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Suban S, Yemini S, Shor A, Waldman Ben-Asher H, Yaron O, Karako-Lampert S, Sendersky E, Golden SS, Schwarz R. A cyanobacterial sigma factor F controls biofilm-promoting genes through intra- and intercellular pathways. Biofilm 2024; 8:100217. [PMID: 39188729 PMCID: PMC11345509 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100217] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria frequently constitute integral components of microbial communities known as phototrophic biofilms, which are widespread in various environments. Moreover, assemblages of these organisms, which serve as an expression platform, simplify harvesting the biomass, thereby holding significant industrial relevance. Previous studies of the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 revealed that its planktonic growth habit results from a biofilm-suppression mechanism that depends on an extracellular inhibitor, an observation that opens the door to investigating cyanobacterial intercellular communication. Here, we demonstrate that the RNA polymerase sigma factor SigF1, is required for this biofilm-suppression mechanism whereas the S. elongatus paralog SigF2 is not involved in biofilm regulation. Comprehensive transcriptome analyses identified distinct regulons under the control of each of these sigma factors. sigF1 inactivation substantially lowers transcription of genes that code for the primary pilus subunit and consequently prevents pilus assembly. Moreover, additional data demonstrate absence of the biofilm inhibitor from conditioned medium of the sigF1 mutant, further validating involvement of the pilus assembly complex in secretion of the biofilm inhibitor. Consequently, expression is significantly upregulated for the ebfG-operon that encodes matrix components and the genes that encode the corresponding secretion system, which are repressed by the biofilm inhibitor in the wild type. Thus, this study uncovers a basic regulatory component of cyanobacterial intercellular communication, a field that is in its infancy. Elevated expression of biofilm-promoting genes in a sigF1 mutant supports an additional layer of regulation by SigF1 that operates via an intracellular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiran Suban
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Sapir Yemini
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Anna Shor
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Hiba Waldman Ben-Asher
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Orly Yaron
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Sarit Karako-Lampert
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Susan S. Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
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2
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Reis MDP, de Paula RS, E Souza CC, de Oliveira Júnior RB, Cardoso AV. Linking microbial slime community structure with abiotic factors and antifouling strategy in hydroelectric cooling systems. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:1547-1557. [PMID: 37301793 PMCID: PMC10484857 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01020-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microfouling can have significant economic impacts for hydroelectric power plants. However, knowledge concerning the composition and metabolism of microbial biofilm in cooling systems remains scarce. We examined the metagenome present in a cooling system, comprising a filter (F) and heat exchanger (HE), in the Nova Ponte hydroelectric power plant in Brazil, to identify bacteria and pathways that could be targeted to monitor and control biofilm formation. Our data revealed that the microfouling sample from heat exchanger 1 (HEM1), with porous consistency, presented enriched bacterial members not frequently described as biofilm formers in cooling systems, besides it has been shown to be an autoinducer repression pathway. Furthermore, the microfouling sample from heat exchanger 2 (HEM2), with gelatinous consistency, seemed to be an established biofilm, containing enriched bacterial groups such as Desulfotomaculum and Crenothrix and autoinducers, with biotechnological relevance in industrial biofilms. The results demonstrate that biofilm composition will vary depending on different abiotic conditions and the antifouling strategy used, including type of compound, concentration, and frequency of use. Therefore, all these variables must be evaluated when a power plant is affected by microbial slime in the cooling system. Our findings could help to define strategies for efficient and ecofriendly measures to contain microfouling in power plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana de Paula Reis
- Centro de Bioengenharia de Espécies Invasoras de Hidrelétricas (CBEIH), Avenida José Cândido da Silveira, 2100/09, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31035-536, Brazil.
| | - Rayan Silva de Paula
- Centro de Bioengenharia de Espécies Invasoras de Hidrelétricas (CBEIH), Avenida José Cândido da Silveira, 2100/09, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31035-536, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Clara Carvalho E Souza
- Centro de Bioengenharia de Espécies Invasoras de Hidrelétricas (CBEIH), Avenida José Cândido da Silveira, 2100/09, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31035-536, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Renato Brito de Oliveira Júnior
- Centro de Bioengenharia de Espécies Invasoras de Hidrelétricas (CBEIH), Avenida José Cândido da Silveira, 2100/09, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31035-536, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Antonio Valadão Cardoso
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Escola de Design, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais (UEMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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3
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Frenkel A, Zecharia E, Gómez-Pérez D, Sendersky E, Yegorov Y, Jacob A, Benichou JIC, Stierhof YD, Parnasa R, Golden SS, Kemen E, Schwarz R. Cell specialization in cyanobacterial biofilm development revealed by expression of a cell-surface and extracellular matrix protein. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:10. [PMID: 36864092 PMCID: PMC9981879 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00376-6] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacterial biofilms are ubiquitous and play important roles in diverse environments, yet, understanding of the processes underlying the development of these aggregates is just emerging. Here we report cell specialization in formation of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 biofilms-a hitherto unknown characteristic of cyanobacterial social behavior. We show that only a quarter of the cell population expresses at high levels the four-gene ebfG-operon that is required for biofilm formation. Almost all cells, however, are assembled in the biofilm. Detailed characterization of EbfG4 encoded by this operon revealed cell-surface localization as well as its presence in the biofilm matrix. Moreover, EbfG1-3 were shown to form amyloid structures such as fibrils and are thus likely to contribute to the matrix structure. These data suggest a beneficial 'division of labor' during biofilm formation where only some of the cells allocate resources to produce matrix proteins-'public goods' that support robust biofilm development by the majority of the cells. In addition, previous studies revealed the operation of a self-suppression mechanism that depends on an extracellular inhibitor, which supresses transcription of the ebfG-operon. Here we revealed inhibitor activity at an early growth stage and its gradual accumulation along the exponential growth phase in correlation with cell density. Data, however, do not support a threshold-like phenomenon known for quorum-sensing in heterotrophs. Together, data presented here demonstrate cell specialization and imply density-dependent regulation thereby providing deep insights into cyanobacterial communal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alona Frenkel
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002 Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Eli Zecharia
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002 Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Daniel Gómez-Pérez
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP), University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eleonora Sendersky
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002 Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yevgeni Yegorov
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002 Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Avi Jacob
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002 Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Jennifer I. C. Benichou
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002 Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - York-Dieter Stierhof
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP), University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rami Parnasa
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002 Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Susan S. Golden
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Eric Kemen
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP), University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
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4
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Hydrodynamic conditions affect the proteomic profile of marine biofilms formed by filamentous cyanobacterium. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:80. [PMID: 36253388 PMCID: PMC9576798 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00340-w] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteomic studies on cyanobacterial biofilms can be an effective approach to unravel metabolic pathways involved in biofilm formation and, consequently, obtain more efficient biofouling control strategies. Biofilm development by the filamentous cyanobacterium Toxifilum sp. LEGE 06021 was evaluated on different surfaces, glass and perspex, and at two significant shear rates for marine environments (4 s-1 and 40 s-1). Higher biofilm development was observed at 4 s-1. Overall, about 1877 proteins were identified, and differences in proteome were more noticeable between hydrodynamic conditions than those found between surfaces. Twenty Differentially Expressed Proteins (DEPs) were found between 4 s-1 vs. 40 s-1. On glass, some of these DEPs include phage tail proteins, a carotenoid protein, cyanophynase glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase, and the MoaD/ThiS family protein, while on perspex, DEPs include transketolase, dihydroxy-acid dehydratase, iron ABC transporter substrate-binding protein and protein NusG. This study contributes to developing a standardized protocol for proteomic analysis of filamentous cyanobacterial biofilms. This kind of proteomic analysis can also be useful for different research fields, given the broad spectrum of promising secondary metabolites and added-value compounds produced by cyanobacteria, as well as for the development of new antibiofilm strategies.
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5
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Howard-Varona C, Roux S, Bowen BP, Silva LP, Lau R, Schwenck SM, Schwartz S, Woyke T, Northen T, Sullivan MB, Floge SA. Protist impacts on marine cyanovirocell metabolism. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:94. [PMID: 37938263 PMCID: PMC9723779 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-022-00169-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The fate of oceanic carbon and nutrients depends on interactions between viruses, prokaryotes, and unicellular eukaryotes (protists) in a highly interconnected planktonic food web. To date, few controlled mechanistic studies of these interactions exist, and where they do, they are largely pairwise, focusing either on viral infection (i.e., virocells) or protist predation. Here we studied population-level responses of Synechococcus cyanobacterial virocells (i.e., cyanovirocells) to the protist Oxyrrhis marina using transcriptomics, endo- and exo-metabolomics, photosynthetic efficiency measurements, and microscopy. Protist presence had no measurable impact on Synechococcus transcripts or endometabolites. The cyanovirocells alone had a smaller intracellular transcriptional and metabolic response than cyanovirocells co-cultured with protists, displaying known patterns of virus-mediated metabolic reprogramming while releasing diverse exometabolites during infection. When protists were added, several exometabolites disappeared, suggesting microbial consumption. In addition, the intracellular cyanovirocell impact was largest, with 4.5- and 10-fold more host transcripts and endometabolites, respectively, responding to protists, especially those involved in resource and energy production. Physiologically, photosynthetic efficiency also increased, and together with the transcriptomics and metabolomics findings suggest that cyanovirocell metabolic demand is highest when protists are present. These data illustrate cyanovirocell responses to protist presence that are not yet considered when linking microbial physiology to global-scale biogeochemical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Roux
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- U.S. DOE Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Leslie P Silva
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Syft Technologies, Ltd, Christchurch, 8024, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Lau
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Schwenck
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Microbial and Environmental Genomics, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samuel Schwartz
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, USA
| | - Tanja Woyke
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- U.S. DOE Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Trent Northen
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- U.S. DOE Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Matthew B Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, and Center of Microbiome Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Sheri A Floge
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, USA.
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6
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Kim SJ, Chi C, Pattanayak G, Dinner AR, Rust MJ. KidA, a multi-PAS domain protein, tunes the period of the cyanobacterial circadian oscillator. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202426119. [PMID: 36067319 PMCID: PMC9478674 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202426119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyanobacterial clock presents a unique opportunity to understand the biochemical basis of circadian rhythms. The core oscillator, composed of the KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC proteins, has been extensively studied, but a complete picture of its connection to the physiology of the cell is lacking. To identify previously unknown components of the clock, we used KaiB locked in its active fold as bait in an immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry approach. We found that the most abundant interactor, other than KaiC, was a putative diguanylate cyclase protein predicted to contain multiple Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domains, which we propose to name KidA. Here we show that KidA directly binds to the fold-switched active form of KaiB through its N-terminal PAS domains. We found that KidA shortens the period of the circadian clock both in vivo and in vitro and alters the ability of the clock to entrain to light-dark cycles. The dose-dependent effect of KidA on the clock period could be quantitatively recapitulated by a mathematical model in which KidA stabilizes the fold-switched form of KaiB, favoring rebinding to KaiC. Put together, our results show that the period and amplitude of the clock can be modulated by regulating the access of KaiB to the fold-switched form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Ji Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Chris Chi
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Gopal Pattanayak
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Aaron R. Dinner
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Michael J. Rust
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
- Department of Physics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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7
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The intrinsic characteristics of microalgae biofilm and their potential applications in pollutants removal — A review. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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8
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Mukherjee M, Geeta A, Ghosh S, Prusty A, Dutta S, Sarangi AN, Behera S, Adhikary SP, Tripathy S. Genome Analysis Coupled With Transcriptomics Reveals the Reduced Fitness of a Hot Spring Cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus UU774 Under Exogenous Nitrogen Supplement. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:909289. [PMID: 35847102 PMCID: PMC9284123 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.909289] [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: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study focuses on the stress response of a filamentous, AT-rich, heterocystous cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus UU774, isolated from a hot spring, Taptapani, located in the eastern part of India. The genome of UU774 contains an indispensable fragment, scaffold_38, of unknown origin that is implicated during severe nitrogen and nutrition stress. Prolonged exposure to nitrogen compounds during starvation has profound adverse effects on UU774, leading to loss of mobility, loss of ability to fight pathogens, reduced cell division, decreased nitrogen-fixing ability, reduced ability to form biofilms, reduced photosynthetic and light-sensing ability, and reduced production of secreted effectors and chromosomal toxin genes, among others. Among genes showing extreme downregulation when grown in a medium supplemented with nitrogen with the fold change > 5 are transcriptional regulator gene WalR, carbonic anhydrases, RNA Polymerase Sigma F factor, fimbrial protein, and twitching mobility protein. The reduced expression of key enzymes involved in the uptake of phosphate and enzymes protecting oxygen-sensitive nitrogenases is significant during the presence of nitrogen. UU774 is presumed to withstand heat by overexpressing peptidases that may be degrading abnormally folded proteins produced during heat. The absence of a key gene responsible for heterocyst pattern formation, patS, and an aberrant hetN without a functional motif probably lead to the formation of a chaotic heterocyst pattern in UU774. We suggest that UU774 has diverged from Fischerella sp. PCC 9339, another hot spring species isolated in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri Mukherjee
- Computational Genomics Lab, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Aribam Geeta
- Computational Genomics Lab, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Samrat Ghosh
- Computational Genomics Lab, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Asharani Prusty
- Computational Genomics Lab, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Subhajeet Dutta
- Computational Genomics Lab, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Aditya Narayan Sarangi
- Computational Genomics Lab, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Smrutisanjita Behera
- Computational Genomics Lab, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Sucheta Tripathy
- Computational Genomics Lab, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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9
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Simkovsky R, Parnasa R, Wang J, Nagar E, Zecharia E, Suban S, Yegorov Y, Veltman B, Sendersky E, Schwarz R, Golden SS. Transcriptomic and Phenomic Investigations Reveal Elements in Biofilm Repression and Formation in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:899150. [PMID: 35814646 PMCID: PMC9260433 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.899150] [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: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation by photosynthetic organisms is a complex behavior that serves multiple functions in the environment. Biofilm formation in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 is regulated in part by a set of small secreted proteins that promotes biofilm formation and a self-suppression mechanism that prevents their expression. Little is known about the regulatory and structural components of the biofilms in PCC 7942, or response to the suppressor signal(s). We performed transcriptomics (RNA-Seq) and phenomics (RB-TnSeq) screens that identified four genes involved in biofilm formation and regulation, more than 25 additional candidates that may impact biofilm formation, and revealed the transcriptomic adaptation to the biofilm state. In so doing, we compared the effectiveness of these two approaches for gene discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Simkovsky
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Rami Parnasa
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Jingtong Wang
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Elad Nagar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eli Zecharia
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Shiran Suban
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yevgeni Yegorov
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Boris Veltman
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Susan S Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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10
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Abstract
Strains of the freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus were first isolated approximately 60 years ago, and PCC 7942 is well established as a model for photosynthesis, circadian biology, and biotechnology research. The recent isolation of UTEX 3055 and subsequent discoveries in biofilm and phototaxis phenotypes suggest that lab strains of S. elongatus are highly domesticated. We performed a comprehensive genome comparison among the available genomes of S. elongatus and sequenced two additional laboratory strains to trace the loss of native phenotypes from the standard lab strains and determine the genetic basis of useful phenotypes. The genome comparison analysis provides a pangenome description of S. elongatus, as well as correction of extensive errors in the published sequence for the type strain PCC 6301. The comparison of gene sets and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among strains clarifies strain isolation histories and, together with large-scale genome differences, supports a hypothesis of laboratory domestication. Prophage genes in laboratory strains, but not UTEX 3055, affect pigmentation, while unique genes in UTEX 3055 are necessary for phototaxis. The genomic differences identified in this study include previously reported SNPs that are, in reality, sequencing errors, as well as SNPs and genome differences that have phenotypic consequences. One SNP in the circadian response regulator rpaA that has caused confusion is clarified here as belonging to an aberrant clone of PCC 7942, used for the published genome sequence, that has confounded the interpretation of circadian fitness research.
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11
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Kameda M, Kanaly RA, Harada M, Aoki S, Tukada H, Kutsuna S. Quantification of cyanobacterial cyclic di-guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. J Microbiol Methods 2022; 196:106468. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2022.106468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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12
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Suban S, Sendersky E, Golden SS, Schwarz R. Impairment of a cyanobacterial glycosyltransferase that modifies a pilin results in biofilm development. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 14:218-229. [PMID: 35172394 PMCID: PMC9306852 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A biofilm inhibiting mechanism operates in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus. Here, we demonstrate that the glycosyltransferase homologue, Ogt, participates in the inhibitory process - inactivation of ogt results in robust biofilm formation. Furthermore, a mutational approach shows requirement of the glycosyltransferase activity for biofilm inhibition. This enzyme is necessary for glycosylation of the pilus subunit and for adequate pilus formation. In contrast to wild-type culture in which most cells exhibit several pili, only 25% of the mutant cells are piliated, half of which possess a single pilus. In spite of this poor piliation, natural DNA competence was similar to that of wild-type; therefore, we propose that the unglycosylated pili facilitate DNA transformation. Additionally, conditioned medium from wild-type culture, which contains a biofilm inhibiting substance(s), only partially blocks biofilm development by the ogt-mutant. Thus, we suggest that inactivation of ogt affects multiple processes including production or secretion of the inhibitor as well as the ability to sense or respond to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiran Suban
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐Gan5290002Israel
| | - Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐Gan5290002Israel
| | - Susan S. Golden
- Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA92093USA
- Center for Circadian BiologyUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA92093USA
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐Gan5290002Israel
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13
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Parker JK, Davies BW. Microcins reveal natural mechanisms of bacterial manipulation to inform therapeutic development. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168:001175. [PMID: 35438625 PMCID: PMC10233263 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Microcins are an understudied and poorly characterized class of antimicrobial peptides. Despite the existence of only 15 examples, all identified from the Enterobacteriaceae, microcins display diversity in sequence, structure, target cell uptake, cytotoxic mechanism of action and target specificity. Collectively, these features describe some of the unique means nature has contrived for molecules to cross the 'impermeable' barrier of the Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane and inflict cytotoxic effects. Microcins appear to be widely dispersed among different species and in different environments, where they function in regulating microbial communities in diverse ways, including through competition. Growing evidence suggests that microcins may be adapted for therapeutic uses such as antimicrobial drugs, microbiome modulators or facilitators of peptide uptake into cells. Advancing our biological, ecological and biochemical understanding of the roles of microcins in bacterial interactions, and learning how to regulate and modify microcin activity, is essential to enable such therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bryan William Davies
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- John Ring LaMontagne Center for Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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14
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Cyanobacteria: Model Microorganisms and Beyond. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040696. [PMID: 35456747 PMCID: PMC9025173 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, the general background is provided on cyanobacteria, including morphology, cell membrane structure, and their photosynthesis pathway. The presence of cyanobacteria in nature, and their industrial applications are discussed, and their production of secondary metabolites are explained. Biofilm formation, as a common feature of microorganisms, is detailed and the role of cell diffusion in bacterial colonization is described. Then, the discussion is narrowed down to cyanobacterium Synechocystis, as a lab model microorganism. In this relation, the morphology of Synechocystis is discussed and its different elements are detailed. Type IV pili, the complex multi-protein apparatus for motility and cell-cell adhesion in Synechocystis is described and the underlying function of its different elements is detailed. The phototaxis behavior of the cells, in response to homogenous or directional illumination, is reported and its relation to the run and tumble statistics of the cells is emphasized. In Synechocystis suspensions, there may exist a reciprocal interaction between the cell and the carrying fluid. The effects of shear flow on the growth, doubling per day, biomass production, pigments, and lipid production of Synechocystis are reported. Reciprocally, the effects of Synechocystis presence and its motility on the rheological properties of cell suspensions are addressed. This review only takes up the general grounds of cyanobacteria and does not get into the detailed biological aspects per se. Thus, it is substantially more comprehensive in that sense than other reviews that have been published in the last two decades. It is also written not only for the researchers in the field, but for those in physics and engineering, who may find it interesting, useful, and related to their own research.
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15
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Simkovsky R, Parnasa R, Wang J, Nagar E, Zecharia E, Suban S, Yegorov Y, Veltman B, Sendersky E, Schwarz R, Golden SS. Transcriptomic and Phenomic Investigations Reveal Elements in Biofilm Repression and Formation in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:899150. [PMID: 35814646 DOI: 10.1101/2022.01.27.477154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation by photosynthetic organisms is a complex behavior that serves multiple functions in the environment. Biofilm formation in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 is regulated in part by a set of small secreted proteins that promotes biofilm formation and a self-suppression mechanism that prevents their expression. Little is known about the regulatory and structural components of the biofilms in PCC 7942, or response to the suppressor signal(s). We performed transcriptomics (RNA-Seq) and phenomics (RB-TnSeq) screens that identified four genes involved in biofilm formation and regulation, more than 25 additional candidates that may impact biofilm formation, and revealed the transcriptomic adaptation to the biofilm state. In so doing, we compared the effectiveness of these two approaches for gene discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Simkovsky
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Rami Parnasa
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Jingtong Wang
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Elad Nagar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eli Zecharia
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Shiran Suban
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yevgeni Yegorov
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Boris Veltman
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Susan S Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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16
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Romeu MJ, Domínguez-Pérez D, Almeida D, Morais J, Araújo MJ, Osório H, Campos A, Vasconcelos V, Mergulhão FJ. Quantitative proteomic analysis of marine biofilms formed by filamentous cyanobacterium. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111566. [PMID: 34181917 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial molecular biology can identify pathways that affect the adhesion and settlement of biofouling organisms and, consequently, obtain novel antifouling strategies for marine applications. Proteomic analyses can provide an essential understanding of how cyanobacteria adapt to different environmental settings. However, only a few qualitative studies have been performed in some cyanobacterial strains. Considering the limited knowledge about protein expression in cyanobacteria in different growing conditions, a quantitative proteomic analysis by LC-MS/MS of biofilm cells from a filamentous strain was performed. Biofilms were also analysed through standard methodologies for following cyanobacterial biofilm development. Biofilms were formed on glass and perspex at two relevant hydrodynamic conditions for marine environments (average shear rates of 4 s-1 and 40 s-1). Biofilm development was higher at 4 s-1 and no significant differences were found between surfaces. Proteomic analysis identified 546 proteins and 41 were differentially expressed. Differences in protein expression were more noticeable between biofilms formed on glass and perspex at 4 s-1. When comparing biofilms formed on different surfaces, results suggest that biofilm development may be related to the expression of several proteins like a beta-propeller domain-containing protein, chaperone DnaK, SLH domain-containing proteins, an OMF family outer membrane protein, and/or additional uncharacterized proteins. Regarding the hydrodynamic effect, biofilm development can be related to SOD enzyme expression, to proteins related to photosynthetic processes and to a set of uncharacterized proteins with calcium binding domains, disordered proteins, and others involved in electron transfer activity. Studies that combine distinct approaches are essential for finding new targets for antibiofilm agents. The characterisation performed in this work provides new insights into how shear rate and surface affect cyanobacterial biofilm development and how cyanobacteria adapt to these different environmental settings from a macroscopic standpoint to a proteomics context.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Romeu
- LEPABE, Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - D Domínguez-Pérez
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - D Almeida
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - J Morais
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - M J Araújo
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - H Osório
- i3S -Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, IPATIMUP, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Campos
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - V Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - F J Mergulhão
- LEPABE, Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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17
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Sugimoto Y, Masuda S. In vivo localization and oligomerization of PixD and PixE for controlling phototaxis in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. J GEN APPL MICROBIOL 2021; 67:54-58. [PMID: 33342920 DOI: 10.2323/jgam.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Phototaxis is a phenomenon where cyanobacteria move toward a light source. Previous studies have shown that the blue-light-using-flavin (BLUF)-type photoreceptor PixD and the response regulator-like protein PixE control the phototaxis in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The pixD-null mutant moves away from light, whereas WT, pixE mutant, and pixD pixE double mutant move toward the light. This indicates that PixE functions downstream of PixD and influences the direction of movement. However, it is still unclear how the light signal received by PixD is transmitted to PixE, and then subsequently transmitted to the type IV pili motor mechanism. Here, we investigated intracellular localization and oligomerization of PixD and PixE to elucidate mechanisms of phototaxis regulation. Blue-native PAGE analysis, coupled with western blotting, indicated that most PixD exist as a dimer in soluble fractions, whereas PixE localized in ~250 kDa and ~450 kDa protein complexes in membrane fractions. When blue-native PAGE was performed after illuminating the membrane fractions with blue light, PixE levels in the ~250 kDa and ~450 kDa complexes were reduced and increased, respectively. These results suggest that PixE, localized in the ~450 kDa complex, controls activity of the motor ATPase PilB1 to regulate pilus motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Sugimoto
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
| | - Shinji Masuda
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
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18
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Yegorov Y, Sendersky E, Zilberman S, Nagar E, Waldman Ben-Asher H, Shimoni E, Simkovsky R, Golden SS, LiWang A, Schwarz R. A Cyanobacterial Component Required for Pilus Biogenesis Affects the Exoproteome. mBio 2021; 12:e03674-20. [PMID: 33727363 PMCID: PMC8092324 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03674-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein secretion as well as the assembly of bacterial motility appendages are central processes that substantially contribute to fitness and survival. This study highlights distinctive features of the mechanism that serves these functions in cyanobacteria, which are globally prevalent photosynthetic prokaryotes that significantly contribute to primary production. Our studies of biofilm development in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus uncovered a novel component required for the biofilm self-suppression mechanism that operates in this organism. This protein, which is annotated as "hypothetical," is denoted EbsA (essential for biofilm self-suppression A) here. EbsA homologs are highly conserved and widespread in diverse cyanobacteria but are not found outside this clade. We revealed a tripartite complex of EbsA, Hfq, and the ATPase homolog PilB (formerly called T2SE) and demonstrated that each of these components is required for the assembly of the hairlike type IV pili (T4P) appendages, for DNA competence, and affects the exoproteome in addition to its role in biofilm self-suppression. These data are consistent with bioinformatics analyses that reveal only a single set of genes in S. elongatus to serve pilus assembly or protein secretion; we suggest that a single complex is involved in both processes. A phenotype resulting from the impairment of the EbsA homolog in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 implies that this feature is a general cyanobacterial trait. Moreover, comparative exoproteome analyses of wild-type and mutant strains of S. elongatus suggest that EbsA and Hfq affect the exoproteome via a process that is independent of PilB, in addition to their involvement in a T4P/secretion machinery.IMPORTANCE Cyanobacteria, environmentally prevalent photosynthetic prokaryotes, contribute ∼25% of global primary production. Cyanobacterial biofilms elicit biofouling, thus leading to substantial economic losses; however, these microbial assemblages can also be beneficial, e.g., in wastewater purification processes and for biofuel production. Mechanistic aspects of cyanobacterial biofilm development were long overlooked, and genetic and molecular information emerged only in recent years. The importance of this study is 2-fold. First, it identifies novel components of cyanobacterial biofilm regulation, thus contributing to the knowledge of these processes and paving the way for inhibiting detrimental biofilms or promoting beneficial ones. Second, the data suggest that cyanobacteria may employ the same complex for the assembly of the motility appendages, type 4 pili, and protein secretion. A shared pathway was previously shown in only a few cases of heterotrophic bacteria, whereas numerous studies demonstrated distinct systems for these functions. Thus, our study broadens the understanding of pilus assembly/secretion in diverse bacteria and furthers the aim of controlling the formation of cyanobacterial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yevgeni Yegorov
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Shaul Zilberman
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Elad Nagar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Hiba Waldman Ben-Asher
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Eyal Shimoni
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ryan Simkovsky
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Susan S Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Andy LiWang
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
- Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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19
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Loofah-based microalgae and cyanobacteria biocomposites for intensifying carbon dioxide capture. J CO2 UTIL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2020.101348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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20
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Zhang N, Chang Y, Tseng R, Ovchinnikov S, Schwarz R, LiWang A. Solution NMR structure of Se0862, a highly conserved cyanobacterial protein involved in biofilm formation. Protein Sci 2020; 29:2274-2280. [PMID: 32949024 PMCID: PMC7586914 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are accumulations of microorganisms embedded in extracellular matrices that protect against external factors and stressful environments. Cyanobacterial biofilms are ubiquitous and have potential for treatment of wastewater and sustainable production of biofuels. But the underlying mechanisms regulating cyanobacterial biofilm formation are unclear. Here, we report the solution NMR structure of a protein, Se0862, conserved across diverse cyanobacterial species and involved in regulation of biofilm formation in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. Se0862 is a class α+β protein with ααββββαα topology and roll architecture, consisting of a four-stranded β-sheet that is flanked by four α-helices on one side. Conserved surface residues constitute a hydrophobic pocket and charged regions that are likely also present in Se0862 orthologs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaMercedCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yong‐Gang Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaMercedCaliforniaUSA
- Monash UniversityVictoriaAustralia
| | - Roger Tseng
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaMercedCaliforniaUSA
- United States Department of AgricultureAmesIAUSA
| | | | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Andy LiWang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaMercedCaliforniaUSA
- Center for Cellular and Biomolecular MachinesUniversity of CaliforniaMercedCaliforniaUSA
- Health Sciences Research InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaMercedCaliforniaUSA
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21
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Conradi FD, Mullineaux CW, Wilde A. The Role of the Cyanobacterial Type IV Pilus Machinery in Finding and Maintaining a Favourable Environment. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10110252. [PMID: 33114175 PMCID: PMC7690835 DOI: 10.3390/life10110252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type IV pili (T4P) are proteinaceous filaments found on the cell surface of many prokaryotic organisms and convey twitching motility through their extension/retraction cycles, moving cells across surfaces. In cyanobacteria, twitching motility is the sole mode of motility properly characterised to date and is the means by which cells perform phototaxis, the movement towards and away from directional light sources. The wavelength and intensity of the light source determine the direction of movement and, sometimes in concert with nutrient conditions, act as signals for some cyanobacteria to form mucoid multicellular assemblages. Formation of such aggregates or flocs represents an acclimation strategy to unfavourable environmental conditions and stresses, such as harmful light conditions or predation. T4P are also involved in natural transformation by exogenous DNA, secretion processes, and in cellular adaptation and survival strategies, further cementing the role of cell surface appendages. In this way, cyanobacteria are finely tuned by external stimuli to either escape unfavourable environmental conditions via phototaxis, exchange genetic material, and to modify their surroundings to fit their needs by forming multicellular assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian D. Conradi
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (F.D.C.); (C.W.M.)
| | - Conrad W. Mullineaux
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK; (F.D.C.); (C.W.M.)
| | - Annegret Wilde
- Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg; Germany
- Correspondence:
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22
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Russo DA, Zedler JAZ. Genomic insights into cyanobacterial protein translocation systems. Biol Chem 2020; 402:39-54. [PMID: 33544489 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are ubiquitous oxygenic photosynthetic bacteria with a versatile metabolism that is highly dependent on effective protein targeting. Protein sorting in diderm bacteria is not trivial and, in cyanobacteria, even less so due to the presence of a complex membrane system: the outer membrane, the plasma membrane and the thylakoid membrane. In cyanobacteria, protein import into the thylakoids is essential for photosynthesis, export to the periplasm fulfills a multifunctional role in maintaining cell homeostasis, and secretion mediates motility, DNA uptake and environmental interactions. Intriguingly, only one set of genes for the general secretory and the twin-arginine translocation pathways seem to be present. However, these systems have to operate in both plasma and thylakoid membranes. This raises the question of how substrates are recognized and targeted to their correct, final destination. Additional complexities arise when a protein has to be secreted across the outer membrane, where very little is known regarding the mechanisms involved. Given their ecological importance and biotechnological interest, a better understanding of protein targeting in cyanobacteria is of great value. This review will provide insights into the known knowns of protein targeting, propose hypotheses based on available genomic sequences and discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Russo
- Bioorganic Analytics, Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Julie A Z Zedler
- Matthias Schleiden Institute for Genetics, Bioinformatics and Molecular Botany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburgerstr. 159, D-07743 Jena, Germany
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23
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Exploring the Role of Bacterial Extracellular Polymeric Substances for Sustainable Development in Agriculture. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:3224-3239. [PMID: 32876713 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The incessant need to increase crop yields has led to the development of many chemical fertilizers containing NPK (nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium) which can degrade soil health in the long term. In addition, these fertilizers are often leached into nearby water bodies causing algal bloom and eutrophication. Bacterial secondary metabolites exuded into the extracellular space, termed extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have gained commercial significance because of their biodegradability, non-toxicity, and renewability. In many habitats, bacterial communities faced with adversity will adhere together by production of EPS which also serves to bond them to surfaces. Typically, hygroscopic, EPS retain moisture in desiccating conditions and modulate nutrient exchange. Many plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) combat harsh environmental conditions like salinity, drought, and attack of pathogens by producing EPS. The adhesive nature of EPS promotes soil aggregation and restores moisture thus combating soil erosion and promoting soil fertility. In addition, these molecules play vital roles in maintaining symbiosis and nitrogen fixation thus enhancing sustainability. Thus, along with other commercial applications, EPS show promising avenues for improving agricultural productivity thus helping to address land scarcity as well as minimizing environmental pollution.
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24
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Romeu MJL, Domínguez-Pérez D, Almeida D, Morais J, Campos A, Vasconcelos V, Mergulhão FJM. Characterization of planktonic and biofilm cells from two filamentous cyanobacteria using a shotgun proteomic approach. BIOFOULING 2020; 36:631-645. [PMID: 32715767 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2020.1795141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria promote marine biofouling with significant impacts. A qualitative proteomic analysis, by LC-MS/MS, of planktonic and biofilm cells from two cyanobacteria was performed. Biofilms were formed on glass and perspex at two relevant hydrodynamic conditions for marine environments (average shear rates of 4 s-1 and 40 s-1). For both strains and surfaces, biofilm development was higher at 4 s-1. Biofilm development of Nodosilinea sp. LEGE 06145 was substantially higher than Nodosilinea sp. LEGE 06119, but no significant differences were found between surfaces. Overall, 377 and 301 different proteins were identified for Nodosilinea sp. LEGE 06145 and Nodosilinea sp. LEGE 06119. Differences in protein composition were more noticeable in biofilms formed under different hydrodynamic conditions than in those formed on different surfaces. Ribosomal and photosynthetic proteins were identified in most conditions. The characterization performed gives new insights into how shear rate and surface affect the planktonic to biofilm transition, from a structural and proteomics perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Leal Romeu
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dany Domínguez-Pérez
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Daniela Almeida
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - João Morais
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Campos
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe J M Mergulhão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, Portugal
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25
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Feng LJ, Sun XD, Zhu FP, Feng Y, Duan JL, Xiao F, Li XY, Shi Y, Wang Q, Sun JW, Liu XY, Liu JQ, Zhou LL, Wang SG, Ding Z, Tian H, Galloway TS, Yuan XZ. Nanoplastics Promote Microcystin Synthesis and Release from Cyanobacterial Microcystis aeruginosa. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:3386-3394. [PMID: 31961660 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Although the fate of nanoplastics (<100 nm) in freshwater systems is increasingly well studied, much less is known about its potential threats to cyanobacterial blooms, the ultimate phenomenon of eutrophication occurrence worldwide. Previous studies have evaluated the consequences of nanoplastics increasing the membrane permeability of microbes, however, there is no direct evidence for interactions between nanoplastics and microcystin; intracellular hepatotoxins are produced by some genera of cyanobacteria. Here, we show that the amino-modified polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NH2) promote microcystin synthesis and release from Microcystis aeruginosa, a dominant species causing cyanobacterial blooms, even without the change of coloration. We demonstrate that PS-NH2 inhibits photosystem II efficiency, reduces organic substance synthesis, and induces oxidative stress, enhancing the synthesis of microcystin. Furthermore, PS-NH2 promotes the extracellular release of microcystin from M. aeruginosa via transporter protein upregulation and impaired cell membrane integrity. Our findings propose that the presence of nanoplastics in freshwater ecosystems might enhance the threat of eutrophication to aquatic ecology and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Feng
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Dong Sun
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Fan-Ping Zhu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Yue Feng
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Lu Duan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Fu Xiao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Yu Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Yi Shi
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Wen Sun
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Qi Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Lin-Lin Zhou
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Guang Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Zhaojun Ding
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environmental Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Huiyu Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Development and Environmental Adaptation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
| | - Tamara Susan Galloway
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, Devon, U.K
| | - Xian-Zheng Yuan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
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Parnasa R, Sendersky E, Simkovsky R, Waldman Ben-Asher H, Golden SS, Schwarz R. A microcin processing peptidase-like protein of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus is essential for secretion of biofilm-promoting proteins. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2019; 11:456-463. [PMID: 30868754 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Small secreted compounds, e.g. microcins, are characterized by a double-glycine (GG) secretion motif that is cleaved off upon maturation. Genomic analysis suggests that small proteins that possess a GG motif are widespread in cyanobacteria; however, the roles of these proteins are largely unknown. Using a biofilm-proficient mutant of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 in which the constitutive biofilm self-suppression mechanism is inactivated, we previously demonstrated that four small proteins, Enable biofilm formation with a GG motif (EbfG1-4), each with a GG motif, enable biofilm formation. Furthermore, a peptidase belonging to the C39 family, Peptidase transporter enabling Biofilm (PteB), is required for secretion of these proteins. Here, we show that the microcin processing peptidase-like protein encoded by gene Synpcc7942_1127 is also required for biofilm development - inactivation of this gene in the biofilm-proficient mutant abrogates biofilm development. Additionally, this peptidase-like protein (denoted EbfE - enables biofilm formation peptidase) is required for secretion of the EbfG biofilm-promoting small proteins. Given their protein-domain characteristics, we suggest that PteB and EbfE take part in a maturation-secretion system, with PteB being located to the cell membrane while EbfE is directed to the periplasmic space via its secretion signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Parnasa
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ryan Simkovsky
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hiba Waldman Ben-Asher
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Susan S Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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Allen R, Rittmann BE, Curtiss R. Axenic Biofilm Formation and Aggregation by Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803 Are Induced by Changes in Nutrient Concentration and Require Cell Surface Structures. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:e02192-18. [PMID: 30709828 PMCID: PMC6585507 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02192-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phototrophic biofilms are key to nutrient cycling in natural environments and bioremediation technologies, but few studies describe biofilm formation by pure (axenic) cultures of a phototrophic microbe. The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 (here Synechocystis) is a model microorganism for the study of oxygenic photosynthesis and biofuel production. We report here that wild-type (WT) Synechocystis caused extensive biofilm formation in a 2,000-liter outdoor nonaxenic photobioreactor under conditions attributed to nutrient limitation. We developed a biofilm assay and found that axenic Synechocystis forms biofilms of cells and extracellular material but only when cells are induced by an environmental signal, such as a reduction in the concentration of growth medium BG11. Mutants lacking cell surface structures, namely type IV pili and the S-layer, do not form biofilms. To further characterize the molecular mechanisms of cell-cell binding by Synechocystis, we also developed a rapid (8-h) axenic aggregation assay. Mutants lacking type IV pili were unable to aggregate, but mutants lacking a homolog to Wza, a protein required for type 1 exopolysaccharide export in Escherichia coli, had a superbinding phenotype. In WT cultures, 1.2× BG11 medium induced aggregation to the same degree as 0.8× BG11 medium. Overall, our data support that Wza-dependent exopolysaccharide is essential to maintain stable, uniform suspensions of WT Synechocystis cells in unmodified growth medium and that this mechanism is counteracted in a pilus-dependent manner under altered BG11 concentrations.IMPORTANCE Microbes can exist as suspensions of individual cells in liquids and also commonly form multicellular communities attached to surfaces. Surface-attached communities, called biofilms, can confer antibiotic resistance to pathogenic bacteria during infections and establish food webs for global nutrient cycling in the environment. Phototrophic biofilm formation is one of the earliest phenotypes visible in the fossil record, dating back over 3 billion years. Despite the importance and ubiquity of phototrophic biofilms, most of what we know about the molecular mechanisms, genetic regulation, and environmental signals of biofilm formation comes from studies of heterotrophic bacteria. We aim to help bridge this knowledge gap by developing new assays for Synechocystis, a phototrophic cyanobacterium used to study oxygenic photosynthesis and biofuel production. With the aid of these new assays, we contribute to the development of Synechocystis as a model organism for the study of axenic phototrophic biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rey Allen
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Bruce E Rittmann
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Roy Curtiss
- School of Life Sciences, Biodesign Swette Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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28
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Brilisauer K, Rapp J, Rath P, Schöllhorn A, Bleul L, Weiß E, Stahl M, Grond S, Forchhammer K. Cyanobacterial antimetabolite 7-deoxy-sedoheptulose blocks the shikimate pathway to inhibit the growth of prototrophic organisms. Nat Commun 2019; 10:545. [PMID: 30710081 PMCID: PMC6358636 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08476-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimetabolites are small molecules that inhibit enzymes by mimicking physiological substrates. We report the discovery and structural elucidation of the antimetabolite 7-deoxy-sedoheptulose (7dSh). This unusual sugar inhibits the growth of various prototrophic organisms, including species of cyanobacteria, Saccharomyces, and Arabidopsis. We isolate bioactive 7dSh from culture supernatants of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus. A chemoenzymatic synthesis of 7dSh using S. elongatus transketolase as catalyst and 5-deoxy-d-ribose as substrate allows antimicrobial and herbicidal bioprofiling. Organisms treated with 7dSh accumulate 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate, which indicates that the molecular target is 3-dehydroquinate synthase, a key enzyme of the shikimate pathway, which is absent in humans and animals. The herbicidal activity of 7dSh is in the low micromolar range. No cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells have been observed. We propose that the in vivo inhibition of the shikimate pathway makes 7dSh a natural antimicrobial and herbicidal agent. Mother Nature is a valuable resource for the discovery of drug and agricultural chemicals. Here, the authors show that 7-deoxy-sedoheptulose produced by a cyanobacterium is an antimicrobial and herbicidal compound that acts through inhibition of 3-dehydroquniate synthase in the shikimate pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Brilisauer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Microbiology, Organismic Interactions, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johanna Rapp
- Microbiology, Organismic Interactions, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pascal Rath
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna Schöllhorn
- Microbiology, Organismic Interactions, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lisa Bleul
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Eugenstraße 6, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Weiß
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Eugenstraße 6, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mark Stahl
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 32, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Grond
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Karl Forchhammer
- Microbiology, Organismic Interactions, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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29
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Phototaxis in a wild isolate of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E12378-E12387. [PMID: 30552139 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1812871115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cyanobacteria, which use light as an energy source via photosynthesis, have evolved the ability to guide their movement toward or away from a light source. This process, termed "phototaxis," enables organisms to localize in optimal light environments for improved growth and fitness. Mechanisms of phototaxis have been studied in the coccoid cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803, but the rod-shaped Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, studied for circadian rhythms and metabolic engineering, has no phototactic motility. In this study we report a recent environmental isolate of S. elongatus, the strain UTEX 3055, whose genome is 98.5% identical to that of PCC 7942 but which is motile and phototactic. A six-gene operon encoding chemotaxis-like proteins was confirmed to be involved in phototaxis. Environmental light signals are perceived by a cyanobacteriochrome, PixJSe (Synpcc7942_0858), which carries five GAF domains that are responsive to blue/green light and resemble those of PixJ from Synechocystis Plate-based phototaxis assays indicate that UTEX 3055 uses PixJSe to sense blue and green light. Mutation of conserved functional cysteine residues in different GAF domains indicates that PixJSe controls both positive and negative phototaxis, in contrast to the multiple proteins that are employed for implementing bidirectional phototaxis in Synechocystis.
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30
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Levi M, Sendersky E, Schwarz R. Decomposition of cyanobacterial light harvesting complexes: NblA-dependent role of the bilin lyase homolog NblB. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 94:813-821. [PMID: 29575252 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Phycobilisomes, the macromolecular light harvesting complexes of cyanobacteria are degraded under nutrient-limiting conditions. This crucial response is required to adjust light excitation to the metabolic status and avoid damage by excess excitation. Phycobilisomes are comprised of phycobiliproteins, apo-proteins that covalently bind bilin chromophores. In the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus, the phycobiliproteins allophycocyanin and phycocyanin comprise the core and the rods of the phycobilisome, respectively. Previously, NblB was identified as an essential component required for phycocyanin degradation under nutrient starvation. This protein is homologous to bilin-lyases, enzymes that catalyze the covalent attachment of bilins to apo-proteins. However, the nblB-inactivated strain is not impaired in phycobiliprotein synthesis, but rather is characterized by aberrant phycocyanin degradation. Here, using a phycocyanin-deficient strain, we demonstrate that NblB is required for degradation of the core pigment, allophycocyanin. Furthermore, we show that the protein NblB is expressed under nutrient sufficient conditions, but during nitrogen starvation its level decreases about two-fold. This finding is in contrast to an additional component essential for degradation, NblA, the expression of which is highly induced under starvation. We further identified NblB residues required for phycocyanin degradation in vivo. Finally, we demonstrate phycocyanin degradation in a cell-free system, thereby providing support for the suggestion that NblB directly mediates pigment degradation by chromophore detachment. The dependence of NblB function on NblA revealed using this system, together with the results indicating presence of NblB under nutrient sufficient conditions, suggests a rapid mechanism for induction of pigment degradation, which requires only the expression of NblA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mali Levi
- The Mina and Everard Goodman, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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31
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Veerabadhran M, Chakraborty S, Mitra S, Karmakar S, Mukherjee J. Effects of flask configuration on biofilm growth and metabolites of intertidal Cyanobacteria isolated from a mangrove forest. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 125:190-202. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.13761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Veerabadhran
- School of Environmental Studies; Jadavpur University; Kolkata India
| | - S. Chakraborty
- School of Environmental Studies; Jadavpur University; Kolkata India
| | - S. Mitra
- School of Environmental Studies; Jadavpur University; Kolkata India
| | - S. Karmakar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology; Jadavpur University; Kolkata India
| | - J. Mukherjee
- School of Environmental Studies; Jadavpur University; Kolkata India
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32
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Wang J, Liu W, Liu T. Biofilm based attached cultivation technology for microalgal biorefineries-A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 244:1245-1253. [PMID: 28576483 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.05.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The attached cultivation for microalga has many superiorities over the conventional aqua-suspend methods, which make it a promising pathway to supply feedstock for microalgae based bio-refinery attempts. In this review, the current reports on bioreactor, application, modeling, substratum material and engineering aspects were summarized and the future research and developments should be focused on the following aspects: 1) Build principles and guidelines for rational structure design by studying the relationship of physiological properties with typical structures and light regimes; 2) Set up theory foundation of substratum material selection by studying the physic-chemical properties of algal cells and substratum materials; 3) Further understanding the mass transfer behaviors of both CO2 and nutrients in biofilm for enhanced growth rate and products accumulation; 4) New equipment and machines for inoculation, harvesting and moisture keeping should be developed and integrated with bioreactor structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, PR China
| | - Wen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Tianzhong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, PR China.
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33
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Esteves-Ferreira AA, Inaba M, Obata T, Fort A, Fleming GTA, Araújo WL, Fernie AR, Sulpice R. A Novel Mechanism, Linked to Cell Density, Largely Controls Cell Division in Synechocystis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 174:2166-2182. [PMID: 28646084 PMCID: PMC5543973 DOI: 10.1104/pp.17.00729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have investigated the various genetic and environmental factors regulating cyanobacterial growth. Here, we investigated the growth and metabolism of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under different nitrogen sources, light intensities, and CO2 concentrations. Cells grown on urea showed the highest growth rates. However, for all conditions tested, the daily growth rates in batch cultures decreased steadily over time, and stationary phase was obtained with similar cell densities. Unexpectedly, metabolic and physiological analyses showed that growth rates during log phase were not controlled primarily by the availability of photoassimilates. Further physiological investigations indicated that nutrient limitation, quorum sensing, light quality, and light intensity (self-shading) were not the main factors responsible for the decrease in the growth rate and the onset of the stationary phase. Moreover, cell division rates in fed-batch cultures were positively correlated with the dilution rates. Hence, not only light, CO2, and nutrients can affect growth but also a cell-cell interaction. Accordingly, we propose that cell-cell interaction may be a factor responsible for the gradual decrease of growth rates in batch cultures during log phase, culminating with the onset of stationary phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Esteves-Ferreira
- National University of Ireland-Galway, Plant Systems Biology Laboratory, Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, Galway, Ireland
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia DF 70040 020, Brazil
| | - Masami Inaba
- National University of Ireland-Galway, Plant Systems Biology Laboratory, Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, Galway, Ireland
| | - Toshihiro Obata
- Central Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Molecular Physiology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Max Planck Society, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Antoine Fort
- National University of Ireland-Galway, Genetics and Biotechnology Research Laboratory, Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, Galway, Ireland
| | - Gerard T A Fleming
- National University of Ireland-Galway, Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences, Galway, Ireland
| | - Wagner L Araújo
- Max-Planck Partner Group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Vicosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Central Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Molecular Physiology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Max Planck Society, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Ronan Sulpice
- National University of Ireland-Galway, Plant Systems Biology Laboratory, Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre, School of Natural Sciences, Galway, Ireland
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34
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Sendersky E, Simkovsky R, Golden SS, Schwarz R. Quantification of Chlorophyll as a Proxy for Biofilm Formation in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus. Bio Protoc 2017; 7:e2406. [PMID: 34541137 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.22406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A self-suppression mechanism of biofilm development in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 was recently reported. These studies required quantification of biofilms formed by mutants impaired in the biofilm-inhibitory process. Here we describe in detail the use of chlorophyll measurements as a proxy for biomass accumulation in sessile and planktonic cells of biofilm-forming strains. These measurements allow quantification of the total biomass as estimated by chlorophyll level and representation of the extent of biofilm formation by depicting the relative fraction of chlorophyll in planktonic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ryan Simkovsky
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Susan S Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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35
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Sendersky E, Simkovsky R, Golden SS, Schwarz R. Quantification of Chlorophyll as a Proxy for Biofilm Formation in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus. Bio Protoc 2017; 7:e2406. [PMID: 34541137 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.2406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A self-suppression mechanism of biofilm development in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 was recently reported. These studies required quantification of biofilms formed by mutants impaired in the biofilm-inhibitory process. Here we describe in detail the use of chlorophyll measurements as a proxy for biomass accumulation in sessile and planktonic cells of biofilm-forming strains. These measurements allow quantification of the total biomass as estimated by chlorophyll level and representation of the extent of biofilm formation by depicting the relative fraction of chlorophyll in planktonic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ryan Simkovsky
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Susan S Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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36
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Nagar E, Zilberman S, Sendersky E, Simkovsky R, Shimoni E, Gershtein D, Herzberg M, Golden SS, Schwarz R. Type 4 pili are dispensable for biofilm development in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus. Environ Microbiol 2017; 19:2862-2872. [PMID: 28585390 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The hair-like cell appendages denoted as type IV pili are crucial for biofilm formation in diverse eubacteria. The protein complex responsible for type IV pilus assembly is homologous with the type II protein secretion complex. In the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, the gene Synpcc7942_2071 encodes an ATPase homologue of type II/type IV systems. Here, we report that inactivation of Synpcc7942_2071 strongly affected the suite of proteins present in the extracellular milieu (exo-proteome) and eliminated pili observable by electron microscopy. These results support a role for this gene product in protein secretion as well as in pili formation. As we previously reported, inactivation of Synpcc7942_2071 enables biofilm formation and suppresses the planktonic growth of S. elongatus. Thus, pili are dispensable for biofilm development in this cyanobacterium, in contrast to their biofilm-promoting function in type IV pili-producing heterotrophic bacteria. Nevertheless, pili removal is not required for biofilm formation as evident by a piliated mutant of S. elongatus that develops biofilms. We show that adhesion and timing of biofilm development differ between the piliated and non-piliated strains. The study demonstrates key differences in the process of biofilm formation between cyanobacteria and well-studied type IV pili-producing heterotrophic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Nagar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002 Israel
| | - Shaul Zilberman
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002 Israel
| | - Eleonora Sendersky
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002 Israel
| | - Ryan Simkovsky
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Eyal Shimoni
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Electron Microscopy Unit, Rehovot, 7610001 Israel
| | - Diana Gershtein
- The Department of Desalination & Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Be'er Sheva 84990, Israel
| | - Moshe Herzberg
- The Department of Desalination & Water Treatment, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Be'er Sheva 84990, Israel
| | - Susan S Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002 Israel
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Engineering Cyanobacterial Cell Morphology for Enhanced Recovery and Processing of Biomass. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.00053-17. [PMID: 28235875 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00053-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are emerging as alternative crop species for the production of fuels, chemicals, and biomass. Yet, the success of these microbes depends on the development of cost-effective technologies that permit scaled cultivation and cell harvesting. Here, we investigate the feasibility of engineering cell morphology to improve biomass recovery and decrease energetic costs associated with lysing cyanobacterial cells. Specifically, we modify the levels of Min system proteins in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. The Min system has established functions in controlling cell division by regulating the assembly of FtsZ, a tubulin-like protein required for defining the bacterial division plane. We show that altering the expression of two FtsZ-regulatory proteins, MinC and Cdv3, enables control over cell morphology by disrupting FtsZ localization and cell division without preventing continued cell growth. By varying the expression of these proteins, we can tune the lengths of cyanobacterial cells across a broad dynamic range, anywhere from an ∼20% increased length (relative to the wild type) to near-millimeter lengths. Highly elongated cells exhibit increased rates of sedimentation under low centrifugal forces or by gravity-assisted settling. Furthermore, hyperelongated cells are also more susceptible to lysis through the application of mild physical stress. Collectively, these results demonstrate a novel approach toward decreasing harvesting and processing costs associated with mass cyanobacterial cultivation by altering morphology at the cellular level.IMPORTANCE We show that the cell length of a model cyanobacterial species can be programmed by rationally manipulating the expression of protein factors that suppress cell division. In some instances, we can increase the size of these cells to near-millimeter lengths with this approach. The resulting elongated cells have favorable properties with regard to cell harvesting and lysis. Furthermore, cells treated in this manner continue to grow rapidly at time scales similar to those of uninduced controls. To our knowledge, this is the first reported example of engineering the cell morphology of cyanobacteria or algae to make them more compatible with downstream processing steps that present economic barriers to their use as alternative crop species. Therefore, our results are a promising proof-of-principle for the use of morphology engineering to increase the cost-effectiveness of the mass cultivation of cyanobacteria for various sustainability initiatives.
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Chemla Y, Friedman M, Heltberg M, Bakhrat A, Nagar E, Schwarz R, Jensen MH, Alfonta L. Expanding the Genetic Code of a Photoautotrophic Organism. Biochemistry 2017; 56:2161-2165. [PMID: 28394580 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The photoautotrophic freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus is widely used as a chassis for biotechnological applications as well as a photosynthetic bacterial model. In this study, a method for expanding the genetic code of this cyanobacterium has been established, thereby allowing the incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins. This was achieved through UAG stop codon suppression, using an archaeal pyrrolysyl orthogonal translation system. We demonstrate incorporation of unnatural amino acids into green fluorescent protein with 20 ± 3.5% suppression efficiency. The introduced components were shown to be orthogonal to the host translational machinery. In addition, we observed that no significant growth impairment resulted from the integration of the system. To interpret the observations, we modeled and investigated the competition over the UAG codon between release factor 1 and pyl-tRNACUA. On the basis of the model results, and the fact that 39.6% of the stop codons in the S. elongatus genome are UAG stop codons, the suppression efficiency in S. elongatus is unexpectedly high. The reason for this unexpected suppression efficiency has yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan Chemla
- Department of Life Sciences and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Mor Friedman
- Department of Life Sciences and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Mathias Heltberg
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen , Blegdamsvej 17, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Bakhrat
- Department of Life Sciences and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Elad Nagar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University , Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Rakefet Schwarz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University , Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Mogens Høgh Jensen
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen , Blegdamsvej 17, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lital Alfonta
- Department of Life Sciences and Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
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Baumgartner D, Kopf M, Klähn S, Steglich C, Hess WR. Small proteins in cyanobacteria provide a paradigm for the functional analysis of the bacterial micro-proteome. BMC Microbiol 2016; 16:285. [PMID: 27894276 PMCID: PMC5126843 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-016-0896-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite their versatile functions in multimeric protein complexes, in the modification of enzymatic activities, intercellular communication or regulatory processes, proteins shorter than 80 amino acids (μ-proteins) are a systematically underestimated class of gene products in bacteria. Photosynthetic cyanobacteria provide a paradigm for small protein functions due to extensive work on the photosynthetic apparatus that led to the functional characterization of 19 small proteins of less than 50 amino acids. In analogy, previously unstudied small ORFs with similar degrees of conservation might encode small proteins of high relevance also in other functional contexts. Results Here we used comparative transcriptomic information available for two model cyanobacteria, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6714 for the prediction of small ORFs. We found 293 transcriptional units containing candidate small ORFs ≤80 codons in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, also including the known mRNAs encoding small proteins of the photosynthetic apparatus. From these transcriptional units, 146 are shared between the two strains, 42 are shared with the higher plant Arabidopsis thaliana and 25 with E. coli. To verify the existence of the respective μ-proteins in vivo, we selected five genes as examples to which a FLAG tag sequence was added and re-introduced them into Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. These were the previously annotated gene ssr1169, two newly defined genes norf1 and norf4, as well as nsiR6(nitrogen stress-induced RNA 6) and hliR1(high light-inducible RNA 1) , which originally were considered non-coding. Upon activation of expression via the Cu2+.responsive petE promoter or from the native promoters, all five proteins were detected in Western blot experiments. Conclusions The distribution and conservation of these five genes as well as their regulation of expression and the physico-chemical properties of the encoded proteins underline the likely great bandwidth of small protein functions in bacteria and makes them attractive candidates for functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Baumgartner
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Genetics and Experimental Bioinformatics, Schänzlestr. 1, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kopf
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Genetics and Experimental Bioinformatics, Schänzlestr. 1, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Present Address: Molecular Health GmbH, Kurfürsten-Anlage 21, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Klähn
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Genetics and Experimental Bioinformatics, Schänzlestr. 1, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Steglich
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Genetics and Experimental Bioinformatics, Schänzlestr. 1, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang R Hess
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Biology, Genetics and Experimental Bioinformatics, Schänzlestr. 1, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany.
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