nitrogen in the ocean has so far been lacking. Here we report the discovery of a non-cyanobacterial N2-fixing symbiont, 'Candidatus Tectiglobus diatomicola', which provides its diatom host with fixed nitrogen in return for photosynthetic carbon. The N2-fixing symbiont belongs to the order Rhizobiales and its association with a unicellular diatom expands the known hosts for this order beyond the well-known N2-fixing rhizobia-legume symbioses on land6. Our results show that the rhizobia-diatom symbioses can contribute as much fixed nitrogen as can cyanobacterial N2 fixers in the tropical North Atlantic, and that they might be responsible for N2 fixation in the vast regions of the ocean in which cyanobacteria are too rare to account for the measured rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Tschitschko
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mertcan Esti
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Miriam Philippi
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Abiel T Kidane
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sten Littmann
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Katharina Kitzinger
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daan R Speth
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shengjie Li
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Kraberg
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Daniela Tienken
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Hannah K Marchant
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- MARUM - Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Boran Kartal
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- School of Science, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jana Milucka
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Mohr
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
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22
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Yin Z, Liang J, Zhang M, Chen B, Yu Z, Tian X, Deng X, Peng L. Pan-genome insights into adaptive evolution of bacterial symbionts in mixed host-microbe symbioses represented by human gut microbiota Bacteroides cellulosilyticus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172251. [PMID: 38604355 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172251] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Animal hosts harbor diverse assemblages of microbial symbionts that play crucial roles in the host's lifestyle. The link between microbial symbiosis and host development remains poorly understood. In particular, little is known about the adaptive evolution of gut bacteria in host-microbe symbioses. Recently, symbiotic relationships have been categorized as open, closed, or mixed, reflecting their modes of inter-host transmission and resulting in distinct genomic features. Members of the genus Bacteroides are the most abundant human gut microbiota and possess both probiotic and pathogenic potential, providing an excellent model for studying pan-genome evolution in symbiotic systems. Here, we determined the complete genome of an novel clinical strain PL2022, which was isolated from a blood sample and performed pan-genome analyses on a representative set of Bacteroides cellulosilyticus strains to quantify the influence of the symbiotic relationship on the evolutionary dynamics. B. cellulosilyticus exhibited correlated genomic features with both open and closed symbioses, suggesting a mixed symbiosis. An open pan-genome is characterized by abundant accessory gene families, potential horizontal gene transfer (HGT), and diverse mobile genetic elements (MGEs), indicating an innovative gene pool, mainly associated with genomic islands and plasmids. However, massive parallel gene loss, weak purifying selection, and accumulation of positively selected mutations were the main drivers of genome reduction in B. cellulosilyticus. Metagenomic read recruitment analyses showed that B. cellulosilyticus members are globally distributed and active in human gut habitats, in line with predominant vertical transmission in the human gut. However, existence and/or high abundance were also detected in non-intestinal tissues, other animal hosts, and non-host environments, indicating occasional horizontal transmission to new niches, thereby creating arenas for the acquisition of novel genes. This case study of adaptive evolution under a mixed host-microbe symbiosis advances our understanding of symbiotic pan-genome evolution. Our results highlight the complexity of genetic evolution in this unusual intestinal symbiont.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiu Yin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaxin Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China
| | - Mujie Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China
| | - Baozhu Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhanpeng Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Tian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China.
| | - Liang Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China; KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China.
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23
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Agarwal R, Althoff DM. Extreme specificity in obligate mutualism-A role for competition? Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11628. [PMID: 38911491 PMCID: PMC11190587 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11628] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Obligate mutualisms, reciprocally obligate beneficial interactions, are some of the most important mutualisms on the planet, providing the basis for the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, the formation and persistence of terrestrial ecosystems and the establishment and expansion of coral reefs. In addition, these mutualisms can also lead to the diversification of interacting partner species. Accompanying this diversification is a general pattern of a high degree of specificity among interacting partner species. A survey of obligate mutualisms demonstrates that greater than half of these systems have only one or two mutualist species on each side of the interaction. This is in stark contrast to facultative mutualisms that can have dozens of interacting mutualist species. We posit that the high degree of specificity in obligate mutualisms is driven by competition within obligate mutualist guilds that limits species richness. Competition may be particularly potent in these mutualisms because mutualistic partners are totally dependent on each other's fitness gains, which may fuel interspecific competition. Theory and the limited number of empirical studies testing for the role of competition in determining specificity suggest that competition may be an important force that fuels the high degree of specificity. Further empirical research is needed to dissect the relative roles of trait complementarity, mutualism regulation, and competition among mutualist guild members in determining mutualism specificity at local scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renuka Agarwal
- Department of BiologySyracuse UniversitySyracuseNew YorkUSA
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24
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Chen XR, Cui YZ, Li BZ, Yuan YJ. Genome engineering on size reduction and complexity simplification: A review. J Adv Res 2024; 60:159-171. [PMID: 37442424 PMCID: PMC11156615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome simplification is an important topic in the field of life sciences that has attracted attention from its conception to the present day. It can help uncover the essential components of the genome and, in turn, shed light on the underlying operating principles of complex biological systems. This has made it a central focus of both basic and applied research in the life sciences. With the recent advancements in related technologies and our increasing knowledge of the genome, now is an opportune time to delve into this topic. AIM OF REVIEW Our review investigates the progress of genome simplification from two perspectives: genome size reduction and complexity simplification. In addition, we provide insights into the future development trends of genome simplification. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Reducing genome size requires eliminating non-essential elements as much as possible. This process has been facilitated by advances in genome manipulation and synthesis techniques. However, we still need a better and clearer understanding of living systems to reduce genome complexity. As there is a lack of quantitative and clearly defined standards for this task, we have opted to approach the topic from various perspectives and present our findings accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Rong Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China; Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - You-Zhi Cui
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China; Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bing-Zhi Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China; Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Ying-Jin Yuan
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China; Frontiers Research Institute for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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25
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Boyd BM, James I, Johnson KP, Weiss RB, Bush SE, Clayton DH, Dale C. Stochasticity, determinism, and contingency shape genome evolution of endosymbiotic bacteria. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4571. [PMID: 38811551 PMCID: PMC11137140 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48784-2] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Evolution results from the interaction of stochastic and deterministic processes that create a web of historical contingency, shaping gene content and organismal function. To understand the scope of this interaction, we examine the relative contributions of stochasticity, determinism, and contingency in shaping gene inactivation in 34 lineages of endosymbiotic bacteria, Sodalis, found in parasitic lice, Columbicola, that are independently undergoing genome degeneration. Here we show that the process of genome degeneration in this system is largely deterministic: genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis are lost while those involved in providing B-vitamins to the host are retained. In contrast, many genes encoding redundant functions, including components of the respiratory chain and DNA repair pathways, are subject to stochastic loss, yielding historical contingencies that constrain subsequent losses. Thus, while selection results in functional convergence between symbiont lineages, stochastic mutations initiate distinct evolutionary trajectories, generating diverse gene inventories that lack the functional redundancy typically found in free-living relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bret M Boyd
- Center for Biological Data Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US.
| | - Ian James
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, US
| | - Kevin P Johnson
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, US
| | - Robert B Weiss
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, US
| | - Sarah E Bush
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, US
| | - Dale H Clayton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, US
| | - Colin Dale
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, US
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26
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Puginier C, Libourel C, Otte J, Skaloud P, Haon M, Grisel S, Petersen M, Berrin JG, Delaux PM, Dal Grande F, Keller J. Phylogenomics reveals the evolutionary origins of lichenization in chlorophyte algae. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4452. [PMID: 38789482 PMCID: PMC11126685 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48787-z] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutualistic symbioses have contributed to major transitions in the evolution of life. Here, we investigate the evolutionary history and the molecular innovations at the origin of lichens, which are a symbiosis established between fungi and green algae or cyanobacteria. We de novo sequence the genomes or transcriptomes of 12 lichen algal symbiont (LAS) and closely related non-symbiotic algae (NSA) to improve the genomic coverage of Chlorophyte algae. We then perform ancestral state reconstruction and comparative phylogenomics. We identify at least three independent gains of the ability to engage in the lichen symbiosis, one in Trebouxiophyceae and two in Ulvophyceae, confirming the convergent evolution of the lichen symbioses. A carbohydrate-active enzyme from the glycoside hydrolase 8 (GH8) family was identified as a top candidate for the molecular-mechanism underlying lichen symbiosis in Trebouxiophyceae. This GH8 was acquired in lichenizing Trebouxiophyceae by horizontal gene transfer, concomitantly with the ability to associate with lichens fungal symbionts (LFS) and is able to degrade polysaccharides found in the cell wall of LFS. These findings indicate that a combination of gene family expansion and horizontal gene transfer provided the basis for lichenization to evolve in chlorophyte algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Puginier
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales (LRSV), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, INP, Toulouse, 31320, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Cyril Libourel
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales (LRSV), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, INP, Toulouse, 31320, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Juergen Otte
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pavel Skaloud
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benátská 2, CZ-12800, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Mireille Haon
- INRAE, Aix Marseille Université, UMR1163 Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques (BBF), 13009, Marseille, France
- INRAE, Aix Marseille Université, 3PE Platform, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Sacha Grisel
- INRAE, Aix Marseille Université, UMR1163 Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques (BBF), 13009, Marseille, France
- INRAE, Aix Marseille Université, 3PE Platform, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Malte Petersen
- High Performance Computing & Analytics Lab, University of Bonn, Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 8, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jean-Guy Berrin
- INRAE, Aix Marseille Université, UMR1163 Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques (BBF), 13009, Marseille, France
- INRAE, Aix Marseille Université, 3PE Platform, 13009, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Marc Delaux
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales (LRSV), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, INP, Toulouse, 31320, Castanet-Tolosan, France.
| | - Francesco Dal Grande
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Jean Keller
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales (LRSV), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, INP, Toulouse, 31320, Castanet-Tolosan, France.
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745, Jena, Germany.
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27
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Dewar AE, Hao C, Belcher LJ, Ghoul M, West SA. Bacterial lifestyle shapes pangenomes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320170121. [PMID: 38743630 PMCID: PMC11126918 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320170121] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pangenomes vary across bacteria. Some species have fluid pangenomes, with a high proportion of genes varying between individual genomes. Other species have less fluid pangenomes, with different genomes tending to contain the same genes. Two main hypotheses have been suggested to explain this variation: differences in species' bacterial lifestyle and effective population size. However, previous studies have not been able to test between these hypotheses because the different features of lifestyle and effective population size are highly correlated with each other, and phylogenetically conserved, making it hard to disentangle their relative importance. We used phylogeny-based analyses, across 126 bacterial species, to tease apart the causal role of different factors. We found that pangenome fluidity was lower in i) host-associated compared with free-living species and ii) host-associated species that are obligately dependent on a host, live inside cells, and are more pathogenic and less motile. In contrast, we found no support for the competing hypothesis that larger effective population sizes lead to more fluid pangenomes. Effective population size appears to correlate with pangenome variation because it is also driven by bacterial lifestyle, rather than because of a causal relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Dewar
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, OxfordOX1 3SZ, United Kingdom
| | - Chunhui Hao
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, OxfordOX1 3SZ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Melanie Ghoul
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, OxfordOX1 3SZ, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart A. West
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, OxfordOX1 3SZ, United Kingdom
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28
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Oguchi K, Harumoto T, Katsuno T, Matsuura Y, Chiyoda S, Fukatsu T. Intracellularity, extracellularity, and squeezing in the symbiotic organ underpin nurturing and functioning of bacterial symbiont in leaf beetles. iScience 2024; 27:109731. [PMID: 38689638 PMCID: PMC11059521 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cassidine leaf beetles are associated with genome-reduced symbiotic bacteria Stammera involved in pectin digestion. Stammera cells appear to be harbored in paired symbiotic organs located at the foregut-midgut junction either intracellularly or extracellularly, whereas the symbiont is extracellular in the ovary-accessory glands of adult females and during caplet transmission in eggs. However, using fluorescence and electron microscopy, an intracellular symbiotic configuration of Stammera was observed in Notosacantha species. Detailed inspection of other cassidine species revealed fragmented cell membrane and cytoplasm of the symbiotic organs, wherein Stammera cells are in an intermediate status between intracellularity and extracellularity. We also identified a mitochondria-rich region adjacent to the symbiont-filled region and well-developed muscle fibers surrounding the whole symbiotic organ. Based on these observations, we discuss why the Stammera genome has been reduced so drastically and how symbiont-derived pectinases are produced and supplied to the host's alimentary tract for plant cell wall digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Oguchi
- Bioproducion Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
- Misaki Marine Biological Station (MMBS), School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Harumoto
- Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Katsuno
- Center for Anatomical Studies, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yu Matsuura
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Soma Chiyoda
- Misaki Marine Biological Station (MMBS), School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Japan
| | - Takema Fukatsu
- Bioproducion Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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29
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Frantsuzova E, Bogun A, Kopylova O, Vetrova A, Solyanikova I, Streletskii R, Delegan Y. Genomic, Phylogenetic and Physiological Characterization of the PAH-Degrading Strain Gordonia polyisoprenivorans 135. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:339. [PMID: 38785821 PMCID: PMC11117675 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The strain Gordonia polyisoprenivorans 135 is able to utilize a wide range of aromatic compounds. The aim of this work was to study the features of genetic organization and biotechnological potential of the strain G. polyisoprenivorans 135 as a degrader of aromatic compounds. The study of the genome of the strain 135 and the pangenome of the G. polyisoprenivorans species revealed that some genes, presumably involved in PAH catabolism, are atypical for Gordonia and belong to the pangenome of Actinobacteria. Analyzing the intergenic regions of strain 135 alongside the "panIGRome" of G. polyisoprenivorans showed that some intergenic regions in strain 135 also differ from those located between the same pairs of genes in related strains. The strain G. polyisoprenivorans 135 in our work utilized naphthalene (degradation degree 39.43%) and grew actively on salicylate. At present, this is the only known strain of G. polyisoprenivorans with experimentally confirmed ability to utilize these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Frantsuzova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Sciences” (FRC PSCBR RAS), 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia; (E.F.); (A.B.); (O.K.); (A.V.); (I.S.)
| | - Alexander Bogun
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Sciences” (FRC PSCBR RAS), 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia; (E.F.); (A.B.); (O.K.); (A.V.); (I.S.)
| | - Olga Kopylova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Sciences” (FRC PSCBR RAS), 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia; (E.F.); (A.B.); (O.K.); (A.V.); (I.S.)
- Pushchino Branch of Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Russian Biotechnology University (ROSBIOTECH)”, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Anna Vetrova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Sciences” (FRC PSCBR RAS), 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia; (E.F.); (A.B.); (O.K.); (A.V.); (I.S.)
| | - Inna Solyanikova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Sciences” (FRC PSCBR RAS), 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia; (E.F.); (A.B.); (O.K.); (A.V.); (I.S.)
- Regional Microbiological Center, Belgorod State University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Rostislav Streletskii
- Laboratory of Ecological Soil Science, Faculty of Soil Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Yanina Delegan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Sciences” (FRC PSCBR RAS), 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia; (E.F.); (A.B.); (O.K.); (A.V.); (I.S.)
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30
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Yang Y, Wang P, Qaidi SE, Hardwidge PR, Huang J, Zhu G. Loss to gain: pseudogenes in microorganisms, focusing on eubacteria, and their biological significance. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:328. [PMID: 38717672 PMCID: PMC11078800 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12971-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Pseudogenes are defined as "non-functional" copies of corresponding parent genes. The cognition of pseudogenes continues to be refreshed through accumulating and updating research findings. Previous studies have predominantly focused on mammals, but pseudogenes have received relatively less attention in the field of microbiology. Given the increasing recognition on the importance of pseudogenes, in this review, we focus on several aspects of microorganism pseudogenes, including their classification and characteristics, their generation and fate, their identification, their abundance and distribution, their impact on virulence, their ability to recombine with functional genes, the extent to which some pseudogenes are transcribed and translated, and the relationship between pseudogenes and viruses. By summarizing and organizing the latest research progress, this review will provide a comprehensive perspective and improved understanding on pseudogenes in microorganisms. KEY POINTS: • Concept, classification and characteristics, identification and databases, content, and distribution of microbial pseudogenes are presented. • How pseudogenization contribute to pathogen virulence is highlighted. • Pseudogenes with potential functions in microorganisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation On Prevention and Control Technology of Important Animal Diseases and Zoonoses of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Pengzhi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation On Prevention and Control Technology of Important Animal Diseases and Zoonoses of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Samir El Qaidi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Philip R Hardwidge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Jinlin Huang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China.
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
| | - Guoqiang Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation On Prevention and Control Technology of Important Animal Diseases and Zoonoses of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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31
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Malaterre C. Is Life Binary or Gradual? Life (Basel) 2024; 14:564. [PMID: 38792586 PMCID: PMC11121977 DOI: 10.3390/life14050564] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The binary nature of life is deeply ingrained in daily experiences, evident in the stark distinctions between life and death and the living and the inert. While this binary perspective aligns with disciplines like medicine and much of biology, uncertainties emerge in fields such as microbiology, virology, synthetic biology, and systems chemistry, where intermediate entities challenge straightforward classification as living or non-living. This contribution explores the motivations behind both binary and non-binary conceptualizations of life. Despite the perceived necessity to unequivocally define life, especially in the context of origin of life research and astrobiology, mounting evidence indicates a gray area between what is intuitively clearly alive and what is distinctly not alive. This prompts consideration of a gradualist perspective, depicting life as a spectrum with varying degrees of "lifeness". Given the current state of science, the existence or not of a definite threshold remains open. Nevertheless, shifts in epistemic granularity and epistemic perspective influence the framing of the question, and scientific advancements narrow down possible answers: if a threshold exists, it can only be at a finer level than what is intuitively taken as living or non-living. This underscores the need for a more refined distinction between the inanimate and the living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Malaterre
- Département de Philosophie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada;
- Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche sur la Science et la Technologie (CIRST), Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
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García-Lozano M, Henzler C, Porras MÁG, Pons I, Berasategui A, Lanz C, Budde H, Oguchi K, Matsuura Y, Pauchet Y, Goffredi S, Fukatsu T, Windsor D, Salem H. Paleocene origin of a streamlined digestive symbiosis in leaf beetles. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1621-1634.e9. [PMID: 38377997 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Timing the acquisition of a beneficial microbe relative to the evolutionary history of its host can shed light on the adaptive impact of a partnership. Here, we investigated the onset and molecular evolution of an obligate symbiosis between Cassidinae leaf beetles and Candidatus Stammera capleta, a γ-proteobacterium. Residing extracellularly within foregut symbiotic organs, Stammera upgrades the digestive physiology of its host by supplementing plant cell wall-degrading enzymes. We observe that Stammera is a shared symbiont across tortoise and hispine beetles that collectively comprise the Cassidinae subfamily, despite differences in their folivorous habits. In contrast to its transcriptional profile during vertical transmission, Stammera elevates the expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes while in the foregut symbiotic organs, matching the nutritional requirements of its host. Despite the widespread distribution of Stammera across Cassidinae beetles, symbiont acquisition during the Paleocene (∼62 mya) did not coincide with the origin of the subfamily. Early diverging lineages lack the symbiont and the specialized organs that house it. Reconstructing the ancestral state of host-beneficial factors revealed that Stammera encoded three digestive enzymes at the onset of symbiosis, including polygalacturonase-a pectinase that is universally shared. Although non-symbiotic cassidines encode polygalacturonase endogenously, their repertoire of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes is more limited compared with symbiotic beetles supplemented with digestive enzymes from Stammera. Highlighting the potential impact of a symbiotic condition and an upgraded metabolic potential, Stammera-harboring beetles exploit a greater variety of plants and are more speciose compared with non-symbiotic members of the Cassidinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleny García-Lozano
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Christine Henzler
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | | | - Inès Pons
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Aileen Berasategui
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany; Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Christa Lanz
- Genome Center, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Heike Budde
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Kohei Oguchi
- National Institute for Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan; Misaki Marine Biological Station, The University of Tokyo, Miura 238-0225, Japan
| | - Yu Matsuura
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Yannick Pauchet
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Shana Goffredi
- Department of Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA
| | - Takema Fukatsu
- National Institute for Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan
| | - Donald Windsor
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City 0843-03092, Panama
| | - Hassan Salem
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City 0843-03092, Panama.
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33
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Xu Q, Zhang H, Vandenkoornhuyse P, Guo S, Kuzyakov Y, Shen Q, Ling N. Carbon starvation raises capacities in bacterial antibiotic resistance and viral auxiliary carbon metabolism in soils. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318160121. [PMID: 38598339 PMCID: PMC11032446 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318160121] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Organic carbon availability in soil is crucial for shaping microbial communities, yet, uncertainties persist concerning microbial adaptations to carbon levels and the ensuing ecological and evolutionary consequences. We investigated organic carbon metabolism, antibiotic resistance, and virus-host interactions in soils subjected to 40 y of chemical and organic fertilization that led to contrasting carbon availability: carbon-poor and carbon-rich soils, respectively. Carbon-poor soils drove the enrichment of putative genes involved in organic matter decomposition and exhibited specialization in utilizing complex organic compounds, reflecting scramble competition. This specialization confers a competitive advantage of microbial communities in carbon-poor soils but reduces their buffering capacity in terms of organic carbon metabolisms, making them more vulnerable to environmental fluctuations. Additionally, in carbon-poor soils, viral auxiliary metabolic genes linked to organic carbon metabolism increased host competitiveness and environmental adaptability through a strategy akin to "piggyback the winner." Furthermore, putative antibiotic resistance genes, particularly in low-abundance drug categories, were enriched in carbon-poor soils as an evolutionary consequence of chemical warfare (i.e., interference competition). This raises concerns about the potential dissemination of antibiotic resistance from conventional agriculture that relies on chemical-only fertilization. Consequently, carbon starvation resulting from long-term chemical-only fertilization increases microbial adaptations to competition, underscoring the importance of implementing sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance and to increase soil carbon storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qicheng Xu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China
- CNRS, UMR 6553 EcoBio, Université de Rennes, Rennes Cedex35042, France
| | - He Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730020, China
| | | | - Shiwei Guo
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China
| | - Yakov Kuzyakov
- Department of Soil Science of Temperate Ecosystems, University of Göttingen, Göttingen37077, Germany
- Department of Agricultural Soil Science, University of Göttingen, Göttingen37077, Germany
| | - Qirong Shen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing210095, China
| | - Ning Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730020, China
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34
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Cooley NP, Wright ES. Many purported pseudogenes in bacterial genomes are bona fide genes. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:365. [PMID: 38622536 PMCID: PMC11017572 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10137-0] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial genomes are largely comprised of protein coding sequences, yet some genomes contain many pseudogenes caused by frameshifts or internal stop codons. These pseudogenes are believed to result from gene degradation during evolution but could also be technical artifacts of genome sequencing or assembly. RESULTS Using a combination of observational and experimental data, we show that many putative pseudogenes are attributable to errors that are incorporated into genomes during assembly. Within 126,564 publicly available genomes, we observed that nearly identical genomes often substantially differed in pseudogene counts. Causal inference implicated assembler, sequencing platform, and coverage as likely causative factors. Reassembly of genomes from raw reads confirmed that each variable affects the number of putative pseudogenes in an assembly. Furthermore, simulated sequencing reads corroborated our observations that the quality and quantity of raw data can significantly impact the number of pseudogenes in an assembler dependent fashion. The number of unexpected pseudogenes due to internal stops was highly correlated (R2 = 0.96) with average nucleotide identity to the ground truth genome, implying relative pseudogene counts can be used as a proxy for overall assembly correctness. Applying our method to assemblies in RefSeq resulted in rejection of 3.6% of assemblies due to significantly elevated pseudogene counts. Reassembly from real reads obtained from high coverage genomes showed considerable variability in spurious pseudogenes beyond that observed with simulated reads, reinforcing the finding that high coverage is necessary to mitigate assembly errors. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results demonstrate that many pseudogenes in microbial genome assemblies are actually genes. Our results suggest that high read coverage is required for correct assembly and indicate an inflated number of pseudogenes due to internal stops is indicative of poor overall assembly quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Cooley
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Erik S Wright
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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35
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Garber AI, Garcia de la Filia Molina A, Vea IM, Mongue AJ, Ross L, McCutcheon JP. Retention of an Endosymbiont for the Production of a Single Molecule. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae075. [PMID: 38577764 PMCID: PMC11032189 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sap-feeding insects often maintain two or more nutritional endosymbionts that act in concert to produce compounds essential for insect survival. Many mealybugs have endosymbionts in a nested configuration: one or two bacterial species reside within the cytoplasm of another bacterium, and together, these bacteria have genomes that encode interdependent sets of genes needed to produce key nutritional molecules. Here, we show that the mealybug Pseudococcus viburni has three endosymbionts, one of which contributes only two unique genes that produce the host nutrition-related molecule chorismate. All three bacterial endosymbionts have tiny genomes, suggesting that they have been coevolving inside their insect host for millions of years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiy I Garber
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | | | - Isabelle M Vea
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew J Mongue
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Laura Ross
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - John P McCutcheon
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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36
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Boyd BM, House N, Carduck CW, Reed DL. Genomic Diversity in the Endosymbiotic Bacteria of Human Head Lice. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae064. [PMID: 38513084 PMCID: PMC10986857 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae064] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects have repeatedly forged symbioses with heritable microbes, gaining novel traits. For the microbe, the transition to symbioses can lead to the degeneration of the symbiont's genome through transmission bottlenecks, isolation, and the loss of DNA repair enzymes. However, some insect-microbial symbioses have persisted for millions of years, suggesting that natural selection slows genetic drift and maintains functional consistency between symbiont populations. By sampling in multiple countries, we examine genomic diversity within a symbiont species, a heritable symbiotic bacterium found only in human head lice. We find that human head louse symbionts contain genetic diversity that appears to have arisen contemporaneously with the appearance of anatomically modern humans within Africa and/or during the colonization of Eurasia by humans. We predict that the observed genetic diversity underlies functional differences in extant symbiont lineages, through the inactivation of genes involved in symbiont membrane construction. Furthermore, we find evidence of additional gene losses prior to the appearance of modern humans, also impacting the symbiont membrane. From this, we conclude that symbiont genome degeneration is proceeding, via gene inactivation and subsequent loss, in human head louse symbionts, while genomic diversity is maintained. Collectively, our results provide a look into the genomic diversity within a single symbiont species and highlight the shared evolutionary history of humans, lice, and bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bret M Boyd
- Center for Biological Data Science, Life Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Niyomi House
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christopher W Carduck
- Center for Biological Data Science, Life Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - David L Reed
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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37
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Vasquez YM, Li Z, Xue AZ, Bennett GM. Chromosome-level genome assembly of the aster leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus) reveals the role of environment and microbial symbiosis in shaping pest insect genome evolution. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13919. [PMID: 38146900 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13919] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Leafhoppers comprise over 20,000 plant-sap feeding species, many of which are important agricultural pests. Most species rely on two ancestral bacterial symbionts, Sulcia and Nasuia, for essential nutrition lacking in their phloem and xylem plant sap diets. To understand how pest leafhopper genomes evolve and are shaped by microbial symbioses, we completed a chromosomal-level assembly of the aster leafhopper's genome (ALF; Macrosteles quadrilineatus). We compared ALF's genome to three other pest leafhoppers, Nephotettix cincticeps, Homalodisca vitripennis, and Empoasca onukii, which have distinct ecologies and symbiotic relationships. Despite diverging ~155 million years ago, leafhoppers have high levels of chromosomal synteny and gene family conservation. Conserved genes include those involved in plant chemical detoxification, resistance to various insecticides, and defence against environmental stress. Positive selection acting upon these genes further points to ongoing adaptive evolution in response to agricultural environments. In relation to leafhoppers' general dependence on symbionts, species that retain the ancestral symbiont, Sulcia, displayed gene enrichment of metabolic processes in their genomes. Leafhoppers with both Sulcia and its ancient partner, Nasuia, showed genomic enrichment in genes related to microbial population regulation and immune responses. Finally, horizontally transferred genes (HTGs) associated with symbiont support of Sulcia and Nasuia are only observed in leafhoppers that maintain symbionts. In contrast, HTGs involved in non-symbiotic functions are conserved across all species. The high-quality ALF genome provides deep insights into how host ecology and symbioses shape genome evolution and a wealth of genetic resources for pest control targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumary M Vasquez
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Allen Z Xue
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Gordon M Bennett
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
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38
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McCutcheon JP, Garber AI, Spencer N, Warren JM. How do bacterial endosymbionts work with so few genes? PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002577. [PMID: 38626194 PMCID: PMC11020763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The move from a free-living environment to a long-term residence inside a host eukaryotic cell has profound effects on bacterial function. While endosymbioses are found in many eukaryotes, from protists to plants to animals, the bacteria that form these host-beneficial relationships are even more diverse. Endosymbiont genomes can become radically smaller than their free-living relatives, and their few remaining genes show extreme compositional biases. The details of how these reduced and divergent gene sets work, and how they interact with their host cell, remain mysterious. This Unsolved Mystery reviews how genome reduction alters endosymbiont biology and highlights a "tipping point" where the loss of the ability to build a cell envelope coincides with a marked erosion of translation-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. McCutcheon
- Biodesign Institute and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Arkadiy I. Garber
- Biodesign Institute and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Noah Spencer
- Biodesign Institute and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jessica M. Warren
- Biodesign Institute and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
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Ulanova A, Mansfeldt C. EcoGenoRisk: Developing a computational ecological risk assessment tool for synthetic biology. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123647. [PMID: 38402941 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The expanding field of synthetic biology (synbio) supports new opportunities in the design of targeted bioproducts or modified microorganisms. However, this rapid development of synbio products raises concerns surrounding the potential risks of modified microorganisms contaminating unintended environments. These potential invasion risks require new bioinformatic tools to inform the design phase. EcoGenoRisk is a newly constructed computational risk assessment tool for invasiveness that aims to predict where synbio microorganisms may establish a population by screening for habitats of genetically similar microorganisms. The first module of the tool identifies genetically similar microorganisms and potential ecological relationships such as competition, mutualism, and inhibition. In total, 520 archaeal and 32,828 bacterial complete assembly genomes were analyzed to test the specificity and accuracy of the tool as well as to characterize the enzymatic profiles of different taxonomic lineages. Additionally, ecological relationships were analyzed to determine which would result in the greatest potential overlap between shared functional profiles. Notably, competition displayed the significantly highest overlap of shared functions between compared genomes. Overall, EcoGenoRisk is a flexible software pipeline that assists environmental risk assessors to query large databases of known microorganisms and prioritize follow-up bench scale studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ulanova
- University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA; University of Colorado Boulder, Environmental Engineering Program, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Cresten Mansfeldt
- University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA; University of Colorado Boulder, Environmental Engineering Program, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
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40
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Brockhurst MA, Cameron DD, Beckerman AP. Fitness trade-offs and the origins of endosymbiosis. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002580. [PMID: 38607979 PMCID: PMC11014431 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Endosymbiosis drives evolutionary innovation and underpins the function of diverse ecosystems. The mechanistic origins of symbioses, however, remain unclear, in part because early evolutionary events are obscured by subsequent evolution and genetic drift. This Essay highlights how experimental studies of facultative, host-switched, and synthetic symbioses are revealing the important role of fitness trade-offs between within-host and free-living niches during the early-stage evolution of new symbiotic associations. The mutational targets underpinning such trade-offs are commonly regulatory genes, such that single mutations have major phenotypic effects on multiple traits, thus enabling and reinforcing the transition to a symbiotic lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Brockhurst
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan D. Cameron
- Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew P. Beckerman
- School of Biosciences, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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41
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Klim J, Zielenkiewicz U, Kaczanowski S. Loss-of-function mutations are main drivers of adaptations during short-term evolution. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7128. [PMID: 38532077 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57694-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We noticed that during short-term experimental evolution and carcinogenesis, mutations causing gene inactivation (i.e., nonsense mutations or frameshifts) are frequent. Our meta-analysis of 65 experiments using modified dN/dS statistics indicated that nonsense mutations are adaptive in different experimental conditions and we empirically confirmed this prediction. Using yeast S. cerevisiae as a model we show that fixed or highly frequent gene loss-of-function mutations are almost exclusively adaptive in the majority of experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Klim
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Zielenkiewicz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Kaczanowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
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42
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Wang R, Meng Q, Wang X, Xiao Y, Sun R, Zhang Z, Fu Y, Di Giuseppe G, Liang A. Comparative genomic analysis of symbiotic and free-living Fluviibacter phosphoraccumulans strains provides insights into the evolutionary origins of obligate Euplotes-bacterial endosymbioses. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0190023. [PMID: 38334408 PMCID: PMC10952467 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01900-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Endosymbiosis is a widespread and important phenomenon requiring diverse model systems. Ciliates are a widespread group of protists that often form symbioses with diverse microorganisms. Endosymbioses between the ciliate Euplotes and heritable bacterial symbionts are common in nature, and four essential symbionts were described: Polynucleobacter necessarius, "Candidatus Protistobacter heckmanni," "Ca. Devosia symbiotica," and "Ca. Devosia euplotis." Among them, only the genus Polynucleobacter comprises very close free-living and symbiotic representatives, which makes it an excellent model for investigating symbiont replacements and recent symbioses. In this article, we characterized a novel endosymbiont inhabiting the cytoplasm of Euplotes octocarinatus and found that it is a close relative of the free-living bacterium Fluviibacter phosphoraccumulans (Betaproteobacteria and Rhodocyclales). We present the complete genome sequence and annotation of the symbiotic Fluviibacter. Comparative analyses indicate that the genome of symbiotic Fluviibacter is small in size and rich in pseudogenes when compared with free-living strains, which seems to fit the prediction for recently established endosymbionts undergoing genome erosion. Further comparative analysis revealed reduced metabolic capacities in symbiotic Fluviibacter, which implies that the symbiont relies on the host Euplotes for carbon sources, organic nitrogen and sulfur, and some cofactors. We also estimated substitution rates between symbiotic and free-living Fluviibacter pairs for 233 genes; the results showed that symbiotic Fluviibacter displays higher dN/dS mean value than free-living relatives, which suggested that genetic drift is the main driving force behind molecular evolution in endosymbionts. IMPORTANCE In the long history of symbiosis research, most studies focused mainly on organelles or bacteria within multicellular hosts. The single-celled protists receive little attention despite harboring an immense diversity of symbiotic associations with bacteria and archaea. One subgroup of the ciliate Euplotes species is strictly dependent on essential symbionts for survival and has emerged as a valuable model for understanding symbiont replacements and recent symbioses. However, almost all of our knowledge about the evolution and functions of Euplotes symbioses comes from the Euplotes-Polynucleobacter system. In this article, we report a novel essential symbiont, which also has very close free-living relatives. Genome analysis indicated that it is a recently established endosymbiont undergoing genome erosion and relies on the Euplotes host for many essential molecules. Our results provide support for the notion that essential symbionts of the ciliate Euplotes evolve from free-living progenitors in the natural water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruanlin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qingyao Meng
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ruijuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhiyun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yuejun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | | | - Aihua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
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43
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Moreno-Pino M, Manrique-de-la-Cuba MF, López-Rodríguez M, Parada-Pozo G, Rodríguez-Marconi S, Ribeiro CG, Flores-Herrera P, Guajardo M, Trefault N. Unveiling microbial guilds and symbiotic relationships in Antarctic sponge microbiomes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6371. [PMID: 38493232 PMCID: PMC10944490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56480-w] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine sponges host diverse microbial communities. Although we know many of its ecological patterns, a deeper understanding of the polar sponge holobiont is still needed. We combine high-throughput sequencing of ribosomal genes, including the largest taxonomic repertoire of Antarctic sponge species analyzed to date, functional metagenomics, and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Our findings show that sponges harbor more exclusive bacterial and archaeal communities than seawater, while microbial eukaryotes are mostly shared. Furthermore, bacteria in Antarctic sponge holobionts establish more cooperative interactions than in sponge holobionts from other environments. The bacterial classes that established more positive relations were Bacteroidia, Gamma- and Alphaproteobacteria. Antarctic sponge microbiomes contain microbial guilds that encompass ammonia-oxidizing archaea, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. The retrieved MAGs showed a high level of novelty and streamlining signals and belong to the most abundant members of the main microbial guilds in the Antarctic sponge holobiont. Moreover, the genomes of these symbiotic bacteria contain highly abundant functions related to their adaptation to the cold environment, vitamin production, and symbiotic lifestyle, helping the holobiont survive in this extreme environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Moreno-Pino
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, 8580745, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Génesis Parada-Pozo
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, 8580745, Santiago, Chile
- Millenium Nucleus in Marine Agronomy of Seaweed Holobionts (MASH), Puerto Montt, Chile
| | | | | | - Patricio Flores-Herrera
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, 8580745, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mariela Guajardo
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, 8580745, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicole Trefault
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, 8580745, Santiago, Chile.
- Millenium Nucleus in Marine Agronomy of Seaweed Holobionts (MASH), Puerto Montt, Chile.
- FONDAP Center IDEAL- Dynamics of High Latitude Marine Ecosystem, Valdivia, Chile.
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44
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Stante M, Weiland-Bräuer N, von Hoyningen-Huene AJE, Schmitz RA. Marine bacteriophages disturb the associated microbiota of Aurelia aurita with a recoverable effect on host morphology. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1356337. [PMID: 38533338 PMCID: PMC10964490 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1356337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of the metaorganism describes a multicellular host and its diverse microbial community, which form one biological unit with a combined genetic repertoire that significantly influences health and survival of the host. The present study delved into the emerging field of bacteriophage research within metaorganisms, focusing on the moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita as a model organism. The previously isolated Pseudomonas phage BSwM KMM1 and Citrobacter phages BSwM KMM2 - KMM4 demonstrated potent infectivity on bacteria present in the A. aurita-associated microbiota. In a host-fitness experiment, Baltic Sea subpopulation polyps were exposed to individual phages and a phage cocktail, monitoring polyp survival and morphology, as well as microbiome changes. The following effects were obtained. First, phage exposure in general led to recoverable malformations in polyps without affecting their survival. Second, analyses of the community structure, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, revealed alterations in the associated microbial community in response to phage exposure. Third, the native microbiota is dominated by an uncultured likely novel Mycoplasma species, potentially specific to A. aurita. Notably, this main colonizer showed resilience through the recovery after initial declines, which aligned with abundance changes in Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria, suggesting a dynamic and adaptable microbial community. Overall, this study demonstrates the resilience of the A. aurita metaorganism facing phage-induced perturbations, emphasizing the importance of understanding host-phage interactions in metaorganism biology. These findings have implications for ecological adaptation and conservation in the rapidly changing marine environment, particularly regarding the regulation of blooming species and the health of marine ecosystems during ongoing environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ruth Anne Schmitz
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Roman-Reyna V, Sharma A, Toth H, Konkel Z, Omiotek N, Murthy S, Faith S, Slot J, Peduto Hand F, Goss EM, Jacobs JM. Live tracking of a plant pathogen outbreak reveals rapid and successive, multidecade plasmid reduction. mSystems 2024; 9:e0079523. [PMID: 38275768 PMCID: PMC10878067 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00795-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Quickly understanding the genomic changes that lead to pathogen emergence is necessary to launch mitigation efforts and reduce harm. In this study, we tracked in real time a 2022 bacterial plant disease outbreak in U.S. geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) caused by Xhp2022, a novel lineage of Xanthomonas hortorum. Genomes from 31 Xhp2022 isolates from seven states showed limited chromosomal variation and all contained a single plasmid (p93). Time tree and single nucleotide polymorphism whole-genome analysis estimated that Xhp2022 emerged within the last decade. The phylogenomic analysis determined that p93 resulted from the cointegration of three plasmids (p31, p45, and p66) found sporadically across isolates from previous outbreaks. Although p93 had a 49 kb nucleotide reduction, it retained putative fitness genes, which became predominant in the 2022 outbreak. Overall, we demonstrated, through rapid whole-genome sequencing and analysis, a recent, traceable event of genome reduction for niche adaptation typically observed over millennia in obligate and fastidious pathogens.IMPORTANCEThe geranium industry, valued at $4 million annually, faces an ongoing Xanthomonas hortorum pv. pelargonii (Xhp) pathogen outbreak. To track and describe the outbreak, we compared the genome structure across historical and globally distributed isolates. Our research revealed Xhp population has not had chromosome rearrangements since 1974 and has three distinct plasmids. In 2012, we found all three plasmids in individual Xhp isolates. However, in 2022, the three plasmids co-integrated into one plasmid named p93. p93 retained putative fitness genes but lost extraneous genomic material. Our findings show that the 2022 strain group of the bacterial plant pathogen Xanthomonas hortorum underwent a plasmid reduction. We also observed several Xanthomonas species from different years, hosts, and continents have similar plasmids to p93, possibly due to shared agricultural settings. We noticed parallels between genome efficiency and reduction that we see across millennia with obligate parasites with increased niche specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Roman-Reyna
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Anuj Sharma
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Hannah Toth
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Zachary Konkel
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicolle Omiotek
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shashanka Murthy
- Applied Microbiology Services Laboratory, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Seth Faith
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Applied Microbiology Services Laboratory, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jason Slot
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Erica M. Goss
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Jacobs
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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46
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Cantin LJ, Dunning Hotopp JC, Foster JM. Improved metagenome assemblies through selective enrichment of bacterial genomic DNA from eukaryotic host genomic DNA using ATAC-seq. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1352378. [PMID: 38426058 PMCID: PMC10902005 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1352378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomics can be used to study the complex relationships between hosts and their microbiota. Many bacteria cannot be cultured in the laboratory, making it difficult to obtain adequate amounts of bacterial DNA and to limit host DNA contamination for the construction of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). For example, Wolbachia is a genus of exclusively obligate intracellular bacteria that live in a wide range of arthropods and some nematodes. While Wolbachia endosymbionts are frequently described as facultative reproductive parasites in arthropods, the bacteria are obligate mutualistic endosymbionts of filarial worms. Here, we achieve 50-fold enrichment of bacterial sequences using ATAC-seq (Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing) with Brugia malayi nematodes, containing Wolbachia (wBm). ATAC-seq uses the Tn5 transposase to cut and attach Illumina sequencing adapters to accessible DNA lacking histones, typically thought to be open chromatin. Bacterial and mitochondrial DNA in the lysates are also cut preferentially since they lack histones, leading to the enrichment of these sequences. The benefits of this include minimal tissue input (<1 mg of tissue), a quick protocol (<4 h), low sequencing costs, less bias, correct assembly of lateral gene transfers and no prior sequence knowledge required. We assembled the wBm genome with as few as 1 million Illumina short paired-end reads with >97% coverage of the published genome, compared to only 12% coverage with the standard gDNA libraries. We found significant bacterial sequence enrichment that facilitated genome assembly in previously published ATAC-seq data sets from human cells infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and C. elegans contaminated with their food source, the OP50 strain of E. coli. These results demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of using ATAC-seq to easily obtain bacterial genomes to aid in symbiosis, infectious disease, and microbiome research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey J. Cantin
- Biochemistry and Microbiology Division, New England BioLabs, Ipswich, MA, United States
| | - Julie C. Dunning Hotopp
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jeremy M. Foster
- Biochemistry and Microbiology Division, New England BioLabs, Ipswich, MA, United States
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47
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Castelli M, Nardi T, Gammuto L, Bellinzona G, Sabaneyeva E, Potekhin A, Serra V, Petroni G, Sassera D. Host association and intracellularity evolved multiple times independently in the Rickettsiales. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1093. [PMID: 38321113 PMCID: PMC10847448 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45351-7] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The order Rickettsiales (Alphaproteobacteria) encompasses multiple diverse lineages of host-associated bacteria, including pathogens, reproductive manipulators, and mutualists. Here, in order to understand how intracellularity and host association originated in this order, and whether they are ancestral or convergently evolved characteristics, we built a large and phylogenetically-balanced dataset that includes de novo sequenced genomes and a selection of published genomic and metagenomic assemblies. We perform detailed functional reconstructions that clearly indicates "late" and parallel evolution of obligate host-association in different Rickettsiales lineages. According to the depicted scenario, multiple independent horizontal acquisitions of transporters led to the progressive loss of biosynthesis of nucleotides, amino acids and other metabolites, producing distinct conditions of host-dependence. Each clade experienced a different pattern of evolution of the ancestral arsenal of interaction apparatuses, including development of specialised effectors involved in the lineage-specific mechanisms of host cell adhesion and/or invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Castelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Tiago Nardi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Greta Bellinzona
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Sabaneyeva
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Saint Petersburg State University, Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey Potekhin
- Department of Microbiology, Saint Petersburg State University, Petersburg, Russia
- Research Department for Limnology, University of Innsbruck, Mondsee, Austria
| | | | | | - Davide Sassera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
- IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
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48
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Hesse E, O’Brien S. Ecological dependencies and the illusion of cooperation in microbial communities. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001442. [PMID: 38385784 PMCID: PMC10924460 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001442] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Ecological dependencies - where organisms rely on other organisms for survival - are a ubiquitous feature of life on earth. Multicellular hosts rely on symbionts to provide essential vitamins and amino acids. Legume plants similarly rely on nitrogen-fixing rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia. In some cases, dependencies can arise via loss-of-function mutations that allow one partner to benefit from the actions of another. It is common in microbiology to label ecological dependencies between species as cooperation - making it necessary to invoke cooperation-specific frameworks to explain the phenomenon. However, in many cases, such traits are not (at least initially) cooperative, because they are not selected for because of the benefits they confer on a partner species. In contrast, dependencies in microbial communities may originate from fitness benefits gained from genomic-streamlining (i.e. Black Queen Dynamics). Here, we outline how the Black Queen Hypothesis predicts the formation of metabolic dependencies via loss-of-function mutations in microbial communities, without needing to invoke any cooperation-specific explanations. Furthermore we outline how the Black Queen Hypothesis can act as a blueprint for true cooperation as well as discuss key outstanding questions in the field. The nature of interactions in microbial communities can predict the ability of natural communities to withstand and recover from disturbances. Hence, it is vital to gain a deeper understanding of the factors driving these dynamic interactions over evolutionary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elze Hesse
- College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Siobhán O’Brien
- Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Department of Microbiology, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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49
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Glascock A, Waltari E, Dudas G, Wong J, Ahyong V. PoMeLo: a systematic computational approach to predicting metabolic loss in pathogen genomes. BMC Bioinformatics 2024; 25:49. [PMID: 38291430 PMCID: PMC10829301 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-024-05640-w] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome streamlining, the process by which genomes become smaller and encode fewer genes over time, is a common phenomenon among pathogenic bacteria. This reduction is driven by selection for minimized energy expenditure in a nutrient-rich environment. As pathogens evolve to become more reliant on the host, metabolic genes and resulting capabilities are lost in favor of siphoning metabolites from the host. Characterizing genome streamlining, gene loss, and metabolic pathway degradation can be useful in assessing pathogen dependency on host metabolism and identifying potential targets for host-directed therapeutics. RESULTS PoMeLo (Predictor of Metabolic Loss) is a novel evolutionary genomics-guided computational approach for identifying metabolic gaps in the genomes of pathogenic bacteria. PoMeLo leverages a centralized public database of high-quality genomes and annotations and allows the user to compare an unlimited number of genomes across individual genes and pathways. PoMeLo runs locally using user-friendly prompts in a matter of minutes and generates tabular and visual outputs for users to compare predicted metabolic capacity between groups of bacteria and individual species. Each pathway is assigned a Predicted Metabolic Loss (PML) score to assess the magnitude of genome streamlining. Optionally, PoMeLo places the results in an evolutionary context by including phylogenetic relationships in visual outputs. It can also initially compute phylogenetically-weighted mean genome sizes to identify genome streamlining events. Here, we describe PoMeLo and demonstrate its use in identifying metabolic gaps in genomes of pathogenic Treponema species. CONCLUSIONS PoMeLo represents an advance over existing methods for identifying metabolic gaps in genomic data, allowing comparison across large numbers of genomes and placing the resulting data in a phylogenetic context. PoMeLo is freely available for academic and non-academic use at https://github.com/czbiohub-sf/pomelo .
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gytis Dudas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Joan Wong
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vida Ahyong
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
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50
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González-Pech RA, Li VY, Garcia V, Boville E, Mammone M, Kitano H, Ritchie KB, Medina M. The Evolution, Assembly, and Dynamics of Marine Holobionts. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2024; 16:443-466. [PMID: 37552896 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-022123-104345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The holobiont concept (i.e., multiple living beings in close symbiosis with one another and functioning as a unit) is revolutionizing our understanding of biology, especially in marine systems. The earliest marine holobiont was likely a syntrophic partnership of at least two prokaryotic members. Since then, symbiosis has enabled marine organisms to conquer all ocean habitats through the formation of holobionts with a wide spectrum of complexities. However, most scientific inquiries have focused on isolated organisms and their adaptations to specific environments. In this review, we attempt to illustrate why a holobiont perspective-specifically, the study of how numerous organisms form a discrete ecological unit through symbiosis-will be a more impactful strategy to advance our understanding of the ecology and evolution of marine life. We argue that this approach is instrumental in addressing the threats to marine biodiversity posed by the current global environmental crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl A González-Pech
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; , , , , ,
| | - Vivian Y Li
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; , , , , ,
| | - Vanessa Garcia
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; , , , , ,
| | - Elizabeth Boville
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; , , , , ,
| | - Marta Mammone
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; , , , , ,
| | | | - Kim B Ritchie
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina, Beaufort, South Carolina, USA;
| | - Mónica Medina
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; , , , , ,
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