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Li C, Han Y, Zou X, Zhang X, Ran Q, Dong C. A systematic discussion and comparison of the construction methods of synthetic microbial community. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:775-783. [PMID: 39021362 PMCID: PMC11253132 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.06.006] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic microbial community has widely concerned in the fields of agriculture, food and environment over the past few years. However, there is little consensus on the method to synthetic microbial community from construction to functional verification. Here, we review the concept, characteristics, history and applications of synthetic microbial community, summarizing several methods for synthetic microbial community construction, such as isolation culture, core microbiome mining, automated design, and gene editing. In addition, we also systematically summarized the design concepts, technological thresholds, and applicable scenarios of various construction methods, and highlighted their advantages and limitations. Ultimately, this review provides four efficient, detailed, easy-to-understand and -follow steps for synthetic microbial community construction, with major implications for agricultural practices, food production, and environmental governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Li
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Yanfeng Han
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiao Zou
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Xueqian Zhang
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Qingsong Ran
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Chunbo Dong
- Institute of Fungus Resources, Department of Ecology/Key Laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
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2
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Malla MA, Ansari FA, Bux F, Kumari S. Re-vitalizing wastewater: Nutrient recovery and carbon capture through microbe-algae synergy using omics-biology. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 259:119439. [PMID: 38901811 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119439] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Increasing amounts of wastewater is the most pervasive and challenging environmental problem globally. Conventional treatment methods are costly and entail huge energy, carbon consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Owing to their unique ability of carbon capturing and resource recovery, microalgae-microbiome based treatment is a potential approach and is widely used for carbon-neutral wastewater treatment. Microalgae-bacteria synergy (i.e., the functionally beneficial microbial synthetic communities) performs better and enhances carbon-sequestration and nutrient recovery from wastewater treatment plants. This review presents a comprehensive information regarding the potential of microalgae-microbiome as a sustainable agent for wastewater and discusses synergistic approaches for effective nutrient removal. Moreover, this review discusses, the role of omics-biology and Insilco approaches in unravelling and understanding the algae-microbe synergism and their response toward wastewater treatment. Finally, it discusses various microbiome engineering approaches for developing the effective microalgae-bacteria partners for carbon sequestration and nutrient recovery from wastewater, and summarizes future research perspectives on microalgae-microbiome based bioremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneer Ahmad Malla
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Faiz Ahmad Ansari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Faizal Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sheena Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
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3
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Nikoloudaki O, Aheto F, Di Cagno R, Gobbetti M. Synthetic microbial communities: A gateway to understanding resistance, resilience, and functionality in spontaneously fermented food microbiomes. Food Res Int 2024; 192:114780. [PMID: 39147468 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114780] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
This review delves into the intricate traits of microbial communities encountered in spontaneously fermented foods (SFF), contributing to resistance, resilience, and functionality drivers. Traits of SFF microbiomes comprise of fluctuations in community composition, genetic stability, and condition-specific phenotypes. Synthetic microbial communities (SMCs) serve as a portal for mechanistic insights and strategic re-programming of microbial communities. Current literature underscores the pivotal role of microbiomes in SFF in shaping quality attributes and preserving the cultural heritage of their origin. In contrast to starter driven fermentations that tend to be more controlled but lacking the capacity to maintain or reproduce the complex flavors and intricacies found in SFF. SMCs, therefore, become indispensable tools, providing a nuanced understanding and control over fermented food microbiomes. They empower the prediction and engineering of microbial interactions and metabolic pathways with the aim of optimizing outcomes in food processing. Summarizing the current application of SMCs in fermented foods, there is still space for improvement. Challenges in achieving stability and reproducibility in SMCs are identified, stemming from non-standardized approaches. The future direction should involve embracing standardized protocols, advanced monitoring tools, and synthetic biology applications. A holistic, multi-disciplinary approach is paramount to unleashing the full potential of SMCs and fostering sustainable and innovative applications in fermented food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Nikoloudaki
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Francis Aheto
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Cagno
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Marco Gobbetti
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
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4
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Shrestha S, Goswami S, Banerjee D, Garcia V, Zhou E, Olmsted CN, Majumder ELW, Kumar D, Awasthi D, Mukhopadhyay A, Singer SW, Gladden JM, Simmons BA, Choudhary H. Perspective on Lignin Conversion Strategies That Enable Next Generation Biorefineries. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301460. [PMID: 38669480 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301460] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The valorization of lignin, a currently underutilized component of lignocellulosic biomass, has attracted attention to promote a stable and circular bioeconomy. Successful approaches including thermochemical, biological, and catalytic lignin depolymerization have been demonstrated, enabling opportunities for lignino-refineries and lignocellulosic biorefineries. Although significant progress in lignin valorization has been made, this review describes unexplored opportunities in chemical and biological routes for lignin depolymerization and thereby contributes to economically and environmentally sustainable lignin-utilizing biorefineries. This review also highlights the integration of chemical and biological lignin depolymerization and identifies research gaps while also recommending future directions for scaling processes to establish a lignino-chemical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilva Shrestha
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Shubhasish Goswami
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Deepanwita Banerjee
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Valentina Garcia
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
- Department of Biomanufacturing and Biomaterials, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550, United States
| | - Elizabeth Zhou
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
| | - Charles N Olmsted
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Erica L-W Majumder
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States
| | - Deepika Awasthi
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Aindrila Mukhopadhyay
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Steven W Singer
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - John M Gladden
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
- Department of Biomanufacturing and Biomaterials, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550, United States
| | - Blake A Simmons
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Hemant Choudhary
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States
- Department of Bioresource and Environmental Security, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550, United States
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5
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Wang S, Zhan Y, Jiang X, Lai Y. Engineering Microbial Consortia as Living Materials: Advances and Prospectives. ACS Synth Biol 2024. [PMID: 39174016 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
The field of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) integrates engineered living organisms into natural biomaterials to achieve diverse objectives. Multiorganism consortia, prevalent in both naturally occurring and synthetic microbial cultures, exhibit complex functionalities and interrelationships, extending the scope of what can be achieved with individual engineered bacterial strains. However, the ELMs comprising microbial consortia are still in the developmental stage. In this Review, we introduce two strategies for designing ELMs constituted of microbial consortia: a top-down strategy, which involves characterizing microbial interactions and mimicking and reconstructing natural ecosystems, and a bottom-up strategy, which entails the rational design of synthetic consortia and their assembly with material substrates to achieve user-defined functions. Next, we summarize technologies from synthetic biology that facilitate the efficient engineering of microbial consortia for performing tasks more complex than those that can be done with single bacterial strains. Finally, we discuss essential challenges and future perspectives for microbial consortia-based ELMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchen Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuewei Zhan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yong Lai
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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6
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Kozaeva E, Eida AA, Gunady EF, Dangl JL, Conway JM, Brophy JA. Roots of synthetic ecology: microbes that foster plant resilience in the changing climate. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 88:103172. [PMID: 39029405 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103172] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Microbes orchestrate nearly all major biogeochemical processes. The ability to program their influence on plant growth and development is attractive for sustainable agriculture. However, the complexity of microbial ecosystems and our limited understanding of the mechanisms by which plants and microbes interact with each other and the environment make it challenging to use microbiomes to influence plant growth. Novel technologies at the intersection of microbial ecology, systems biology, and bioengineering provide new tools to probe the role of plant microbiomes across environments. Here, we summarize recent studies on plant and microbe responses to abiotic stresses, showcasing key molecules and micro-organisms that are important for plant health. We highlight opportunities to use synthetic microbial communities to understand the complexity of plant-microbial interactions and discuss future avenues of programming ecology to improve plant and ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Kozaeva
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abdul Aziz Eida
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ella F Gunady
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jeffery L Dangl
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Jonathan M Conway
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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7
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Ding Q, Liu L. Reprogramming cellular metabolism to increase the efficiency of microbial cell factories. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:892-909. [PMID: 37380349 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2208286] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies are increasingly focusing on advanced biotechnological tools, self-adjusting smart microorganisms, and artificial intelligent networks, to engineer microorganisms with various functions. Microbial cell factories are a vital platform for improving the bioproduction of medicines, biofuels, and biomaterials from renewable carbon sources. However, these processes are significantly affected by cellular metabolism, and boosting the efficiency of microbial cell factories remains a challenge. In this review, we present a strategy for reprogramming cellular metabolism to enhance the efficiency of microbial cell factories for chemical biosynthesis, which improves our understanding of microbial physiology and metabolic control. Current methods are mainly focused on synthetic pathways, metabolic resources, and cell performance. This review highlights the potential biotechnological strategy to reprogram cellular metabolism and provide novel guidance for designing more intelligent industrial microbes with broader applications in this growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Microenvironment and Precision Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Liming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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8
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Matuszyńska A, Ebenhöh O, Zurbriggen MD, Ducat DC, Axmann IM. A new era of synthetic biology-microbial community design. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2024; 9:ysae011. [PMID: 39086602 PMCID: PMC11290361 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysae011] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology conceptualizes biological complexity as a network of biological parts, devices, and systems with predetermined functionalities and has had a revolutionary impact on fundamental and applied research. With the unprecedented ability to synthesize and transfer any DNA and RNA across organisms, the scope of synthetic biology is expanding and being recreated in previously unimaginable ways. The field has matured to a level where highly complex networks, such as artificial communities of synthetic organisms, can be constructed. In parallel, computational biology became an integral part of biological studies, with computational models aiding the unravelling of the escalating complexity and emerging properties of biological phenomena. However, there is still a vast untapped potential for the complete integration of modelling into the synthetic design process, presenting exciting opportunities for scientific advancements. Here, we first highlight the most recent advances in computer-aided design of microbial communities. Next, we propose that such a design can benefit from an organism-free modular modelling approach that places its emphasis on modules of organismal function towards the design of multispecies communities. We argue for a shift in perspective from single organism-centred approaches to emphasizing the functional contributions of organisms within the community. By assembling synthetic biological systems using modular computational models with mathematical descriptions of parts and circuits, we can tailor organisms to fulfil specific functional roles within the community. This approach aligns with synthetic biology strategies and presents exciting possibilities for the design of artificial communities. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Matuszyńska
- Computational Life Science, Department of Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, CEPLAS, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Oliver Ebenhöh
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, CEPLAS, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute of Quantitative and Theoretical Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Matias D Zurbriggen
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, CEPLAS, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Daniel C Ducat
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Ilka M Axmann
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, CEPLAS, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute for Synthetic Microbiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
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9
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Chen YC, Destouches L, Cook A, Fedorec AJH. Synthetic microbial ecology: engineering habitats for modular consortia. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae158. [PMID: 38936824 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae158] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Microbiomes, the complex networks of micro-organisms and the molecules through which they interact, play a crucial role in health and ecology. Over at least the past two decades, engineering biology has made significant progress, impacting the bio-based industry, health, and environmental sectors; but has only recently begun to explore the engineering of microbial ecosystems. The creation of synthetic microbial communities presents opportunities to help us understand the dynamics of wild ecosystems, learn how to manipulate and interact with existing microbiomes for therapeutic and other purposes, and to create entirely new microbial communities capable of undertaking tasks for industrial biology. Here, we describe how synthetic ecosystems can be constructed and controlled, focusing on how the available methods and interaction mechanisms facilitate the regulation of community composition and output. While experimental decisions are dictated by intended applications, the vast number of tools available suggests great opportunity for researchers to develop a diverse array of novel microbial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Casey Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Louie Destouches
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alice Cook
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alex J H Fedorec
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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10
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Chen C, Yang H, Zhang K, Ye G, Luo H, Zou W. Revealing microbiota characteristics and predicting flavor-producing sub-communities in Nongxiangxing baijiu pit mud through metagenomic analysis and metabolic modeling. Food Res Int 2024; 188:114507. [PMID: 38823882 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114507] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The microorganisms of the pit mud (PM) of Nongxiangxing baijiu (NXXB) have an important role in the synthesis of flavor substances, and they determine attributes and quality of baijiu. Herein, we utilize metagenomics and genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) to investigate the microbial composition, metabolic functions in PM microbiota, as well as to identify microorganisms and communities linked to flavor compounds. Metagenomic data revealed that the most prevalent assembly of bacteria and archaea was Proteiniphilum, Caproicibacterium, Petrimonas, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Aminobacterium, Syntrophomonas, Methanobacterium, Methanoculleus, and Methanosarcina. The important enzymes ofPMwere in bothGH and GT familymetabolism. A total of 38 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were obtained, including those at the family level (n = 13), genus level (n = 17), and species level (n = 8). GSMMs of the 38 MAGs were then constructed. From the GSMMs, individual and community capabilities respectively were predicted to be able to produce 111 metabolites and 598 metabolites. Twenty-three predicted metabolites were consistent with the metabonomics detected flavors and served as targets. Twelve sub-community of were screened by cross-feeding of 38 GSMMs. Of them, Methanobacterium, Sphaerochaeta, Muricomes intestini, Methanobacteriaceae, Synergistaceae, and Caloramator were core microorganisms for targets in each sub-community. Overall, this study of metagenomic and target-community screening could help our understanding of the metabolite-microbiome association and further bioregulation of baijiu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Chen
- College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Yibin 644005, China
| | - Haiquan Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Kaizheng Zhang
- College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Yibin 644005, China
| | - Guangbin Ye
- College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Yibin 644005, China
| | - Huibo Luo
- Liquor Brewing Biotechnology and Application Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Yibin, Sichuan 644005, China
| | - Wei Zou
- College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Yibin 644005, China; Liquor Brewing Biotechnology and Application Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Yibin, Sichuan 644005, China.
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11
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Choudhary R, Mahadevan R. DyMMM-LEAPS: An ML-based framework for modulating evenness and stability in synthetic microbial communities. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00320-5. [PMID: 38733081 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
There have been a growing number of computational strategies to aid in the design of synthetic microbial consortia. A framework to identify regions in parametric space to maximize two essential properties, evenness and stability, is critical. In this study, we introduce DyMMM-LEAPS (dynamic multispecies metabolic modeling-locating evenness and stability in large parametric space), an extension of the DyMMM framework. Our method explores the large parametric space of genetic circuits in synthetic microbial communities to identify regions of evenness and stability. Due to the high computational costs of exhaustive sampling, we utilize adaptive sampling and surrogate modeling to reduce the number of simulations required to map the vast space. Our framework predicts engineering targets and computes their operating ranges to maximize the probability of the engineered community to have high evenness and stability. We demonstrate our approach by simulating five cocultures and one three-strain culture with different social interactions (cooperation, competition, and predation) employing quorum-sensing-based genetic circuits. In addition to guiding circuit tuning, our pipeline gives an opportunity for a detailed analysis of pockets of evenness and stability for the circuit under investigation, which can further help dissect the relationship between the two properties. DyMMM-LEAPS is easily customizable and can be expanded to a larger community with more complex interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhi Choudhary
- University of Toronto, Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Radhakrishnan Mahadevan
- University of Toronto, Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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12
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Castle SD, Stock M, Gorochowski TE. Engineering is evolution: a perspective on design processes to engineer biology. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3640. [PMID: 38684714 PMCID: PMC11059173 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48000-1] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Careful consideration of how we approach design is crucial to all areas of biotechnology. However, choosing or developing an effective design methodology is not always easy as biology, unlike most areas of engineering, is able to adapt and evolve. Here, we put forward that design and evolution follow a similar cyclic process and therefore all design methods, including traditional design, directed evolution, and even random trial and error, exist within an evolutionary design spectrum. This contrasts with conventional views that often place these methods at odds and provides a valuable framework for unifying engineering approaches for challenging biological design problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon D Castle
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, UK.
| | - Michiel Stock
- KERMIT, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas E Gorochowski
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, UK.
- BrisEngBio, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, UK.
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13
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Peng H, Darlington APS, South EJ, Chen HH, Jiang W, Ledesma-Amaro R. A molecular toolkit of cross-feeding strains for engineering synthetic yeast communities. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:848-863. [PMID: 38326570 PMCID: PMC10914607 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01596-4] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Engineered microbial consortia often have enhanced system performance and robustness compared with single-strain biomanufacturing production platforms. However, few tools are available for generating co-cultures of the model and key industrial host Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we engineer auxotrophic and overexpression yeast strains that can be used to create co-cultures through exchange of essential metabolites. Using these strains as modules, we engineered two- and three-member consortia using different cross-feeding architectures. Through a combination of ensemble modelling and experimentation, we explored how cellular (for example, metabolite production strength) and environmental (for example, initial population ratio, population density and extracellular supplementation) factors govern population dynamics in these systems. We tested the use of the toolkit in a division of labour biomanufacturing case study and show that it enables enhanced and tuneable antioxidant resveratrol production. We expect this toolkit to become a useful resource for a variety of applications in synthetic ecology and biomanufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huadong Peng
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alexander P S Darlington
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre, School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Eric J South
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao-Hong Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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14
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Chen C, Yang Y, Graham NJD, Li Z, Yang X, Wang Z, Farhat N, Vrouwenvelder JS, Hou LA. A comprehensive evaluation of the temporal and spatial fouling characteristics of RO membranes in a full-scale seawater desalination plant. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120914. [PMID: 38007899 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120914] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The fouling of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membranes remains a persistent challenge in desalination. Previous research has focused mainly on fouling separately; however, organic, inorganic, and biofouling can coexist and influence each other. Hence, in-depth study of the spatiotemporal changes in actual combined fouling in full-scale seawater desalination will provide more effective information for fouling investigation and control. In this study, we monitored (i) the operational performance of a full-scale desalination plant for 7 years and (ii) the development and characterization of membrane and spacer fouling at different locations of spiral-wound membrane modules sampled after 2.5-, 3.5-, and 7-year operation. The findings showed that (i) operational performance indicators declined with time (normalized flux 40 % reduction, salt rejection 2 % in 7 years), with a limited effect of the 20-day cleaning frequency, (ii) fouling accumulation in the membrane module mainly occurred at the feed side of the lead module and the microbial community in these area exhibited the highest diversity, (iii) the dominant microbial OTUs belonged mainly to Proteobacteria (43-70 %), followed by Bacteroidetes (10-11 %), (iv) Phylogenetic molecular ecological networks and Spearman correlation analysis revealed that Chloroflexi (Anaerolineae) and Planctomycetes were keystone species in maintaining the community structure and biofilm maturation and significantly impacted the foulant content on the SWRO membrane, even with low abundance, and that (v) fouling accumulation was composed of polysaccharides, soluble microbial products, marine humic acid-like substances, and inorganic Ca/Fe/Mg/Si dominate the fouling layer of both the membrane and spacer. Overall, variation partitioning analysis quantitatively describes the increasing contribution of biofouling over time. Ultimately, the organic‒inorganic-biofouling interaction (70 %) significantly contributed to the overall fouling of the membrane after 7 years of operation. These results can be used to develop more targeted fouling control strategies to optimize SWRO desalination plant design and operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Nigel J D Graham
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Zhenyu Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xingtao Yang
- Qingdao Bcta Desalination Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Zhining Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Nadia Farhat
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johannes S Vrouwenvelder
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC), Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Li-An Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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15
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Luo X, Sun K, Li HR, Zhang XY, Pan YT, Luo DL, Wu YB, Jiang HJ, Wu XH, Ma CY, Dai CC, Zhang W. Depletion of protective microbiota promotes the incidence of fruit disease. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae071. [PMID: 38691444 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae071] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Plant-associated microbiomes play important roles in plant health and productivity. However, despite fruits being directly linked to plant productivity, little is known about the microbiomes of fruits and their potential association with fruit health. Here, by integrating 16S rRNA gene, ITS high-throughput sequencing data, and microbiological culturable approaches, we reported that roots and fruits (pods) of peanut, a typical plant that bears fruits underground, recruit different bacterial and fungal communities independently of cropping conditions and that the incidence of pod disease under monocropping conditions is attributed to the depletion of Bacillus genus and enrichment of Aspergillus genus in geocarposphere. On this basis, we constructed a synthetic community (SynCom) consisting of three Bacillus strains from geocarposphere soil under rotation conditions with high culturable abundance. Comparative transcriptome, microbiome profiling, and plant phytohormone signaling analysis reveal that the SynCom exhibited more effective Aspergillus growth inhibition and pod disease control than individual strain, which was underpinned by a combination of molecular mechanisms related to fungal cell proliferation interference, mycotoxins biosynthesis impairment, and jasmonic acid-mediated plant immunity activation. Overall, our results reveal the filter effect of plant organs on the microbiome and that depletion of key protective microbial community promotes the fruit disease incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Kai Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Hao-Ran Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Yi-Tong Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - De-Lin Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Yi-Bo Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Hui-Jun Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Xiao-Han Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Chen-Yu Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Chuan-Chao Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Industrialization of Microbial Resources, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
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16
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Hosoda K, Seno S, Murakami N, Matsuda H, Osada Y, Kamiura R, Kondoh M. Synthetic model ecosystem of 12 cryopreservable microbial species allowing for a noninvasive approach. Biosystems 2024; 235:105087. [PMID: 37989470 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105087] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Simultaneous understanding of both population and ecosystem dynamics is crucial in an era marked by the degradation of ecosystem services. Experimental ecosystems are a powerful tool for understanding these dynamics; however, they often face technical challenges, typically falling into two categories: "complex but with limited replicability microcosms" and "highly replicable but overly simplistic microcosms." Herein, we present a high-throughput synthetic microcosm system comprising 12 functionally and phylogenetically diverse microbial species. These species are axenically culturable, cryopreservable, and can be measured noninvasively via microscopy, aided by machine learning. This system includes prokaryotic and eukaryotic producers and decomposers, and eukaryotic consumers to ensure functional redundancy. Our model system exhibited key features of a complex ecosystem: (i) various positive and negative interspecific interactions, (ii) higher-order interactions beyond two-species dynamics, (iii) probabilistic dynamics leading to divergent outcomes, and (iv) stable nonlinear transitions. We identified several conditions under which at least one species from each of the three functional groups-producers, consumers, and decomposers-and one functionally redundant species, persisted for over six months. These conditions set the stage for detailed investigations in the future. Given its designability and experimental replicability, our model ecosystem offers a promising platform for deeper insights integrating both population and ecosystem dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazufumi Hosoda
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-2-3 Furuedai, Suita, Osaka, 565-0874, Japan; Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Osaka, Japan; Institute for Transdisciplinary Graduate Degree Programs, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Life and Medical Sciences Area, Health Sciences Discipline, Kobe University, Tomogaoka 7-10-2, Suma-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 654-0142, Japan.
| | - Shigeto Seno
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naomi Murakami
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-2-3 Furuedai, Suita, Osaka, 565-0874, Japan
| | - Hideo Matsuda
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osada
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Rikuto Kamiura
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 6-2-3 Furuedai, Suita, Osaka, 565-0874, Japan
| | - Michio Kondoh
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan.
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17
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Chen X, Gao M, Wang L, Qiang G, Wu Y, Huang H, Kang G. A synthetic microbial consortium protects against obesity by regulating vitamin B6 metabolism. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2304901. [PMID: 38269591 PMCID: PMC10813659 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2304901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Constructing synthetic microbial consortia is a challenging task but holds enormous potential for various applications. Our previous droplet-based microfluidic approach allowed for the isolation of bacteria that could utilize metabolites from an engineered bacterium BsS-RS06551 with anti-obesity potential, facilitating the construction of synthetic microbial consortia. Here, we identified a strain of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum JJ3 that interacted with BsS-RS06551, and in vitro coculture showed that BsS-RS06551 was likely to interact with JJ3 through five dipeptides. Pathway analysis revealed that the vitamin B6 metabolism pathway was enriched in the coculture of BsS-RS06551 and JJ3 compared with the individual culture of BsS-RS06551. Additionally, we confirmed that the administration of JJ3 significantly alleviated obesity and related disorders in mice fed a high-fat diet. Notably, continuous ingestion of the synthetic microbial consortium comprising BsS-RS06551 and JJ3 not only exhibited a more pronounced impact on alleviating obesity compared to the individual administration of BsS-RS06551 or JJ3 but also enriched the population of Bifidobacterium longum and perturbed the vitamin B6 metabolism pathway in the gut. Synthetic microbial consortia represent a promising frontier for synthetic biology, and our strategy provides guidance for constructing and applying such consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhao 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
| | - Mengxue Gao
- 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
| | - Lina Wang
- 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
| | - Guifen Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Oujiang Laboratory, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - He Huang
- 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
| | - Guangbo Kang
- 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
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18
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Jia Y, Niu H, Zhao P, Li X, Yan F, Wang C, Qiu Z. Synergistic biocontrol of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens against early blight disease in tomato. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:6071-6083. [PMID: 37540249 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12642-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Early blight of tomato caused by Alternaria solani results in significant crop losses. In this study, Bacillus subtilis J3 and Pseudomonas fluorescens J8 were co-cultured as a synthetic microbial community (BCA) for synergistic biocontrol of A. solani, and the inhibition mechanism was investigated. BCA presented an inhibition ration against A. solani at 94.91%, which lowered the disease incidence by 38.26-42.87%; reduced peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase activity of tomatoes by 73.11-90.22%; and promoted the biomass by 66.91-489.21%. With BCA protection, the relative expression of tomato resistance genes (including gPAL2, SWRKY, PR-10, and CHI) in roots and leaves was 12.83-90.70% lower than without protection. BCA also significantly altered the rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbial community. The abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria, including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Arthrobacter, Lysobacter, and Rhizobium, elevated by 6.58-192.77%. They were negatively correlated with resistance gene expression, indicating their vital involvement in disease control. These results provided essential information on the synergistic biocontrol mechanism of bacteria against pathogens, which could contribute to developing novel biocontrol strategies. KEY POINTS: • Bacillus and Pseudomonas present a synergistic biocontrol effect against A. solani. • Biocontrol prevents pathogen damage and improves tomato growth and systemic resistance. • Beneficial bacteria thrive in the rhizosphere is the key to microbial regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinxue Jia
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 111 Second Ring Road, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Niu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 111 Second Ring Road, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 111 Second Ring Road, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 111 Second Ring Road, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Yan
- Panzhihua City Company, Sichuan Tobacco Company, China National Tobacco Corporation, Panzhihua, 617000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 111 Second Ring Road, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhongping Qiu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, No. 111 Second Ring Road, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Wang Y, Demirer GS. Synthetic biology for plant genetic engineering and molecular farming. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1182-1198. [PMID: 37012119 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Many efforts have been put into engineering plants to improve crop yields and stress tolerance and boost the bioproduction of valuable molecules. Yet, our capabilities are still limited due to the lack of well-characterized genetic building blocks and resources for precise manipulation and given the inherently challenging properties of plant tissues. Advancements in plant synthetic biology can overcome these bottlenecks and release the full potential of engineered plants. In this review, we first discuss the recently developed plant synthetic elements from single parts to advanced circuits, software, and hardware tools expediting the engineering cycle. Next, we survey the advancements in plant biotechnology enabled by these recent resources. We conclude the review with outstanding challenges and future directions of plant synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqing Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Gozde S Demirer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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20
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Zhou M, Guan X, Deng T, Hu R, Qian L, Yang X, Wu B, Li J, He Q, Shu L, Yan Q, He Z. Synthetic phylogenetically diverse communities promote denitrification and stability. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116184. [PMID: 37207729 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116184] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Denitrification is an important process of the global nitrogen cycle as some of its intermediates are environmentally important or related to global warming. However, how the phylogenetic diversity of denitrifying communities affects their denitrification rates and temporal stability remains unclear. Here we selected denitrifiers based on their phylogenetic distance to construct two groups of synthetic denitrifying communities: one closely related (CR) group with all strains from the genus Shewanella and the other distantly related (DR) group with all constituents from different genera. All synthetic denitrifying communities (SDCs) were experimentally evolved for 200 generations. The results showed that high phylogenetic diversity followed by experimental evolution promoted the function and stability of synthetic denitrifying communities. Specifically, the productivity and denitrification rates were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with Paracocus denitrificans as the dominant species (since the 50th generation) in the DR community than those in the CR community. The DR community also showed significantly (t = 7.119, df = 10, P < 0.001) higher stability through overyielding and asynchrony of species fluctuations, and showed more complementarity than the CR group during the experimental evolution. This study has important implications for applying synthetic communities to remediate environmental problems and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaotong Guan
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ting Deng
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, 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), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lu Qian
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xueqin Yang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Longfei Shu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qingyun Yan
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, 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), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China.
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21
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Wu B, Guan X, Deng T, Yang X, Li J, Zhou M, Wang C, Wang S, Yan Q, Shu L, He Q, He Z. Synthetic Denitrifying Communities Reveal a Positive and Dynamic Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning Relationship during Experimental Evolution. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0452822. [PMID: 37154752 PMCID: PMC10269844 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04528-22] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem functions and services, and many studies have reported positive, negative, or neutral biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships in plant and animal systems. However, if the BEF relationship exists and how it evolves remains elusive in microbial systems. Here, we selected 12 Shewanella denitrifiers to construct synthetic denitrifying communities (SDCs) with a richness gradient spanning 1 to 12 species, which were subjected to approximately 180 days (with 60 transfers) of experimental evolution with generational changes in community functions continuously tracked. A significant positive correlation was observed between community richness and functions, represented by productivity (biomass) and denitrification rate, however, such a positive correlation was transient, only significant in earlier days (0 to 60) during the evolution experiment (180 days). Also, we found that community functions generally increased throughout the evolution experiment. Furthermore, microbial community functions with lower richness exhibited greater increases than those with higher richness. Biodiversity effect analysis revealed positive BEF relationships largely attributable to complementary effects, which were more pronounced in communities with lower richness than those with higher richness. This study is one of the first studies that advances our understanding of BEF relationships and their evolutionary mechanisms in microbial systems, highlighting the crucial role of evolution in predicting the BEF relationship in microbial systems. IMPORTANCE Despite the consensus that biodiversity supports ecosystem functioning, not all experimental models of macro-organisms support this notion with positive, negative, or neutral biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships reported. The fast-growing, metabolically versatile, and easy manipulation nature of microbial communities allows us to explore well the BEF relationship and further interrogate if the BEF relationship remains constant during long-term community evolution. Here, we constructed multiple synthetic denitrifying communities (SDCs) by randomly selecting species from a candidate pool of 12 Shewanella denitrifiers. These SDCs differ in species richness, spanning 1 to 12 species, and were monitored continuously for community functional shifts during approximately 180-day parallel cultivation. We demonstrated that the BEF relationship was dynamic with initially (day 0 to 60) greater productivity and denitrification among SDCs of higher richness. However, such pattern was reversed thereafter with greater productivity and denitrification increments in lower-richness SDCs, likely due to a greater accumulation of beneficial mutations during the experimental evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaotong Guan
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Deng
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqin Yang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 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, China
| | - Shanquan Wang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingyun Yan
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longfei Shu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - 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, China
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
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22
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Fan L, Wang J, Leng F, Li S, Ma X, Wang X, Wang Y. Effects of time-space conversion on microflora structure, secondary metabolites composition and antioxidant capacity of Codonopsis pilosula root. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 198:107659. [PMID: 37031545 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the relationship between medicinal plant Codonopsis pilosula phenotype, secondary metabolites, antioxidant capacity and its rhizosphere soil nutrients, root-related microorganisms under seasonal and geographical changes, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to explore the bacterial community structure and variation in rhizosphere soil and root endosphere from six regions of Dingxi City, Gansu Province during four seasons. Secondary metabolites composition and antioxidant capacities of C. pilosula root collected successively from four seasons were determined. The chemical properties, nutrient content and enzyme activities of rhizosphere of C. pilosula were significantly different under different temporal and spatial conditions. All soil samples were alkaline (pH 7.64-8.42), with water content ranging from 9.53% to 19.95%, and electrical conductivity varied widely, showing obvious time-scale effects. Different time scales were the main reasons for the diversity and structure of rhizosphere bacterial community of C. pilosula. The diversity and richness of rhizosphere bacterial community in autumn and winter were higher than those in spring and summer, and bacterial community structure in spring and summer was more similar to that in autumn and winter. The root length and diameter of C. pilosula showed significant time gradient difference under different spatiotemporal conditions. Nutrition and niche competition lead to significant synergistic or antagonistic interactions between rhizosphere bacteria and endophytic bacteria, which invisibly affect soil properties, abundance of functional bacteria and even yield and quality of C. pilosula. Soil properties, rhizosphere bacteria and endophytic bacteria directly promoted root phenotype, stress resistance and polysaccharide accumulation of C. pilosula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Fan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Jiangqin Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Feifan Leng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Shaowei Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- Qinghai University (Qinghai Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine), Xining, 810016, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050, China.
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23
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Troiano DT, Hofmann T, Brethauer S, Studer MHP. Toward optimal use of biomass as carbon source for chemical bioproduction. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2023; 81:102942. [PMID: 37062153 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Biomass is widely identified as a promising, renewable replacement for fossil feedstocks in the production of energy, fuels, and chemicals. However, the sustainable supply of biomass is limited. Economic and ecological criteria support prioritization of biomass as a carbon source for organic chemicals; however, utilization for energy currently dominates. Therefore, to optimize the use of available biomass feedstock, biorefining development must focus on high carbon efficiencies and enabling the conversion of all biomass fractions, including lignin and fermentation-derived CO2. Additionally, novel technological platforms should allow the incorporation of nontraditional, currently underutilized carbon feedstocks (e.g. manure) into biorefining processes. To this end, funneling of waste feedstocks to a single product (e.g. methane) and subsequent conversion to chemicals is a promising approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek T Troiano
- School of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, CH-3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Hofmann
- School of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, CH-3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Simone Brethauer
- School of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, CH-3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Michael H-P Studer
- School of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, CH-3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland.
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24
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Letten AD, Ludington WB. Pulsed, continuous or somewhere in between? Resource dynamics matter in the optimisation of microbial communities. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:641-644. [PMID: 36694008 PMCID: PMC10030971 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01369-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The optimisation of synthetic and natural microbial communities has vast potential for emerging applications in medicine, agriculture and industry. Realising this goal is contingent on a close correlation between theory, experiments, and the real world. Although the temporal pattern of resource supply can play a major role in microbial community assembly, resource dynamics are commonly treated inconsistently in theoretical and experimental research. Here we explore how the composition of communities varies under continuous resource supply, typical of theoretical approaches, versus pulsed resource supply, typical of experiments. Using simulations of classical resource competition models, we show that community composition diverges rapidly between the two regimes, with almost zero overlap in composition once the pulsing interval stretches beyond just four hours. The implication for the rapidly growing field of microbial community optimisation is that the resource supply regime must be tailored to the community being optimised. As such, we argue that resource supply dynamics should be considered both a constraint in the design of novel microbial communities and as a tuning mechanism for the optimisation of pre-existing communities like those found in the human gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Letten
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - William B Ludington
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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25
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Geller AM, Levy A. "What I cannot create, I do not understand": elucidating microbe-microbe interactions to facilitate plant microbiome engineering. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 72:102283. [PMID: 36868050 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102283] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Plant-microbe interactions are important for both physiological and pathological processes. Despite the significance of plant-microbe interactions, microbe-microbe interactions themselves represent an important, complex, dynamic network that warrants deeper investigation. To understand how microbe-microbe interactions affect plant microbiomes, one approach is to systematically understand all the factors involved in successful engineering of a microbial community. This follows the physicist Richard Feynman's declaration: "what I cannot create, I do not understand". This review highlights recent studies that focus on aspects that we believe are important for building (ergo understanding) microbe-microbe interactions in the plant environment, including pairwise screening, intelligent application of cross-feeding models, spatial distributions of microbes, and understudied interactions between bacteria and fungi, phages, and protists. We offer a framework for systematic collection and centralized integration of data of plant microbiomes that could organize all the factors that can help ecologists understand microbiomes and help synthetic ecologists engineer beneficial microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Geller
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Environmental Science, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Asaf Levy
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Environmental Science, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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26
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Yang L, Fan W, Xu Y. Chameleon-like microbes promote microecological differentiation of Daqu. Food Microbiol 2023; 109:104144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Functional Endophytes Regulating Plant Secondary Metabolism: Current Status, Prospects and Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021153. [PMID: 36674663 PMCID: PMC9867233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Endophytes, which are widely found in host plants and have no harmful effects, are a vital biological resource. Plant endophytes promote plant growth and enhance plants' resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses. In addition, they enhance the synthesis of important secondary metabolites in plants and improve the potential applicability of plants in agriculture, medicine, food, and horticulture. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in understanding the interaction between endophytes and plants and summarize the construction of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) and metaomics analysis of the interaction between endophytes and plants. The application and development prospects of endophytes in agriculture, medicine, and other industries are also discussed to provide a reference for further study of the interaction between endophytes and plants and further development and utilization of endophytes.
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28
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A Transcriptomic Analysis of Higher-Order Ecological Interactions in a Eukaryotic Model Microbial Ecosystem. mSphere 2022; 7:e0043622. [PMID: 36259715 PMCID: PMC9769528 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00436-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonlinear ecological interactions within microbial ecosystems and their contribution to ecosystem functioning remain largely unexplored. Higher-order interactions, or interactions in systems comprised of more than two members that cannot be explained by cumulative pairwise interactions, are particularly understudied, especially in eukaryotic microorganisms. The wine fermentation ecosystem presents an ideal model to study yeast ecosystem establishment and functioning. Some pairwise ecological interactions between wine yeast species have been characterized, but very little is known about how more complex, multispecies systems function. Here, we evaluated nonlinear ecosystem properties by determining the transcriptomic response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to pairwise versus tri-species culture. The transcriptome revealed that genes expressed during pairwise coculture were enriched in the tri-species data set but also that just under half of the data set comprised unique genes attributed to a higher-order response. Through interactive protein-association network visualizations, a holistic cell-wide view of the gene expression data was generated, which highlighted known stress response and metabolic adaptation mechanisms which were specifically activated during tri-species growth. Further, extracellular metabolite data corroborated that the observed differences were a result of a biotic stress response. This provides exciting new evidence showing the presence of higher-order interactions within a model microbial ecosystem. IMPORTANCE Higher-order interactions are one of the major blind spots in our understanding of microbial ecosystems. These systems remain largely unpredictable and are characterized by nonlinear dynamics, in particular when the system is comprised of more than two entities. By evaluating the transcriptomic response of S. cerevisiae to an increase in culture complexity from a single species to two- and three-species systems, we were able to confirm the presence of a unique response in the more complex setting that could not be explained by the responses observed at the pairwise level. This is the first data set that provides molecular targets for further analysis to explain unpredictable ecosystem dynamics in yeast.
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29
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Abstract
With increasing evidence that microbes colonize tumors, synthetic biology tools are being leveraged to repurpose bacteria as tumor-specific delivery systems. These engineered systems can modulate the tumor microenvironment using a combination of their inherent immunogenicity and local payload production. Here, we review genetic circuits that enhance spatial and temporal control of therapeutic bacteria to improve their safety and efficacy. We describe the engineering of interactions among bacteria, tumor cells, and immune cells, and the progression from bacteria as single agents toward their rational combination with other modalities. Together, these efforts are building toward an emerging concept of engineering interactions between programmable medicines using synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice R. Gurbatri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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30
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Karpouzas DG, Vryzas Z, Martin-Laurent F. Pesticide soil microbial toxicity: setting the scene for a new pesticide risk assessment for soil microorganisms (IUPAC Technical Report). PURE APPL CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2022-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Pesticides constitute an integral part of modern agriculture. However, there are still concerns about their effects on non-target organisms. To address this the European Commission has imposed a stringent regulatory scheme for new pesticide compounds. Assessment of the aquatic toxicity of pesticides is based on a range of advanced tests. This does not apply to terrestrial ecosystems, where the toxicity of pesticides on soil microorganisms, is based on an outdated and crude test (N mineralization). This regulatory gap is reinforced by the recent methodological and standardization advances in soil microbial ecology. The inclusion of such standardized tools in a revised risk assessment scheme will enable the accurate estimation of the toxicity of pesticides on soil microorganisms and on associated ecosystem services. In this review we (i) summarize recent work in the assessment of the soil microbial toxicity of pesticides and point to ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms (AOM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as most relevant bioindicator groups (ii) identify limitations in the experimental approaches used and propose mitigation solutions, (iii) identify scientific gaps and (iv) propose a new risk assessment procedure to assess the effects of pesticides on soil microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios G. Karpouzas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology , Laboratory of Plant and Environmental Biotechnology, University of Thessaly , Viopolis 41500 , Larissa , Greece
| | - Zisis Vryzas
- Department of Agricultural Development , Democritus University of Thrace , Orestiada , Greece
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31
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Chaos in synthetic microbial communities. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010548. [PMID: 36215322 PMCID: PMC9584520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Predictability is a fundamental requirement in biological engineering. As we move to building coordinated multicellular systems, the potential for such systems to display chaotic behaviour becomes a concern. Therefore understanding which systems show chaos is an important design consideration. We developed a methodology to explore the potential for chaotic dynamics in small microbial communities governed by resource competition, intercellular communication and competitive bacteriocin interactions. Our model selection pipeline uses Approximate Bayesian Computation to first identify oscillatory behaviours as a route to finding chaotic behaviour. We have shown that we can expect to find chaotic states in relatively small synthetic microbial systems, understand the governing dynamics and provide insights into how to control such systems. This work is the first to query the existence of chaotic behaviour in synthetic microbial communities and has important ramifications for the fields of biotechnology, bioprocessing and synthetic biology.
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32
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Wang YC, Lin YT, Wang C, Tong Z, Hu XR, Lv YH, Jiang GY, Han MF, Deng JG, Hsi HC, Lee CH. Microbial community regulation and performance enhancement in gas biofilters by interrupting bacterial communication. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:150. [PMID: 36117217 PMCID: PMC9484056 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01345-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controlling excess biomass accumulation and clogging is important for maintaining the performance of gas biofilters and reducing energy consumption. Interruption of bacterial communication (quorum quenching) can modulate gene expression and alter biofilm properties. However, whether the problem of excess biomass accumulation in gas biofilters can be addressed by interrupting bacterial communication remains unknown. RESULTS In this study, parallel laboratory-scale gas biofilters were operated with Rhodococcus sp. BH4 (QQBF) and without Rhodococcus sp. BH4 (BF) to explore the effects of quorum quenching (QQ) bacteria on biomass accumulation and clogging. QQBF showed lower biomass accumulation (109 kg/m3) and superior operational stability (85-96%) than BF (170 kg/m3; 63-92%) at the end of the operation. Compared to BF, the QQBF biofilm had lower adhesion strength and decreased extracellular polymeric substance production, leading to easier detachment of biomass from filler surface into the leachate. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of quorum sensing (QS)-related species was found to decrease from 67 (BF) to 56% (QQBF). The QS function genes were also found a lower relative abundance in QQBF, compared with BF. Moreover, although both biofilters presented aromatic compounds removal performance, the keystone species in QQBF played an important role in maintaining biofilm stability, while the keystone species in BF exhibited great potential for biofilm formation. Finally, the possible influencing mechanism of Rhodococcus sp. BH4 on biofilm adhesion was demonstrated. Overall, the results of this study achieved excess biomass control while maintaining stable biofiltration performance (without interrupting operation) and greatly promoted the use of QQ technology in bioreactors. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Chao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yu-Ting Lin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Can Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Zhen Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xu-Rui Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ya-Hui Lv
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Guan-Yu Jiang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Meng-Fei Han
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ji-Guang Deng
- College of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Hsing-Cheng Hsi
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hak Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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33
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Yin C, Hagerty CH, Paulitz TC. Synthetic microbial consortia derived from rhizosphere soil protect wheat against a soilborne fungal pathogen. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:908981. [PMID: 36118206 PMCID: PMC9473337 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.908981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) could potentially enhance some functions of the plant microbiome and emerge as a promising inoculant for improving crop performance. Here, we characterized a collection of bacteria, previously isolated from the wheat rhizosphere, for their antifungal activity against soilborne fungal pathogens. Ten SynComs with different compositions from 14 bacterial strains were created. Seven SynComs protected wheat from Rhizoctonia solani AG8 infection, although SynComs were not more effective than single strains in reducing wheat root rot disease. Further, the mechanisms of interaction of the tested bacteria with each other and plants were explored. We found that nine bacteria and nine SynComs impacted the root growth of Arabidopsis. Nine bacteria and four SynComs significantly inhibited the growth of AG8 by producing volatiles. The cell-free supernatants from six bacteria inhibited the growth of AG8. Together, this study provided the potential for improving crop resilience by creating SynComs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuntao Yin
- North Central Agriculture Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Brookings, SD, United States
- *Correspondence: Chuntao Yin,
| | - Christina H. Hagerty
- Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center, Oregon State University, Adams, OR, United States
| | - Timothy C. Paulitz
- Wheat Health, Genetics and Quality Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA, United States
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34
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Pradhan S, Tyagi R, Sharma S. Combating biotic stresses in plants by synthetic microbial communities: Principles, applications, and challenges. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:2742-2759. [PMID: 36039728 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Presently, agriculture worldwide is facing the major challenge of feeding the increasing population sustainably. The conventional practices have not only failed to meet the projected needs, but also led to tremendous environmental consequences. Hence, to ensure a food-secure and environmentally sound future, the major thrust is on sustainable alternatives. Due to challenges associated with conventional means of application of biocontrol agents in the management of biotic stresses in agro-ecosystems, significant transformations in this context is needed. The crucial role played by soil microbiomes in efficiently and sustainably managing the agricultural production has unfolded a newer approach of rhizospheric engineering that shows immense promise in mitigating biotic stresses in an eco-friendly manner. The strategy of generating synthetic microbial communities (SynCom), by integrating omics approaches with traditional techniques of enumeration and in-depth analysis of plant-microbe interactions, is encouraging. The review discusses the significance of the rhizospheric microbiome in plant's fitness, and its manipulation for enhancing plant attributes. The focus of the review is to critically analyze the potential tools for the design and utilization of SynCom as a sustainable approach for rhizospheric engineering to ameliorate biotic stresses in plants. Further, based on the synthesis of reports in the area, we have put forth possible solutions to some of the critical issues that impair the large-scale application of SynComs in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salila Pradhan
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi
| | - Rashi Tyagi
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi
| | - Shilpi Sharma
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi
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35
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Ding Q, Li Z, Guo L, Song W, Wu J, Chen X, Liu L, Gao C. Engineering Escherichia coli asymmetry distribution-based synthetic consortium for shikimate production. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:3230-3240. [PMID: 35982023 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28211] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Microbial consortia constitute a promising tool for achieving high-value chemical bio-production. However, customizing the consortium ratio remains challenging. Herein, an asymmetry distribution-based synthetic consortium (ADSC) was developed to switch cell phenotypes using shikimate synthesis for proof of concept. First, the cell pole-organizing protein PopZ was screened as a mediator of asymmetric protein distribution in Escherichia coli. The ADSC was then constructed to incorporate PopZ-mediated asymmetry distribution and a TetR-based transcription repression switch to achieve the dynamical control of microbial population ratio. Finally, the ADSC was used to decouple cell growth from shikimate synthesis by effectively coordinating the ratio of growing cells and production cells at the consortium level, thereby increasing shikimate titer to 30.1 g/L in the 7.5-L bioreactor with a minimal medium. This titer was further improved to 82.5 g/L when using rich medium fermentation. Our results illustrate a novel approach to control consortium structure through ADSC-mediated regulation, highlighting its potential as an efficient strategy for controlling metabolic state in microbes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.,International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.,School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Zhendong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.,International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Liang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.,International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wei Song
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xiulai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.,International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Liming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.,International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Cong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.,International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
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36
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Ngo RJK, Yeoh JW, Fan GHW, Loh WKS, Poh CL. BMSS2: A Unified Database-Driven Modeling Tool for Systematic Biomodel Selection. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2901-2906. [PMID: 35866653 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Modeling in synthetic biology constitutes a powerful means in our continuous search for improved performance with a rational Design-Build-Test-Learn approach. Particularly, kinetic models unravel system dynamics and enable system analysis for guiding experimental design. However, a systematic yet modular pipeline that allows one to identify the appropriate model and guide the experimental designs while tracing the entire model development and analysis is still lacking. Here, we develop BMSS2, a unified tool that streamlines and automates model selection by combining information criterion ranking with upstream and parallel analysis algorithms. These include Bayesian parameter inference, a priori and a posteriori identifiability analysis, and global sensitivity analysis. In addition, the database-driven design supports interactive model storage/retrieval to encourage reusability and facilitate automated model selection. This allows ease of model manipulation and deposition for the selection and analysis, thus enabling better utilization of models in guiding experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Jie Kai Ngo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583.,NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456
| | - Jing Wui Yeoh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583.,NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456
| | - Gerald Horng Wei Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
| | - Wilbert Keat Siang Loh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583
| | - Chueh Loo Poh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583.,NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456
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37
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San León D, Nogales J. Toward merging bottom-up and top-down model-based designing of synthetic microbial communities. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 69:102169. [PMID: 35763963 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The increasing interest of microbial communities as promising biocatalyst is leading an intense effort into the development of computational frameworks assisting the analysis and rational engineering of such complex ecosystems. Here, we critically review the recent computational and model-guided advances in the system-level engineering of microbiome, including both the rational bottom-up and the evolutionary top-down approaches. Furthermore, we highlight modeling and computational methods supporting both engineering paradigms. Finally, we discuss the advantages of combining both strategies into a hybrid top-down/bottom-up (middle-out) strategy to engineer synthetic microbial communities with improved performance and scope.
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Affiliation(s)
- David San León
- Department of Systems Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Nogales
- Department of Systems Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy-Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
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38
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Wu S, Feng J, Liu C, Wu H, Qiu Z, Ge J, Sun S, Hong X, Li Y, Wang X, Yang A, Guo F, Qiao J. Machine learning aided construction of the quorum sensing communication network for human gut microbiota. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3079. [PMID: 35654892 PMCID: PMC9163137 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-cell communication mechanism that connects members in various microbial systems. Conventionally, a small number of QS entries are collected for specific microbes, which is far from being able to fully depict communication-based complex microbial interactions in human gut microbiota. In this study, we propose a systematic workflow including three modules and the use of machine learning-based classifiers to collect, expand, and mine the QS-related entries. Furthermore, we develop the Quorum Sensing of Human Gut Microbes (QSHGM) database ( http://www.qshgm.lbci.net/ ) including 28,567 redundancy removal entries, to bridge the gap between QS repositories and human gut microbiota. With the help of QSHGM, various communication-based microbial interactions can be searched and a QS communication network (QSCN) is further constructed and analysed for 818 human gut microbes. This work contributes to the establishment of the QSCN which may form one of the key knowledge maps of the human gut microbiota, supporting future applications such as new manipulations to synthetic microbiota and potential therapies to gut diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengbo Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jie Feng
- School of Computer Science and Technology, College of Intelligence and Computing, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Chunjiang Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Zhejiang Shaoxing Research Institute of Tianjin University, Shaoxing, 312300, China
| | - Zekai Qiu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Jianjun Ge
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Shuyang Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xia Hong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yukun Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xiaona Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Aidong Yang
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK.
| | - Fei Guo
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
| | - Jianjun Qiao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Zhejiang Shaoxing Research Institute of Tianjin University, Shaoxing, 312300, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education (Tianjin University), Tianjin, 300072, China.
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39
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Ferrocino I, Rantsiou K, Cocolin L. Microbiome and -omics application in food industry. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 377:109781. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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40
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Yang Y, Mao Y, Wang R, Li H, Liu Y, Cheng H, Shi Z, Wang Y, Wang M, Zheng P, Liao X, Ma H. AutoESD: a web tool for automatic editing sequence design for genetic manipulation of microorganisms. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:W75-W82. [PMID: 35639727 PMCID: PMC9252779 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in genetic manipulation and genome engineering techniques have enabled on-demand targeted deletion, insertion, and substitution of DNA sequences. One important step in these techniques is the design of editing sequences (e.g. primers, homologous arms) to precisely target and manipulate DNA sequences of interest. Experimental biologists can employ multiple tools in a stepwise manner to assist editing sequence design (ESD), but this requires various software involving non-standardized data exchange and input/output formats. Moreover, necessary quality control steps might be overlooked by non-expert users. This approach is low-throughput and can be error-prone, which illustrates the need for an automated ESD system. In this paper, we introduce AutoESD (https://autoesd.biodesign.ac.cn/), which designs editing sequences for all steps of genetic manipulation of many common homologous-recombination techniques based on screening-markers. Notably, multiple types of manipulations for different targets (CDS or intergenic region) can be processed in one submission. Moreover, AutoESD has an entirely cloud-based serverless architecture, offering high reliability, robustness and scalability which is capable of parallelly processing hundreds of design tasks each having thousands of targets in minutes. To our knowledge, AutoESD is the first cloud platform enabling precise, automated, and high-throughput ESD across species, at any genomic locus for all manipulation types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yufeng Mao
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Haoran Li
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Haijiao Cheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Zhenkun Shi
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Xiaoping Liao
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Hongwu Ma
- Biodesign Center, Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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41
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Tyagi R, Pradhan S, Bhattacharjee A, Dubey S, Sharma S. Management of abiotic stresses by microbiome-based engineering of the rhizosphere. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:254-272. [PMID: 35352450 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abiotic stresses detrimentally affect both plant and soil health, threatening food security in an ever-increasing world population. Sustainable agriculture is necessary to augment crop yield with simultaneous management of stresses. Limitations of conventional bioinoculants has shifted the focus on more effective alternatives. With the realisation of the potential of rhizospheric microbiome engineering in enhancing plant's fitness under stresses, efforts have accelerated in this direction. Though still in its infancy, microbiome-based engineering has gained popularity because of its advantages over microbe-based approach. This review briefly presents major abiotic stresses afflicting arable land, followed by introduction to the conventional approach of microbe-based enhancement of plant attributes and stress mitigation with its inherent limitations. It then focusses on the significance of rhizospheric microbiome, and harnessing its potential by its strategic engineering for stress management. Further, success stories related to two major approaches of microbiome engineering (generation of synthetic microbial community/consortium, and host-mediated artificial selection) pertaining to stress management have been critically presented. Together with bringing forth the challenges associated with wide application of rhizospheric microbiome engineering in agriculture, the review proposes the adoption of combinatorial scheme for the same, bringing together ecological and reductionist approaches for improvised sustainable agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashi Tyagi
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and, Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
| | - Salila Pradhan
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and, Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
| | - Annapurna Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and, Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
| | - Shubham Dubey
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and, Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
| | - Shilpi Sharma
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and, Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi
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42
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Jiang W, Yang X, Gu F, Li X, Wang S, Luo Y, Qi Q, Liang Q. Construction of Synthetic Microbial Ecosystems and the Regulation of Population Proportion. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:538-546. [PMID: 35044170 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
With the development of synthetic biology, the design and application of microbial consortia have received increasing attention. However, the construction of synthetic ecosystems is still hampered by our limited ability to rapidly develop microbial consortia with the required dynamics and functions. By using modular design, we constructed synthetic competitive and symbiotic ecosystems with Escherichia coli. Two ecological relationships were realized by reconfiguring the layout between the communication and effect modules. Furthermore, we designed inducible synthetic ecosystems to regulate subpopulation ratios. With the addition of different inducers, a wide range of strain ratios between subpopulations was achieved. These inducible synthetic ecosystems enabled a larger volume of population regulation and simplified culture conditions. The synthetic ecosystems we constructed combined both basic and applied functionalities and expanded the toolkit of synthetic biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Xiaoya Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Fei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Sumeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yue Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266000, China
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43
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Kratzl F, Kremling A, Pflüger‐Grau K. Streamlining of a synthetic co-culture towards an individually controllable one-pot process for polyhydroxyalkanoate production from light and CO 2. Eng Life Sci 2022; 23:e2100156. [PMID: 36619884 PMCID: PMC9815089 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202100156] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationally designed synthetic microbial consortia carry a vast potential for biotechnological applications. The application of such a consortium in a bioprocess, however, requires tight and individual controllability of the involved microbes. Here, we present the streamlining of a co-cultivation process consisting of Synechococcus elongatus cscB and Pseudomonas putida for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from light and CO2. First, the process was improved by employing P. putida cscRABY, a strain with a higher metabolic activity towards sucrose. Next, the individual controllability of the co-culture partners was addressed by providing different nitrogen sources, each exclusively available for one strain. By this, the growth rate of the co-culture partners could be regulated individually, and defined conditions could be set. The molC/molN ratio, a key value for PHA accumulation, was estimated from the experimental data, and the necessary feeding rates to obtain a specific ratio could be predicted. This information was then implemented in the co-cultivation process, following the concept of a DBTL-cycle. In total, the streamlining of the process resulted in an increased maximal PHA titer of 393 mg/L and a PHA production rate of 42.1 mg/(L•day).
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Kratzl
- Professorship of Systems BiotechnologyTechnical University of MunichGarchingGermany
| | - Andreas Kremling
- Professorship of Systems BiotechnologyTechnical University of MunichGarchingGermany
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44
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Lin L. Bottom-up synthetic ecology study of microbial consortia to enhance lignocellulose bioconversion. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2022; 15:14. [PMID: 35418100 PMCID: PMC8822760 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-022-02113-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Lignocellulose is the most abundant organic carbon polymer on the earth. Its decomposition and conversion greatly impact the global carbon cycle. Furthermore, it provides feedstock for sustainable fuel and other value-added products. However, it continues to be underutilized, due to its highly recalcitrant and heterogeneric structure. Microorganisms, which have evolved versatile pathways to convert lignocellulose, undoubtedly are at the heart of lignocellulose conversion. Numerous studies that have reported successful metabolic engineering of individual strains to improve biological lignin valorization. Meanwhile, the bottleneck of single strain modification is becoming increasingly urgent in the conversion of complex substrates. Alternatively, increased attention has been paid to microbial consortia, as they show advantages over pure cultures, e.g., high efficiency and robustness. Here, we first review recent developments in microbial communities for lignocellulose bioconversion. Furthermore, the emerging area of synthetic ecology, which is an integration of synthetic biology, ecology, and computational biology, provides an opportunity for the bottom-up construction of microbial consortia. Then, we review different modes of microbial interaction and their molecular mechanisms, and discuss considerations of how to employ these interactions to construct synthetic consortia via synthetic ecology, as well as highlight emerging trends in engineering microbial communities for lignocellulose bioconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lin
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, China.
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45
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Boruta T, Ścigaczewska A, Bizukojć M. "Microbial Wars" in a Stirred Tank Bioreactor: Investigating the Co-Cultures of Streptomyces rimosus and Aspergillus terreus, Filamentous Microorganisms Equipped With a Rich Arsenal of Secondary Metabolites. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:713639. [PMID: 34660550 PMCID: PMC8511322 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.713639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial co-cultivation is an approach frequently used for the induction of secondary metabolic pathways and the discovery of novel molecules. The studies of this kind are typically focused on the chemical and ecological aspects of inter-species interactions rather than on the bioprocess characterization. In the present work, the co-cultivation of two textbook producers of secondary metabolites, namely Aspergillus terreus (a filamentous fungus used for the manufacturing of lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug) and Streptomyces rimosus (an actinobacterial producer of an antibiotic oxytetracycline) in a 5.5-L stirred tank bioreactor was investigated in the context of metabolic production, utilization of carbon substrates and dissolved oxygen levels. The cultivation runs differed in terms of the applied co-culture initiation strategy and the composition of growth medium. All the experiments were performed in three bioreactors running in parallel (corresponding to a co-culture and two respective monoculture controls). The analysis based upon mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography revealed a broad spectrum of more than 40 secondary metabolites, including the molecules identified as the oxidized derivatives of rimocidin and milbemycin that were observed solely under the conditions of co-cultivation. S. rimosus showed a tendency to dominate over A. terreus, except for the runs where S. rimosus was inoculated into the already developed bioreactor cultures of A. terreus. Despite being dominated, the less aggressive strain still had an observable influence on the production of secondary metabolites and the utilization of substrates in co-culture. The monitoring of dissolved oxygen levels was evaluated as a fast approach of identifying the dominant microorganism during the co-cultivation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Boruta
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Ścigaczewska
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Bizukojć
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
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46
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A light tunable differentiation system for the creation and control of consortia in yeast. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5829. [PMID: 34611168 PMCID: PMC8492667 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial microbial consortia seek to leverage division-of-labour to optimize function and possess immense potential for bioproduction. Co-culturing approaches, the preferred mode of generating a consortium, remain limited in their ability to give rise to stable consortia having finely tuned compositions. Here, we present an artificial differentiation system in budding yeast capable of generating stable microbial consortia with custom functionalities from a single strain at user-defined composition in space and in time based on optogenetically-driven genetic rewiring. Owing to fast, reproducible, and light-tunable dynamics, our system enables dynamic control of consortia composition in continuous cultures for extended periods. We further demonstrate that our system can be extended in a straightforward manner to give rise to consortia with multiple subpopulations. Our artificial differentiation strategy establishes a novel paradigm for the creation of complex microbial consortia that are simple to implement, precisely controllable, and versatile to use.
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47
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Liu JM, Solem C, Lu T, Jensen PR. Harnessing lactic acid bacteria in synthetic microbial consortia. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 40:8-11. [PMID: 34583846 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important members in synthetic microbial consortia due to their 'generally recognized as safe' status and diverse metabolic activities. Defined communities with LAB show great potential in elucidating metabolic interactions that drive their assembly and demonstrating power to address sustainability challenges in food, environment, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Ming Liu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China; The National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark.
| | - Christian Solem
- The National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Peter Ruhdal Jensen
- The National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
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48
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Lindsay RJ, Jepson A, Butt L, Holder PJ, Smug BJ, Gudelj I. Would that it were so simple: Interactions between multiple traits undermine classical single-trait-based predictions of microbial community function and evolution. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:2775-2795. [PMID: 34453399 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how microbial traits affect the evolution and functioning of microbial communities is fundamental for improving the management of harmful microorganisms, while promoting those that are beneficial. Decades of evolutionary ecology research has focused on examining microbial cooperation, diversity, productivity and virulence but with one crucial limitation. The traits under consideration, such as public good production and resistance to antibiotics or predation, are often assumed to act in isolation. Yet, in reality, multiple traits frequently interact, which can lead to unexpected and undesired outcomes for the health of macroorganisms and ecosystem functioning. This is because many predictions generated in a single-trait context aimed at promoting diversity, reducing virulence or controlling antibiotic resistance can fail for systems where multiple traits interact. Here, we provide a much needed discussion and synthesis of the most recent research to reveal the widespread and diverse nature of multi-trait interactions and their consequences for predicting and controlling microbial community dynamics. Importantly, we argue that synthetic microbial communities and multi-trait mathematical models are powerful tools for managing the beneficial and detrimental impacts of microbial communities, such that past mistakes, like those made regarding the stewardship of antimicrobials, are not repeated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Lindsay
- Biosciences and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Alys Jepson
- Biosciences and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Lisa Butt
- Biosciences and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Philippa J Holder
- Biosciences and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Bogna J Smug
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ivana Gudelj
- Biosciences and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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49
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Kumar N, Hitch TCA, Haller D, Lagkouvardos I, Clavel T. MiMiC: a bioinformatic approach for generation of synthetic communities from metagenomes. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:1757-1770. [PMID: 34081399 PMCID: PMC8313253 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental and host-associated microbial communities are complex ecosystems, of which many members are still unknown. Hence, it is challenging to study community dynamics and important to create model systems of reduced complexity that mimic major community functions. Therefore, we developed MiMiC, a computational approach for data-driven design of simplified communities from shotgun metagenomes. We first built a comprehensive database of species-level bacterial and archaeal genomes (n = 22 627) consisting of binary (presence/absence) vectors of protein families (Pfam = 17 929). MiMiC predicts the composition of minimal consortia using an iterative scoring system based on maximal match-to-mismatch ratios between this database and the Pfam binary vector of any input metagenome. Pfam vectorization retained enough resolution to distinguish metagenomic profiles between six environmental and host-derived microbial communities (n = 937). The calculated number of species per minimal community ranged between 5 and 11, with MiMiC selected communities better recapitulating the functional repertoire of the original samples than randomly selected species. The inferred minimal communities retained habitat-specific features and were substantially different from communities consisting of most abundant members. The use of a mixture of known microbes revealed the ability to select 23 of 25 target species from the entire genome database. MiMiC is open source and available at https://github.com/ClavelLab/MiMiC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Kumar
- Functional Microbiome Research GroupInstitute of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Hospital of RWTHAachenGermany
- ZIEL‐ Institute for Food and HealthTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Thomas C. A. Hitch
- Functional Microbiome Research GroupInstitute of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Hospital of RWTHAachenGermany
| | - Dirk Haller
- ZIEL‐ Institute for Food and HealthTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
- Chair of Nutrition and ImmunologyTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
| | - Ilias Lagkouvardos
- ZIEL‐ Institute for Food and HealthTechnical University of MunichFreisingGermany
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and AquacultureHellenic Center of Marine ResearchHeraklionGreece
| | - Thomas Clavel
- Functional Microbiome Research GroupInstitute of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity Hospital of RWTHAachenGermany
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