1
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Bak F, Keuschnig C, Nybroe O, Aamand J, Jørgensen PR, Nicolaisen MH, Vogel TM, Larose C. Microbial life in preferential flow paths in subsurface clayey till revealed by metataxonomy and metagenomics. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:296. [PMID: 39123130 PMCID: PMC11312239 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03432-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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subsurface microorganisms contribute to important ecosystem services, yet little is known about how the composition of these communities is affected by small scale heterogeneity such as in preferential flow paths including biopores and fractures. This study aimed to provide a more complete characterization of microbial communities from preferential flow paths and matrix sediments of a clayey till to a depth of 400 cm by using 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS2 amplicon sequencing of environmental DNA. Moreover, shotgun metagenomics was applied to samples from fractures located 150 cm below ground surface (bgs) to investigate the bacterial genomic adaptations resulting from fluctuating exposure to nutrients, oxygen and water. RESULTS The microbial communities changed significantly with depth. In addition, the bacterial/archaeal communities in preferential flow paths were significantly different from those in the adjacent matrix sediments, which was not the case for fungal communities. Preferential flow paths contained higher abundances of 16S rRNA and ITS gene copies than the corresponding matrix sediments and more aerobic bacterial taxa than adjacent matrix sediments at 75 and 150 cm bgs. These findings were linked to higher organic carbon and the connectivity of the flow paths to the topsoil as demonstrated by previous dye tracer experiments. Moreover, bacteria, which were differentially more abundant in the fractures than in the matrix sediment at 150 cm bgs, had higher abundances of carbohydrate active enzymes, and a greater potential for mixotrophic growth. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that the preferential flow paths in the subsurface are unique niches that are closely connected to water flow and the fluctuating ground water table. Although no difference in fungal communities were observed between these two niches, hydraulically active flow paths contained a significantly higher abundance in fungal, archaeal and bacterial taxa. Metagenomic analysis suggests that bacteria in tectonic fractures have the genetic potential to respond to fluctuating oxygen levels and can degrade organic carbon, which should result in their increased participation in subsurface carbon cycling. This increased microbial abundance and activity needs to be considered in future research and modelling efforts of the soil subsurface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Bak
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Christoph Keuschnig
- Interface Geochemistry, German Research Center for Geosciences, GFZ, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ole Nybroe
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jens Aamand
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Mette H Nicolaisen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Timothy M Vogel
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Catherine Larose
- IGE - Institut de Géosciences de l'Environnement, Grenoble, France
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2
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He Y, Zhuo S, Gao D, Pan Y, Li M, Pan J, Jiang Y, Hu Y, Guo J, Lin Q, Sanford RA, Sun W, Shang J, Wei N, Peng S, Jiang Z, Li S, Li Y, Dong Y, Shi L. Viral communities in a pH>10 serpentinite-like environment: insight into diversity and potential roles in modulating the microbiomes by bioactive vitamin B 9 synthesis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024:e0085024. [PMID: 39016614 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00850-24] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral communities exist in a variety of ecosystems and play significant roles in mediating biogeochemical processes, whereas viruses inhabiting strongly alkaline geochemical systems remain underexplored. In this study, the viral diversity, potential functionalities, and virus-host interactions in a strongly alkaline environment (pH = 10.4-12.4) exposed to the leachates derived from the serpentinization-like reactions of smelting slags were investigated. The viral populations (e.g., Herelleviridae, Queuovirinae, and Inoviridae) were closely associated with the dominating prokaryotic hosts (e.g., Meiothermus, Trueperaceae, and Serpentinomonas) in this ultrabasic environment. Auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) suggested that viruses may enhance hosts' fitness by facilitating cofactor biosynthesis, hydrogen metabolism, and carbon cycling. To evaluate the activity of synthesis of essential cofactor vitamin B9 by the viruses, a viral folA (vfolA) gene encoding dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) was introduced into a thymidine-auxotrophic strain Escherichia coli MG1655 ΔfolA mutant, which restored the growth of the latter in the absence of thymidine. Notably, the homologs of the validated vDHFR were globally distributed in the viromes across various ecosystems. The present study sheds new light on the unique viral communities in hyperalkaline ecosystems and their potential beneficial impacts on the coexisting microbial consortia by supplying essential cofactors. IMPORTANCE This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the diversity, potential functionalities, and virus-microbe interactions in an artificially induced strongly alkaline environment. Functional validation of the detected viral folA genes encoding dihydrofolate reductase substantiated the synthesis of essential cofactors by viruses, which may be ubiquitous, considering the broad distribution of the viral genes associated with folate cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu He
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyan Zhuo
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghao Gao
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Pan
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Li
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Studies, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Studies, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongguang Jiang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yidan Hu
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinzhi Guo
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin Lin
- Shanghai Biozeron Biological Technology Co. Ltd, China, Shanghai, China
| | - Robert A Sanford
- Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, llinois, USA
| | - Weimin Sun
- Guangdong Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Science, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianying Shang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation in North China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Shuming Peng
- Institute of Ecological Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhou Jiang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuyi Li
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongzhe Li
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiran Dong
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Shi
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, China
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3
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Martínez-Pérez C, Zweifel ST, Pioli R, Stocker R. Space, the final frontier: The spatial component of phytoplankton-bacterial interactions. Mol Microbiol 2024. [PMID: 38970428 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15293] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Microscale interactions between marine phytoplankton and bacteria shape the microenvironment of individual cells, impacting their physiology and ultimately influencing global-scale biogeochemical processes like carbon and nutrient cycling. In dilute environments such as the ocean water column, metabolic exchange between microorganisms likely requires close proximity between partners. However, the biological strategies to achieve this physical proximity remain an understudied aspect of phytoplankton-bacterial associations. Understanding the mechanisms by which these microorganisms establish and sustain spatial relationships and the extent to which spatial proximity is necessary for interactions to occur, is critical to learning how spatial associations influence the ecology of phytoplankton and bacterial communities. Here, we provide an overview of current knowledge on the role of space in shaping interactions among ocean microorganisms, encompassing behavioural and metabolic evidence. We propose that characterising phytoplankton-bacterial interactions from a spatial perspective can contribute to a mechanistic understanding of the establishment and maintenance of these associations and, consequently, an enhanced ability to predict the impact of microscale processes on ecosystem-wide phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Martínez-Pérez
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sophie T Zweifel
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Pioli
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roman Stocker
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Zhu S, Tan Z, Guo Z, Zheng H, Zhang B, Qin Z, Xie J, Lin Y, Sheng B, Qiu G, Preis S, Wei C. Symbiotic virus-bacteria interactions in biological treatment of coking wastewater manipulating bacterial physiological activities. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 257:121741. [PMID: 38744061 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121741] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Biological treatment is commonly used in coking wastewater (CWW) treatment. Prokaryotic microbial communities in CWW treatment have been comprehensively studied. However, viruses, as the critical microorganisms affecting microbial processes and thus engineering parameters, still remain poorly understood in CWW treatment context. Employing viromics sequencing, the composition and function of the viral community in CWW treatment were discovered, revealing novel viral communities and key auxiliary metabolic functions. Caudovirales appeared to be the predominant viral order in the oxic-hydrolytic-oxic (OHO) CWW treatment combination, showing relative abundances of 62.47 %, 56.64 % and 92.20 % in bioreactors O1, H and O2, respectively. At the family level, Myoviridae, Podoviridae and Siphoviridae mainly prevailed in bioreactors O1 and H while Phycodnaviridae dominated in O2. A total of 56.23-92.24% of novel viral contigs defied family-level characterization in this distinct CWW habitat. The virus-host prediction results revealed most viruses infecting the specific functional taxa Pseudomonas, Acidovorax and Thauera in the entire OHO combination, demonstrating the viruses affecting bacterial physiology and pollutants removal from CWW. Viral auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were screened, revealing their involvement in the metabolism of contaminants and toxicity tolerance. In the bioreactor O1, AMGs were enriched in detoxification and phosphorus ingestion, where glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) and beta-ketoadipyl CoA thiolase (fadA) participated in biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenols, respectively. In the bioreactors H and O2, the AMGs focused on cell division and epicyte formation of the hosts, where GDPmannose 4,6-dehydratase (gmd) related to lipopolysaccharides biosynthesis was considered to play an important role in the growth of nitrifiers. The diversities of viruses and AMGs decreased along the CWW treatment process, pointing to a reinforced virus-host adaptive strategy in stressful operation environments. In this study, the symbiotic virus-bacteria interaction patterns were proposed with a theoretical basis for promoting CWW biological treatment efficiency. The findings filled the gaps in the virus-bacteria interactions at the full-scale CWW treatment and provided great value for understanding the mechanism of biological toxicity and sludge activity in industrial wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhu
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Zhijie Tan
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Ziyu Guo
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Huijian Zheng
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Baoshan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zhi Qin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Junting Xie
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yuexia Lin
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Binbin Sheng
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Guanglei Qiu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Sergei Preis
- Department of Materials and Environmental Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn 19086, Estonia
| | - Chaohai Wei
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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5
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Wienhausen G, Moraru C, Bruns S, Tran DQ, Sultana S, Wilkes H, Dlugosch L, Azam F, Simon M. Ligand cross-feeding resolves bacterial vitamin B 12 auxotrophies. Nature 2024; 629:886-892. [PMID: 38720071 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07396-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Cobalamin (vitamin B12, herein referred to as B12) is an essential cofactor for most marine prokaryotes and eukaryotes1,2. Synthesized by a limited number of prokaryotes, its scarcity affects microbial interactions and community dynamics2-4. Here we show that two bacterial B12 auxotrophs can salvage different B12 building blocks and cooperate to synthesize B12. A Colwellia sp. synthesizes and releases the activated lower ligand α-ribazole, which is used by another B12 auxotroph, a Roseovarius sp., to produce the corrin ring and synthesize B12. Release of B12 by Roseovarius sp. happens only in co-culture with Colwellia sp. and only coincidently with the induction of a prophage encoded in Roseovarius sp. Subsequent growth of Colwellia sp. in these conditions may be due to the provision of B12 by lysed cells of Roseovarius sp. Further evidence is required to support a causative role for prophage induction in the release of B12. These complex microbial interactions of ligand cross-feeding and joint B12 biosynthesis seem to be widespread in marine pelagic ecosystems. In the western and northern tropical Atlantic Ocean, bacteria predicted to be capable of salvaging cobinamide and synthesizing only the activated lower ligand outnumber B12 producers. These findings add new players to our understanding of B12 supply to auxotrophic microorganisms in the ocean and possibly in other ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit Wienhausen
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), School of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Marine Biology Research Division, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Cristina Moraru
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), School of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Environmental Metagenomics, Research Center One Health Ruhr of the University Alliance Ruhr, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Bruns
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), School of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Den Quoc Tran
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), School of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Sabiha Sultana
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), School of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Heinz Wilkes
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), School of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Leon Dlugosch
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), School of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Farooq Azam
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Marine Biology Research Division, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Meinhard Simon
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), School of Mathematics and Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg (HIFMB), Oldenburg, Germany.
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6
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Alvarez-Aponte ZI, Govindaraju AM, Hallberg ZF, Nicolas AM, Green MA, Mok KC, Fonseca-García C, Coleman-Derr D, Brodie EL, Carlson HK, Taga ME. Phylogenetic distribution and experimental characterization of corrinoid production and dependence in soil bacterial isolates. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae068. [PMID: 38648288 PMCID: PMC11287214 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Soil microbial communities impact carbon sequestration and release, biogeochemical cycling, and agricultural yields. These global effects rely on metabolic interactions that modulate community composition and function. However, the physicochemical and taxonomic complexity of soil and the scarcity of available isolates for phenotypic testing are significant barriers to studying soil microbial interactions. Corrinoids-the vitamin B12 family of cofactors-are critical for microbial metabolism, yet they are synthesized by only a subset of microbiome members. Here, we evaluated corrinoid production and dependence in soil bacteria as a model to investigate the ecological roles of microorganisms involved in metabolic interactions. We isolated and characterized a taxonomically diverse collection of 161 soil bacteria from a single study site. Most corrinoid-dependent bacteria in the collection prefer B12 over other corrinoids, while all tested producers synthesize B12, indicating metabolic compatibility between producers and dependents in the collection. Furthermore, a subset of producers release B12 at levels sufficient to support dependent isolates in laboratory culture at estimated ratios of up to 1000 dependents per producer. Within our isolate collection, we did not find strong phylogenetic patterns in corrinoid production or dependence. Upon investigating trends in the phylogenetic dispersion of corrinoid metabolism categories across sequenced bacteria from various environments, we found that these traits are conserved in 47 out of 85 genera. Together, these phenotypic and genomic results provide evidence for corrinoid-based metabolic interactions among bacteria and provide a framework for the study of nutrient-sharing ecological interactions in microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoila I Alvarez-Aponte
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Alekhya M Govindaraju
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Zachary F Hallberg
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Alexa M Nicolas
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Myka A Green
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Kenny C Mok
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Citlali Fonseca-García
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
- Plant Gene Expression Center, USDA-ARS, Albany, CA 94710, United States
| | - Devin Coleman-Derr
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
- Plant Gene Expression Center, USDA-ARS, Albany, CA 94710, United States
| | - Eoin L Brodie
- Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Hans K Carlson
- Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Michiko E Taga
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
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7
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Bittner MJ, Bannon CC, Rowland E, Sundh J, Bertrand EM, Andersson AF, Paerl RW, Riemann L. New chemical and microbial perspectives on vitamin B1 and vitamer dynamics of a coastal system. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycad016. [PMID: 38390520 PMCID: PMC10881298 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin B1 (thiamin, B1) is an essential micronutrient for cells, yet intriguingly in aquatic systems most bacterioplankton are unable to synthesize it de novo (auxotrophy), requiring an exogenous source. Cycling of this valuable metabolite in aquatic systems has not been fully investigated and vitamers (B1-related compounds) have only begun to be measured and incorporated into the B1 cycle. Here, we identify potential key producers and consumers of B1 and gain new insights into the dynamics of B1 cycling through measurements of B1 and vitamers (HMP: 4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine, HET: 4-methyl-5-thiazoleethanol, FAMP: N-formyl-4-amino-5-aminomethyl-2-methylpyrimidine) in the particulate and dissolved pool in a temperate coastal system. Dissolved B1 was not the primary limiting nutrient for bacterial production and was relatively stable across seasons with concentrations ranging from 74-117 pM, indicating a balance of supply and demand. However, vitamer concentration changed markedly with season as did transcripts related to vitamer salvage and transport suggesting use of vitamers by certain bacterioplankton, e.g. Pelagibacterales. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses showed that up to 78% of the bacterioplankton taxa were B1 auxotrophs. Notably, de novo B1 production was restricted to a few abundant bacterioplankton (e.g. Vulcanococcus, BACL14 (Burkholderiales), Verrucomicrobiales) across seasons. In summer, abundant picocyanobacteria were important putative B1 sources, based on transcriptional activity, leading to an increase in the B1 pool. Our results provide a new dynamic view of the players and processes involved in B1 cycling over time in coastal waters, and identify specific priority populations and processes for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriel J Bittner
- Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 3000 Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Catherine C Bannon
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Elden Rowland
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - John Sundh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Box 1031, 17121 Solna, Sweden
| | - Erin M Bertrand
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, B3H 4R2, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Anders F Andersson
- Department of Gene Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ryan W Paerl
- Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 2769, United States
| | - Lasse Riemann
- Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 3000 Helsingør, Denmark
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8
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Song W, Zhang S, Majzoub ME, Egan S, Kjelleberg S, Thomas T. The impact of interspecific competition on the genomic evolution of Phaeobacter inhibens and Pseudoalteromonas tunicata during biofilm growth. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16553. [PMID: 38062568 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16553] [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] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Interspecific interactions in biofilms have been shown to cause the emergence of community-level properties. To understand the impact of interspecific competition on evolution, we deep-sequenced the dispersal population of mono- and co-culture biofilms of two antagonistic marine bacteria (Phaeobacter inhibens 2.10 and Pseudoalteromononas tunicata D2). Enhanced phenotypic and genomic diversification was observed in the P. tunicata D2 populations under both mono- and co-culture biofilms in comparison to P. inhibens 2.10. The genetic variation was exclusively due to single nucleotide variants and small deletions, and showed high variability between replicates, indicating their random emergence. Interspecific competition exerted an apparent strong positive selection on a subset of P. inhibens 2.10 genes (e.g., luxR, cobC, argH, and sinR) that could facilitate competition, while the P. tunicata D2 population was genetically constrained under competition conditions. In the absence of interspecific competition, the P. tunicata D2 replicate populations displayed high levels of mutations affecting the same genes involved in cell motility and biofilm formation. Our results show that interspecific biofilm competition has a complex impact on genomic diversification, which likely depends on the nature of the competing strains and their ability to generate genetic variants due to their genomic constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Song
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shan Zhang
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marwan E Majzoub
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suhelen Egan
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Staffan Kjelleberg
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Torsten Thomas
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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Di Costanzo F, Di Dato V, Romano G. Diatom-Bacteria Interactions in the Marine Environment: Complexity, Heterogeneity, and Potential for Biotechnological Applications. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2967. [PMID: 38138111 PMCID: PMC10745847 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122967] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Diatom-bacteria interactions evolved during more than 200 million years of coexistence in the same environment. In this time frame, they established complex and heterogeneous cohorts and consortia, creating networks of multiple cell-to-cell mutualistic or antagonistic interactions for nutrient exchanges, communication, and defence. The most diffused type of interaction between diatoms and bacteria is based on a win-win relationship in which bacteria benefit from the organic matter and nutrients released by diatoms, while these last rely on bacteria for the supply of nutrients they are not able to produce, such as vitamins and nitrogen. Despite the importance of diatom-bacteria interactions in the evolutionary history of diatoms, especially in structuring the marine food web and controlling algal blooms, the molecular mechanisms underlying them remain poorly studied. This review aims to present a comprehensive report on diatom-bacteria interactions, illustrating the different interplays described until now and the chemical cues involved in the communication and exchange between the two groups of organisms. We also discuss the potential biotechnological applications of molecules and processes involved in those fascinating marine microbial networks and provide information on novel approaches to unveiling the molecular mechanisms underlying diatom-bacteria interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Di Dato
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli, Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton 55, 80133 Napoli, Italy; (F.D.C.); (G.R.)
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10
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Tran DQ, Milke F, Niggemann J, Simon M. The diatom Thalassiosira rotula induces distinct growth responses and colonization patterns of Roseobacteraceae, Flavobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:3536-3555. [PMID: 37705313 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16506] [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] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Diatoms as important phytoplankton components interact with and are colonized by heterotrophic bacteria. This colonization has been studied extensively in the past but a distinction between the bacterial colonization directly on diatom cells or on the aggregated organic material, exopolymeric substances (EPS), was little addressed. Here we show that the diatom Thalassiosira rotula and EPS were differently colonized by strains of Roseobacteraceae and Flavobacteriaceae in two and tree partner treatments and an enriched natural bacterial community as inoculum. In two partner treatments, the algae and EPS were generally less colonized than in the three partner treatments. Two strains benefitted greatly from the presence of another partner as the proportions of their subpopulations colonizing the diatom cell and the EPS were much enhanced relative to their two partner treatments. Highest proportions of bacteria colonizing the diatom and EPS occurred in the treatment inoculated with the enriched natural bacterial community. Dissolved organic carbon, amino acids and carbohydrates produced by T. rotula were differently used by the bacteria in the two and three partner treatments and most efficiently by the enriched natural bacterial community. Our approach is a valid model system to study physico-chemical bacteria-diatom interactions with increasing complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Den Quoc Tran
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Felix Milke
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jutta Niggemann
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Meinhard Simon
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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11
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Liu S, Hu R, Peng N, Zhou Z, Chen R, He Z, Wang C. Phylogenetic and ecophysiological novelty of subsurface mercury methylators in mangrove sediments. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:2313-2325. [PMID: 37880540 PMCID: PMC10689504 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01544-4] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Mangrove sediment is a crucial component in the global mercury (Hg) cycling and acts as a hotspot for methylmercury (MeHg) production. Early evidence has documented the ubiquity of well-studied Hg methylators in mangrove superficial sediments; however, their diversity and metabolic adaptation in the more anoxic and highly reduced subsurface sediments are lacking. Through MeHg biogeochemical assay and metagenomic sequencing, we found that mangrove subsurface sediments (20-100 cm) showed a less hgcA gene abundance but higher diversity of Hg methylators than superficial sediments (0-20 cm). Regional-scale investigation of mangrove subsurface sediments spanning over 1500 km demonstrated a prevalence and family-level novelty of Hg-methylating microbial lineages (i.e., those affiliated to Anaerolineae, Phycisphaerae, and Desulfobacterales). We proposed the candidate phylum Zixibacteria lineage with sulfate-reducing capacity as a currently understudied Hg methylator across anoxic environments. Unlike other Hg methylators, the Zixibacteria lineage does not use the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway but has unique capabilities of performing methionine synthesis to donate methyl groups. The absence of cobalamin biosynthesis pathway suggests that this Hg-methylating lineage may depend on its syntrophic partners (i.e., Syntrophobacterales members) for energy in subsurface sediments. Our results expand the diversity of subsurface Hg methylators and uncover their unique ecophysiological adaptations in mangrove sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songfeng Liu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ruiwen Hu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Nenglong Peng
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhengyuan Zhou
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ruihan Chen
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhili He
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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12
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Zhou J, Qin W, Lu X, Yang Y, Stahl D, Jiao N, Zhou J, Liu J, Tu Q. The diversity and ecological significance of microbial traits potentially involved in B 12 biosynthesis in the global ocean. MLIFE 2023; 2:416-427. [PMID: 38818271 PMCID: PMC10989127 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Cobalamin (B12), an essential nutrient and growth cofactor for many living organisms on Earth, can be fully synthesized only by selected prokaryotes in nature. Therefore, microbial communities related to B12 biosynthesis could serve as an example subsystem to disentangle the underlying ecological mechanisms balancing the function and taxonomic make-up of complex functional assemblages. By anchoring microbial traits potentially involved in B12 biosynthesis, we depict the biogeographic patterns of B12 biosynthesis genes and the taxa harboring them in the global ocean, despite the limitations of detecting de novo B12 synthesizers via metagenomes alone. Both the taxonomic and functional composition of B12 biosynthesis genes were strongly shaped by depth, differentiating the epipelagic zones from the mesopelagic layers. Functional genes related to B12 biosynthesis were relatively stably distributed across different oceans, but the taxa harboring them varied considerably, showing clear functional redundancy among microbial systems. Microbial taxa carrying B12 biosynthesis genes in the surface water were influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, oxygen, and nitrate. However, the composition of functional genes was only weakly associated with these environmental factors. Null model analyses demonstrated that determinism governed the variations in B12 biosynthesis genes, whereas a higher degree of stochasticity was associated with taxonomic variations. Significant associations were observed between the chlorophyll a concentration and B12 biosynthesis, confirming its importance in primary production in the global ocean. The results of this study reveal an essential ecological mechanism governing the assembly of microbes in nature: the environment selects for function rather than taxonomy; functional redundancy underlies stochastic community assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Zhou
- Institute of Marine Science and TechnologyShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
- Joint Lab for Ocean Research and Education at Dalhousie UniversityShandong University and Xiamen UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Wei Qin
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of OklahomaNormanOklahomaUSA
| | - Xinda Lu
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
- Present address:
DermBiont Inc.BostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Yunfeng Yang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - David Stahl
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Nianzhi Jiao
- Institute of Marine Science and TechnologyShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
- Institute of Marine Microbes and EcospheresXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jizhong Zhou
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of OklahomaNormanOklahomaUSA
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
- Institute for Environmental Genomics, University of OklahomaNormanOklahomaUSA
- School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, University of OklahomaNormanOklahomaUSA
- School of Computer Sciences, University of OklahomaNormanOklahomaUSA
| | - Jihua Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and TechnologyShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
- Joint Lab for Ocean Research and Education at Dalhousie UniversityShandong University and Xiamen UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Qichao Tu
- Institute of Marine Science and TechnologyShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
- Joint Lab for Ocean Research and Education at Dalhousie UniversityShandong University and Xiamen UniversityQingdaoChina
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13
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Genchi G, Lauria G, Catalano A, Carocci A, Sinicropi MS. Prevalence of Cobalt in the Environment and Its Role in Biological Processes. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1335. [PMID: 37887045 PMCID: PMC10604320 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Cobalt (Co) is an essential trace element for humans and other animals, but high doses can be harmful to human health. It is present in some foods such as green vegetables, various spices, meat, milk products, seafood, and eggs, and in drinking water. Co is necessary for the metabolism of human beings and animals due to its key role in the formation of vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, the biological reservoir of Co. In high concentrations, Co may cause some health issues such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, bleeding, low blood pressure, heart diseases, thyroid damage, hair loss, bone defects, and the inhibition of some enzyme activities. Conversely, Co deficiency can lead to anorexia, chronic swelling, and detrimental anemia. Co nanoparticles have different and various biomedical applications thanks to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. In addition, Co and cobalt oxide nanoparticles can be used in lithium-ion batteries, as a catalyst, a carrier for targeted drug delivery, a gas sensor, an electronic thin film, and in energy storage. Accumulation of Co in agriculture and humans, due to natural and anthropogenic factors, represents a global problem affecting water quality and human and animal health. Besides the common chelating agents used for Co intoxication, phytoremediation is an interesting environmental technology for cleaning up soil contaminated with Co. The occurrence of Co in the environment is discussed and its involvement in biological processes is underlined. Toxicological aspects related to Co are also examined in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Genchi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (G.G.); (G.L.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Graziantonio Lauria
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (G.G.); (G.L.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari “A. Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari “A. Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (G.G.); (G.L.); (M.S.S.)
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14
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Mars Brisbin M, Schofield A, McIlvin MR, Krinos AI, Alexander H, Saito MA. Vitamin B 12 conveys a protective advantage to phycosphere-associated bacteria at high temperatures. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:88. [PMID: 37626172 PMCID: PMC10457287 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-023-00298-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Many marine microbes require vitamin B12 (cobalamin) but are unable to synthesize it, necessitating reliance on other B12-producing microbes. Thus, phytoplankton and bacterioplankton community dynamics can partially depend on the production and release of a limiting resource by members of the same community. We tested the impact of temperature and B12 availability on the growth of two bacterial taxa commonly associated with phytoplankton: Ruegeria pomeroyi, which produces B12 and fulfills the B12 requirements of some phytoplankton, and Alteromonas macleodii, which does not produce B12 but also does not strictly require it for growth. For B12-producing R. pomeroyi, we further tested how temperature influences B12 production and release. Access to B12 significantly increased growth rates of both species at the highest temperatures tested (38 °C for R. pomeroyi, 40 °C for A. macleodii) and A. macleodii biomass was significantly reduced when grown at high temperatures without B12, indicating that B12 is protective at high temperatures. Moreover, R. pomeroyi produced more B12 at warmer temperatures but did not release detectable amounts of B12 at any temperature tested. Results imply that increasing temperatures and more frequent marine heatwaves with climate change will influence microbial B12 dynamics and could interrupt symbiotic resource sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Mars Brisbin
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
| | - Alese Schofield
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
- Massasoit Community College, Brockton, MA, USA
| | - Matthew R McIlvin
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Arianna I Krinos
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
- MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography, Cambridge and Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Harriet Alexander
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Mak A Saito
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
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15
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Ali J, Joshi M, Ahmadi A, Strætkvern KO, Ahmad R. Increased growth temperature and vitamin B12 supplementation reduces the lag time for rapid pathogen identification in BHI agar and blood cultures. F1000Res 2023; 12:131. [PMID: 37122874 PMCID: PMC10133824 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.129668.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Rapid diagnostics of pathogens is essential to prescribe appropriate antibiotic therapy. The current methods for pathogen detection require the bacteria to grow in a culture medium, which is time-consuming. This increases the mortality rate and global burden of antimicrobial resistance. Culture-free detection methods are still under development and are not common in the clinical routine. Therefore, decreasing the culture time for accurately detecting infection and resistance is vital for diagnosis. Methods: This study investigated easy-to-implement factors (in a minimal laboratory set-up), including inoculum size, incubation temperature, and additional supplementation (e.g., vitamin B12 and trace metals), that can significantly reduce the bacterial lag time (tlag). These factors were arranged in simple two-level factorial designs using Gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-positive bacilli (Bacillus subtilis), and Gram-negative bacilli (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, including clinical isolates with known antimicrobial resistance profiles. Blood samples spiked with a clinical isolate of E. coli CCUG 17620 (Culture Collection University of Gothenburg) were also tested to see the effect of elevated incubation temperature on bacterial growth in blood cultures. Results: We observed that increased incubation temperature (42°C) along with vitamin B12 supplementation significantly reduced the tlag (10 – 115 minutes or 4% - 49%) in pure clinical isolates and blood samples spiked with E. coli CCUG17620. In the case of the blood sample, PCR results also detected bacterial DNA after only 3h of incubation and at three times the CFU/mL. Conclusion: Enrichment of bacterial culture media with growth supplements such as vitamin B12 and increased incubation temperature can be a cheap and rapid method for the early detection of pathogens. This proof-of-concept study is restricted to a few bacterial strains and growth conditions. In the future, the effect of other growth conditions and difficult-to-culture bacteria should be explored to shorten the lag phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Mukund Joshi
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Asal Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Knut Olav Strætkvern
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Rafi Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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