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Yu Y, Liu NH, Teng ZJ, Chen Y, Wang P, Zhang YZ, Fu HH, Chen XL, Zhang YQ. Evidence for archaeal metabolism of D-amino acids in the deep marine sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174723. [PMID: 39002603 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The deep marine sediments represent a major repository of organic matter whilst hosting a great number of uncultivated microbes. Microbial metabolism plays a key role in the recycling of organic matter in the deep marine sediments. D-amino acids (DAAs) and DAA-containing muropeptides, an important group of organic matter in the deep marine sediments, are primarily derived from bacterial peptidoglycan decomposition. Archaea are abundant in the deep ocean microbiome, yet their role in DAA metabolism remains poorly studied. Here, we report bioinformatic investigation and enzymatic characterization of deep marine sedimentary archaea involved in DAA metabolism. Our analyses suggest that a variety of archaea, particularly the Candidatus Bathyarchaeota and the Candidatus Lokiarchaeaota, can metabolize DAAs. DAAs are converted into L-amino acids via amino acid racemases (Ala racemase, Asp racemase and broad substrate specificity amino acid racemase), and converted into α-keto acid via d-serine ammonia-lyase, whereas DAA-containing di-/tri-muropeptides can be hydrolyzed by peptidases (dipeptidase and D-aminopeptidase). Overall, this study reveals the identity and activity of deep marine sedimentary archaea involved in DAA metabolism, shedding light on the mineralization and biogeochemical cycling of DAAs in the deep marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; Joint Research Center for Marine Microbial Science and Technology, Shandong University and Ocean University of China, China
| | - Ning-Hua Liu
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; Joint Research Center for Marine Microbial Science and Technology, Shandong University and Ocean University of China, China
| | - Zhao-Jie Teng
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; Joint Research Center for Marine Microbial Science and Technology, Shandong University and Ocean University of China, China
| | - Yin Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Joint Research Center for Marine Microbial Science and Technology, Shandong University and Ocean University of China, China
| | - Peng Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China; Joint Research Center for Marine Microbial Science and Technology, Shandong University and Ocean University of China, China
| | - Yu-Zhong Zhang
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China; Joint Research Center for Marine Microbial Science and Technology, Shandong University and Ocean University of China, China
| | - Hui-Hui Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System & College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China; Joint Research Center for Marine Microbial Science and Technology, Shandong University and Ocean University of China, China
| | - Xiu-Lan Chen
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China; Joint Research Center for Marine Microbial Science and Technology, Shandong University and Ocean University of China, China
| | - Yu-Qiang Zhang
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China; Joint Research Center for Marine Microbial Science and Technology, Shandong University and Ocean University of China, China.
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Meyer NR, Morono Y, Dekas AE. Single-cell analysis reveals an active and heterotrophic microbiome in the Guaymas Basin deep subsurface with significant inorganic carbon fixation by heterotrophs. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0044624. [PMID: 38709099 PMCID: PMC11334695 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00446-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The marine subsurface is a long-term sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide with significant implications for climate on geologic timescales. Subsurface microbial cells can either enhance or reduce carbon sequestration in the subsurface, depending on their metabolic lifestyle. However, the activity of subsurface microbes is rarely measured. Here, we used nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS) to quantify anabolic activity in 3,203 individual cells from the thermally altered deep subsurface in the Guaymas Basin, Mexico (3-75 m below the seafloor, 0-14°C). We observed that a large majority of cells were active (83%-100%), although the rates of biomass generation were low, suggesting cellular maintenance rather than doubling. Mean single-cell activity decreased with increasing sediment depth and temperature and was most strongly correlated with porewater sulfate concentrations. Intracommunity heterogeneity in microbial activity decreased with increasing sediment depth and age. Using a dual-isotope labeling approach, we determined that all active cells analyzed were heterotrophic, deriving the majority of their cellular carbon from organic sources. However, we also detected inorganic carbon assimilation in these heterotrophic cells, likely via processes such as anaplerosis, and determined that inorganic carbon contributes at least 5% of the total biomass carbon in heterotrophs in this community. Our results demonstrate that the deep marine biosphere at Guaymas Basin is largely active and contributes to subsurface carbon cycling primarily by not only assimilating organic carbon but also fixing inorganic carbon. Heterotrophic assimilation of inorganic carbon may be a small yet significant and widespread underappreciated source of labile carbon in the global subsurface. IMPORTANCE The global subsurface is the largest reservoir of microbial life on the planet yet remains poorly characterized. The activity of life in this realm has implications for long-term elemental cycling, particularly of carbon, as well as how life survives in extreme environments. Here, we recovered cells from the deep subsurface of the Guaymas Basin and investigated the level and distribution of microbial activity, the physicochemical drivers of activity, and the relative significance of organic versus inorganic carbon to subsurface biomass. Using a sensitive single-cell assay, we found that the majority of cells are active, that activity is likely driven by the availability of energy, and that although heterotrophy is the dominant metabolism, both organic and inorganic carbon are used to generate biomass. Using a new approach, we quantified inorganic carbon assimilation by heterotrophs and highlighted the importance of this often-overlooked mode of carbon assimilation in the subsurface and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette R. Meyer
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yuki Morono
- Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Institute for Extra-cutting-edge Science and Technology Avantgarde Research (X-STAR), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Nankoku, Kochi, Japan
| | - Anne E. Dekas
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Zhu QZ, Yin X, Taubner H, Wendt J, Friedrich MW, Elvert M, Hinrichs KU, Middelburg JJ. Secondary production and priming reshape the organic matter composition in marine sediments. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm8096. [PMID: 38758798 PMCID: PMC11100564 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm8096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Organic matter (OM) transformations in marine sediments play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. However, secondary production and priming have been ignored in marine biogeochemistry. By incubating shelf sediments with various 13C-labeled algal substrates for 400 days, we show that ~65% of the lipids and ~20% of the proteins were mineralized by numerically minor heterotrophic bacteria as revealed by RNA stable isotope probing. Up to 11% of carbon from the algal lipids was transformed into the biomass of secondary producers as indicated by 13C incorporation in amino acids. This biomass turned over throughout the experiment, corresponding to dynamic microbial shifts. Algal lipid addition accelerated indigenous OM degradation by 2.5 to 6 times. This priming was driven by diverse heterotrophic bacteria and sulfur- and iron-cycling bacteria and, in turn, resulted in extra secondary production, which exceeded that stimulated by added substrates. These interactions between degradation, secondary production, and priming govern the eventual fate of OM in marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Zeng Zhu
- MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Xiuran Yin
- MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Heidi Taubner
- MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jenny Wendt
- MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Michael W. Friedrich
- MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Marcus Elvert
- MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Hinrichs
- MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jack J. Middelburg
- MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Yin X, Zhou G, Cai M, Richter-Heitmann T, Zhu QZ, Maeke M, Kulkarni AC, Nimzyk R, Elvert M, Friedrich MW. Physiological versatility of ANME-1 and Bathyarchaeotoa-8 archaea evidenced by inverse stable isotope labeling. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:68. [PMID: 38570877 PMCID: PMC10988981 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01779-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The trophic strategy is one key principle to categorize microbial lifestyles, by broadly classifying microorganisms based on the combination of their preferred carbon sources, electron sources, and electron sinks. Recently, a novel trophic strategy, i.e., chemoorganoautotrophy-the utilization of organic carbon as energy source but inorganic carbon as sole carbon source-has been specifically proposed for anaerobic methane oxidizing archaea (ANME-1) and Bathyarchaeota subgroup 8 (Bathy-8). RESULTS To further explore chemoorganoautotrophy, we employed stable isotope probing (SIP) of nucleic acids (rRNA or DNA) using unlabeled organic carbon and 13C-labeled dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), i.e., inverse stable isotope labeling, in combination with metagenomics. We found that ANME-1 archaea actively incorporated 13C-DIC into RNA in the presence of methane and lepidocrocite when sulfate was absent, but assimilated organic carbon when cellulose was added to incubations without methane additions. Bathy-8 archaea assimilated 13C-DIC when lignin was amended; however, their DNA was derived from both inorganic and organic carbon sources rather than from inorganic carbon alone. Based on SIP results and supported by metagenomics, carbon transfer between catabolic and anabolic branches of metabolism is possible in these archaeal groups, indicating their anabolic versatility. CONCLUSION We provide evidence for the incorporation of the mixed organic and inorganic carbon by ANME-1 and Bathy-8 archaea in the environment. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuran Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Renmin Ave. No.58, Haikou, 570228, China.
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, James-Watt-Strasse 1, Bremen, D-28359, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany.
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 8, Bremen, D-28359, Germany.
| | - Guowei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Renmin Ave. No.58, Haikou, 570228, China
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingwei Cai
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tim Richter-Heitmann
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, James-Watt-Strasse 1, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Qing-Zeng Zhu
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 8, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Mara Maeke
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, James-Watt-Strasse 1, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 8, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Ajinkya C Kulkarni
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, James-Watt-Strasse 1, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Rolf Nimzyk
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, James-Watt-Strasse 1, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
| | - Marcus Elvert
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 8, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Michael W Friedrich
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, James-Watt-Strasse 1, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße 8, Bremen, D-28359, Germany
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Zhu QZ, Elvert M, Meador TB, Schröder JM, Doeana KD, Becker KW, Elling FJ, Lipp JS, Heuer VB, Zabel M, Hinrichs KU. Comprehensive molecular-isotopic characterization of archaeal lipids in the Black Sea water column and underlying sediments. GEOBIOLOGY 2024; 22:e12589. [PMID: 38465505 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The Black Sea is a permanently anoxic, marine basin serving as model system for the deposition of organic-rich sediments in a highly stratified ocean. In such systems, archaeal lipids are widely used as paleoceanographic and biogeochemical proxies; however, the diverse planktonic and benthic sources as well as their potentially distinct diagenetic fate may complicate their application. To track the flux of archaeal lipids and to constrain their sources and turnover, we quantitatively examined the distributions and stable carbon isotopic compositions (δ13 C) of intact polar lipids (IPLs) and core lipids (CLs) from the upper oxic water column into the underlying sediments, reaching deposits from the last glacial. The distribution of IPLs responded more sensitively to the geochemical zonation than the CLs, with the latter being governed by the deposition from the chemocline. The isotopic composition of archaeal lipids indicates CLs and IPLs in the deep anoxic water column have negligible influence on the sedimentary pool. Archaeol substitutes tetraether lipids as the most abundant IPL in the deep anoxic water column and the lacustrine methanic zone. Its elevated IPL/CL ratios and negative δ13 C values indicate active methane metabolism. Sedimentary CL- and IPL-crenarchaeol were exclusively derived from the water column, as indicated by non-variable δ13 C values that are identical to those in the chemocline and by the low BIT (branched isoprenoid tetraether index). By contrast, in situ production accounts on average for 22% of the sedimentary IPL-GDGT-0 (glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether) based on isotopic mass balance using the fermentation product lactate as an endmember for the dissolved substrate pool. Despite the structural similarity, glycosidic crenarchaeol appears to be more recalcitrant in comparison to its non-cycloalkylated counterpart GDGT-0, as indicated by its consistently higher IPL/CL ratio in sediments. The higher TEX86 , CCaT, and GDGT-2/-3 values in glacial sediments could plausibly result from selective turnover of archaeal lipids and/or an archaeal ecology shift during the transition from the glacial lacustrine to the Holocene marine setting. Our in-depth molecular-isotopic examination of archaeal core and intact polar lipids provided new constraints on the sources and fate of archaeal lipids and their applicability in paleoceanographic and biogeochemical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Zeng Zhu
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Marcus Elvert
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Travis B Meador
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Biology Centre CAS, Soil and Water Research Infrastructure, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Jan M Schröder
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Katiana D Doeana
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Kevin W Becker
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Felix J Elling
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Julius S Lipp
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Verena B Heuer
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Matthias Zabel
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Hinrichs
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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6
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Beaver RC, Neufeld JD. Microbial ecology of the deep terrestrial subsurface. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae091. [PMID: 38780093 PMCID: PMC11170664 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The terrestrial subsurface hosts microbial communities that, collectively, are predicted to comprise as many microbial cells as global surface soils. Although initially thought to be associated with deposited organic matter, deep subsurface microbial communities are supported by chemolithoautotrophic primary production, with hydrogen serving as an important source of electrons. Despite recent progress, relatively little is known about the deep terrestrial subsurface compared to more commonly studied environments. Understanding the composition of deep terrestrial subsurface microbial communities and the factors that influence them is of importance because of human-associated activities including long-term storage of used nuclear fuel, carbon capture, and storage of hydrogen for use as an energy vector. In addition to identifying deep subsurface microorganisms, recent research focuses on identifying the roles of microorganisms in subsurface communities, as well as elucidating myriad interactions-syntrophic, episymbiotic, and viral-that occur among community members. In recent years, entirely new groups of microorganisms (i.e. candidate phyla radiation bacteria and Diapherotrites, Parvarchaeota, Aenigmarchaeota, Nanoloarchaeota, Nanoarchaeota archaea) have been discovered in deep terrestrial subsurface environments, suggesting that much remains unknown about this biosphere. This review explores the historical context for deep terrestrial subsurface microbial ecology and highlights recent discoveries that shape current ecological understanding of this poorly explored microbial habitat. Additionally, we highlight the need for multifaceted experimental approaches to observe phenomena such as cryptic cycles, complex interactions, and episymbiosis, which may not be apparent when using single approaches in isolation, but are nonetheless critical to advancing our understanding of this deep biosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Beaver
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Josh D Neufeld
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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Mara P, Geller-McGrath D, Edgcomb V, Beaudoin D, Morono Y, Teske A. Metagenomic profiles of archaea and bacteria within thermal and geochemical gradients of the Guaymas Basin deep subsurface. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7768. [PMID: 38012208 PMCID: PMC10681998 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies of microbial communities in subseafloor sediments reported that microbial abundance and diversity decrease with sediment depth and age, and microbes dominating at depth tend to be a subset of the local seafloor community. However, the existence of geographically widespread, subsurface-adapted specialists is also possible. Here, we use metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses of the hydrothermally heated, sediment layers of Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California, Mexico) to examine the distribution and activity patterns of bacteria and archaea along thermal, geochemical and cell count gradients. We find that the composition and distribution of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), dominated by numerous lineages of Chloroflexota and Thermoproteota, correlate with biogeochemical parameters as long as temperatures remain moderate, but downcore increasing temperatures beyond ca. 45 ºC override other factors. Consistently, MAG size and diversity decrease with increasing temperature, indicating a downcore winnowing of the subsurface biosphere. By contrast, specific archaeal MAGs within the Thermoproteota and Hadarchaeota increase in relative abundance and in recruitment of transcriptome reads towards deeper, hotter sediments, marking the transition towards a specialized deep, hot biosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Mara
- Geology and Geophysics Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - David Geller-McGrath
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Virginia Edgcomb
- Geology and Geophysics Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - David Beaudoin
- Geology and Geophysics Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Yuki Morono
- Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Institute for Extra-cutting-edge Science and Technology Avantgarde Research (X-STAR), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Monobe, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan
| | - Andreas Teske
- Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Metze F, Vollmers J, Lenk F, Kaster AK. First shotgun metagenomics study of Juan de Fuca deep-sea sediments reveals distinct microbial communities above, within, between, and below sulfate methane transition zones. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1241810. [PMID: 38053553 PMCID: PMC10694467 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1241810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The marine deep subsurface is home to a vast microbial ecosystem, affecting biogeochemical cycles on a global scale. One of the better-studied deep biospheres is the Juan de Fuca (JdF) Ridge, where hydrothermal fluid introduces oxidants into the sediment from below, resulting in two sulfate methane transition zones (SMTZs). In this study, we present the first shotgun metagenomics study of unamplified DNA from sediment samples from different depths in this stratified environment. Bioinformatic analyses showed a shift from a heterotrophic, Chloroflexota-dominated community above the upper SMTZ to a chemolithoautotrophic Proteobacteria-dominated community below the secondary SMTZ. The reintroduction of sulfate likely enables respiration and boosts active cells that oxidize acetate, iron, and complex carbohydrates to degrade dead biomass in this low-abundance, low-diversity environment. In addition, analyses showed many proteins of unknown function as well as novel metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). The study provides new insights into microbial communities in this habitat, enabled by an improved DNA extraction protocol that allows a less biased view of taxonomic composition and metabolic activities, as well as uncovering novel taxa. Our approach presents the first successful attempt at unamplified shotgun sequencing samples from beyond 50 meters below the seafloor and opens new ways for capturing the true diversity and functional potential of deep-sea sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anne-Kristin Kaster
- Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 5), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Rempfert KR, Kraus EA, Nothaft DB, Dildar N, Spear JR, Sepúlveda J, Templeton AS. Intact polar lipidome and membrane adaptations of microbial communities inhabiting serpentinite-hosted fluids. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1198786. [PMID: 38029177 PMCID: PMC10667739 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1198786] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The generation of hydrogen and reduced carbon compounds during serpentinization provides sustained energy for microorganisms on Earth, and possibly on other extraterrestrial bodies (e.g., Mars, icy satellites). However, the geochemical conditions that arise from water-rock reaction also challenge the known limits of microbial physiology, such as hyperalkaline pH, limited electron acceptors and inorganic carbon. Because cell membranes act as a primary barrier between a cell and its environment, lipids are a vital component in microbial acclimation to challenging physicochemical conditions. To probe the diversity of cell membrane lipids produced in serpentinizing settings and identify membrane adaptations to this environment, we conducted the first comprehensive intact polar lipid (IPL) biomarker survey of microbial communities inhabiting the subsurface at a terrestrial site of serpentinization. We used an expansive, custom environmental lipid database that expands the application of targeted and untargeted lipodomics in the study of microbial and biogeochemical processes. IPLs extracted from serpentinite-hosted fluid communities were comprised of >90% isoprenoidal and non-isoprenoidal diether glycolipids likely produced by archaeal methanogens and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Phospholipids only constituted ~1% of the intact polar lipidome. In addition to abundant diether glycolipids, betaine and trimethylated-ornithine aminolipids and glycosphingolipids were also detected, indicating pervasive membrane modifications in response to phosphate limitation. The carbon oxidation state of IPL backbones was positively correlated with the reduction potential of fluids, which may signify an energy conservation strategy for lipid synthesis. Together, these data suggest microorganisms inhabiting serpentinites possess a unique combination of membrane adaptations that allow for their survival in polyextreme environments. The persistence of IPLs in fluids beyond the presence of their source organisms, as indicated by 16S rRNA genes and transcripts, is promising for the detection of extinct life in serpentinizing settings through lipid biomarker signatures. These data contribute new insights into the complexity of lipid structures generated in actively serpentinizing environments and provide valuable context to aid in the reconstruction of past microbial activity from fossil lipid records of terrestrial serpentinites and the search for biosignatures elsewhere in our solar system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R. Rempfert
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Emily A. Kraus
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Daniel B. Nothaft
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Nadia Dildar
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - John R. Spear
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Julio Sepúlveda
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Alexis S. Templeton
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
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10
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Gusmão ACB, Peres FV, Paula FS, Pellizari VH, Kolm HE, Signori CN. Microbial communities in the deep-sea sediments of the South São Paulo Plateau, Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Int Microbiol 2023; 26:1041-1051. [PMID: 37093322 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00358-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Microbial communities play a key role in the ocean, acting as primary producers, nutrient recyclers, and energy providers. The São Paulo Plateau is a region located on the southeastern coast of Brazil within economic importance, due to its oil and gas reservoirs. With this focus, this study examined the diversity and composition of microbial communities in marine sediments located at three oceanographic stations in the southern region of São Paulo Plateau using the HOV Shinkai 6500 in 2013. The 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the universal primers (515F and 926R) by the Illumina Miseq platform. The taxonomic compositions of samples recovered from SP3 station were markedly distinct from those obtained from SP1 and SP2. Although all three stations exhibited a high abundance of Gammaproteobacteria (> 15%), this taxon dominated more than 90% of composition of the A and C sediment layers at SP3. The highest abundance of the archaeal class Nitrososphaeria was presented at SP1, mainly at layer C (~ 21%), being absent at SP3 station. The prediction of chemoheterotrophy and fermentation as important microbial functions was supported by the data. Additionally, other metabolic pathways related to the cycles of nitrogen, carbon and sulfur were also predicted. The core microbiome analysis comprised only two ASVs. Our study contributes to a better understanding of microbial communities in an economically important little-explored region. This is the third microbiological survey in plateau sediments and the first focused on the southern region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Bercini Gusmão
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Praça Do Oceanográfico, 191. CEP: 05508-120, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Francielli Vilela Peres
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Praça Do Oceanográfico, 191. CEP: 05508-120, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiana S Paula
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Praça Do Oceanográfico, 191. CEP: 05508-120, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vivian Helena Pellizari
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Praça Do Oceanográfico, 191. CEP: 05508-120, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hedda Elisabeth Kolm
- Department of Oceanography, Center for Marine Studies, Federal University of Paraná, Pontal do Paraná, Brazil
| | - Camila Negrão Signori
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Praça Do Oceanográfico, 191. CEP: 05508-120, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Bojanova DP, De Anda VY, Haghnegahdar MA, Teske AP, Ash JL, Young ED, Baker BJ, LaRowe DE, Amend JP. Well-hidden methanogenesis in deep, organic-rich sediments of Guaymas Basin. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:1828-1838. [PMID: 37596411 PMCID: PMC10579335 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01485-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Deep marine sediments (>1mbsf) harbor ~26% of microbial biomass and are the largest reservoir of methane on Earth. Yet, the deep subsurface biosphere and controls on its contribution to methane production remain underexplored. Here, we use a multidisciplinary approach to examine methanogenesis in sediments (down to 295 mbsf) from sites with varying degrees of thermal alteration (none, past, current) at Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California) for the first time. Traditional (13C/12C and D/H) and multiply substituted (13CH3D and 12CH2D2) methane isotope measurements reveal significant proportions of microbial methane at all sites, with the largest signal at the site with past alteration. With depth, relative microbial methane decreases at differing rates between sites. Gibbs energy calculations confirm methanogenesis is exergonic in Guaymas sediments, with methylotrophic pathways consistently yielding more energy than the canonical hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic pathways. Yet, metagenomic sequencing and cultivation attempts indicate that methanogens are present in low abundance. We find only one methyl-coenzyme M (mcrA) sequence within the entire sequencing dataset. Also, we identify a wide diversity of methyltransferases (mtaB, mttB), but only a few sequences phylogenetically cluster with methylotrophic methanogens. Our results suggest that the microbial methane in the Guaymas subsurface was produced over geologic time by relatively small methanogen populations, which have been variably influenced by thermal sediment alteration. Higher resolution metagenomic sampling may clarify the modern methanogen community. This study highlights the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach to capture microbial influences in dynamic, deep subsurface settings like Guaymas Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Bojanova
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Valerie Y De Anda
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Andreas P Teske
- Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeanine L Ash
- Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Edward D Young
- Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brett J Baker
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Douglas E LaRowe
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jan P Amend
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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12
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Mara P, Zhou YL, Teske A, Morono Y, Beaudoin D, Edgcomb V. Microbial gene expression in Guaymas Basin subsurface sediments responds to hydrothermal stress and energy limitation. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:1907-1919. [PMID: 37658181 PMCID: PMC10579382 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01492-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Analyses of gene expression of subsurface bacteria and archaea provide insights into their physiological adaptations to in situ subsurface conditions. We examined patterns of expressed genes in hydrothermally heated subseafloor sediments with distinct geochemical and thermal regimes in Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California, Mexico. RNA recovery and cell counts declined with sediment depth, however, we obtained metatranscriptomes from eight sites at depths spanning between 0.8 and 101.9 m below seafloor. We describe the metabolic potential of sediment microorganisms, and discuss expressed genes involved in tRNA, mRNA, and rRNA modifications that enable physiological flexibility of bacteria and archaea in the hydrothermal subsurface. Microbial taxa in hydrothermally influenced settings like Guaymas Basin may particularly depend on these catalytic RNA functions since they modulate the activity of cells under elevated temperatures and steep geochemical gradients. Expressed genes for DNA repair, protein maintenance and circadian rhythm were also identified. The concerted interaction of many of these genes may be crucial for microorganisms to survive and to thrive in the Guaymas Basin subsurface biosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Mara
- Geology and Geophysics Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Ying-Li Zhou
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Andreas Teske
- Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yuki Morono
- Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Institute for Extra-cutting-edge Science and Technology Avant-garde Research (X-star), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Monobe, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan
| | - David Beaudoin
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Virginia Edgcomb
- Geology and Geophysics Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
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13
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Vipindas PV, Jabir T, Venkatachalam S, Yang EJ, Jain A, Krishnan KP. Vertical segregation and phylogenetic characterization of archaea and archaeal ammonia monooxygenase gene in the water column of the western Arctic Ocean. Extremophiles 2023; 27:24. [PMID: 37668803 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-023-01310-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Archaea constitute a substantial fraction of marine microbial biomass and play critical roles in the biogeochemistry of oceans. However, studies on their distribution and ecology in the Arctic Ocean are relatively scarce. Here, we studied the distributions of archaea and archaeal ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene in the western Arctic Ocean, using the amplicon sequencing approach from the sea surface to deep waters up to 3040 m depth. A total of five archaeal phyla, Nitrososphaerota, "Euryarchaeota", "Halobacteriota," "Nanoarchaeota", and Candidatus Thermoplasmatota, were detected. We observed a clear, depth-dependent vertical segregation among archaeal communities. Ca. Thermoplasmatota (66.8%) was the most dominant phylum in the surface waters. At the same time, Nitrososphaerota (55.9%) was dominant in the deep waters. Most of the amoA gene OTUs (99%) belonged to the Nitrosopumilales and were further clustered into five subclades ("NP-Alpha", "NP-Delta", "NP-Epsilon", "NP-Gamma", and "NP-Theta"). "NP-Epsilon" was the most dominant clade throughout the water column and "NP_Alpha" showed higher abundance only in the deeper water. Salinity and inorganic nutrient concentrations were the major factors that determined the vertical segregation of archaea. We anticipate that the observed differences in the vertical distribution of archaea might contribute to the compartmentalization of dark carbon fixation and nitrification in deeper water and organic matter degradation in surface waters of the Arctic Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puthiya Veettil Vipindas
- Arctic Ecology and Biogeochemistry Division, Ministry of Earth Sciences, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, 403 804, India.
| | - Thajudeen Jabir
- Arctic Ecology and Biogeochemistry Division, Ministry of Earth Sciences, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, 403 804, India
| | - Siddarthan Venkatachalam
- Arctic Ecology and Biogeochemistry Division, Ministry of Earth Sciences, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, 403 804, India
| | - Eun Jin Yang
- Division of Ocean Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, 26 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Anand Jain
- Arctic Ecology and Biogeochemistry Division, Ministry of Earth Sciences, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, 403 804, India
| | - Kottekkatu Padinchati Krishnan
- Arctic Ecology and Biogeochemistry Division, Ministry of Earth Sciences, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, 403 804, India
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14
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Paul R, Rogers TJ, Fullerton KM, Selci M, Cascone M, Stokes MH, Steen AD, de Moor JM, Chiodi A, Stefánsson A, Halldórsson SA, Ramirez CJ, Jessen GL, Barry PH, Cordone A, Giovannelli D, Lloyd KG. Complex organic matter degradation by secondary consumers in chemolithoautotrophy-based subsurface geothermal ecosystems. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281277. [PMID: 37594978 PMCID: PMC10437873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities in terrestrial geothermal systems often contain chemolithoautotrophs with well-characterized distributions and metabolic capabilities. However, the extent to which organic matter produced by these chemolithoautotrophs supports heterotrophs remains largely unknown. Here we compared the abundance and activity of peptidases and carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes) that are predicted to be extracellular identified in metagenomic assemblies from 63 springs in the Central American and the Andean convergent margin (Argentinian backarc of the Central Volcanic Zone), as well as the plume-influenced spreading center in Iceland. All assemblies contain two orders of magnitude more peptidases than CAZymes, suggesting that the microorganisms more often use proteins for their carbon and/or nitrogen acquisition instead of complex sugars. The CAZy families in highest abundance are GH23 and CBM50, and the most abundant peptidase families are M23 and C26, all four of which degrade peptidoglycan found in bacterial cells. This implies that the heterotrophic community relies on autochthonous dead cell biomass, rather than allochthonous plant matter, for organic material. Enzymes involved in the degradation of cyanobacterial- and algal-derived compounds are in lower abundance at every site, with volcanic sites having more enzymes degrading cyanobacterial compounds and non-volcanic sites having more enzymes degrading algal compounds. Activity assays showed that many of these enzyme classes are active in these samples. High temperature sites (> 80°C) had similar extracellular carbon-degrading enzymes regardless of their province, suggesting a less well-developed population of secondary consumers at these sites, possibly connected with the limited extent of the subsurface biosphere in these high temperature sites. We conclude that in < 80°C springs, chemolithoautotrophic production supports heterotrophs capable of degrading a wide range of organic compounds that do not vary by geological province, even though the taxonomic and respiratory repertoire of chemolithoautotrophs and heterotrophs differ greatly across these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raegan Paul
- Microbiology Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Rogers
- Microbiology Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Kate M. Fullerton
- Microbiology Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Matteo Selci
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Cascone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Murray H. Stokes
- Microbiology Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Steen
- Microbiology Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - J. Maarten de Moor
- Observatorio Volcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI) Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Agostina Chiodi
- Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del NOA (IBIGEO, UNSa-CONICET), Salta, Argentina
| | - Andri Stefánsson
- NordVulk, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | | | - Gerdhard L. Jessen
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Center for Oceanographic Research COPAS COASTAL, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Peter H. Barry
- Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America
| | - Angelina Cordone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Donato Giovannelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America
- National Research Council–Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies—CNR-IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
- Department of Marine and Coastal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Karen G. Lloyd
- Microbiology Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
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15
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Jaussi M, Jørgensen BB, Kjeldsen KU, Lomstein BA, Pearce C, Seidenkantz MS, Røy H. Cell-specific rates of sulfate reduction and fermentation in the sub-seafloor biosphere. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1198664. [PMID: 37555068 PMCID: PMC10405931 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1198664] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms in subsurface sediments live from recalcitrant organic matter deposited thousands or millions of years ago. Their catabolic activities are low, but the deep biosphere is of global importance due to its volume. The stability of deeply buried sediments provides a natural laboratory where prokaryotic communities that live in steady state with their environments can be studied over long time scales. We tested if a balance is established between the flow of energy, the microbial community size, and the basal power requirement needed to maintain cells in sediments buried meters below the sea floor. We measured rates of carbon oxidation by sulfate reduction and counted the microbial cells throughout ten carefully selected sediment cores with ages from years to millions of years. The rates of carbon oxidation were converted to power (J s-1 i.e., Watt) using the Gibbs free energy of the anaerobic oxidation of complex organic carbon. We separated energy dissipation by fermentation from sulfate reduction. Similarly, we separated the community into sulfate reducers and non-sulfate reducers based on the dsrB gene, so that sulfate reduction could be related to sulfate reducers. We found that the per-cell sulfate reduction rate was stable near 10-2 fmol C cell-1 day-1 right below the zone of bioturbation and did not decrease with increasing depth and sediment age. The corresponding power dissipation rate was 10-17 W sulfate-reducing cell-1. The cell-specific power dissipation of sulfate reducers in old sediments was similar to the slowest growing anaerobic cultures. The energy from mineralization of organic matter that was not dissipated by sulfate reduction was distributed evenly to all cells that did not possess the dsrB gene, i.e., cells operationally defined as fermenting. In contrast to sulfate reducers, the fermenting cells had decreasing catabolism as the sediment aged. A vast difference in power requirement between fermenters and sulfate reducers caused the microbial community in old sediments to consist of a minute fraction of sulfate reducers and a vast majority of fermenters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Jaussi
- Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Christof Pearce
- Department of Geoscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Hans Røy
- Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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16
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López-García P, Moreira D. The symbiotic origin of the eukaryotic cell. C R Biol 2023; 346:55-73. [PMID: 37254790 DOI: 10.5802/crbiol.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryogenesis represented a major evolutionary transition that led to the emergence of complex cells from simpler ancestors. For several decades, the most accepted scenario involved the evolution of an independent lineage of proto-eukaryotes endowed with an endomembrane system, including a nuclear compartment, a developed cytoskeleton and phagocytosis, which engulfed the alphaproteobacterial ancestor of mitochondria. However, the recent discovery by metagenomic and cultural approaches of Asgard archaea, which harbour many genes in common with eukaryotes and are their closest relatives in phylogenomic trees, rather supports scenarios based on the symbiosis of one Asgard-like archaeon and one or more bacteria at the origin of the eukaryotic cell. Here, we review the recent discoveries that led to this conceptual shift, briefly evoking current models of eukaryogenesis and the challenges ahead to discriminate between them and to establish a detailed, plausible scenario that accounts for the evolution of eukaryotic traits from those of their prokaryotic ancestors.
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17
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Lever MA, Alperin MJ, Hinrichs KU, Teske A. Zonation of the active methane-cycling community in deep subsurface sediments of the Peru trench. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1192029. [PMID: 37250063 PMCID: PMC10213550 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1192029] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The production and anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) by microorganisms is widespread in organic-rich deep subseafloor sediments. Yet, the organisms that carry out these processes remain largely unknown. Here we identify members of the methane-cycling microbial community in deep subsurface, hydrate-containing sediments of the Peru Trench by targeting functional genes of the alpha subunit of methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA). The mcrA profile reveals a distinct community zonation that partially matches the zonation of methane oxidizing and -producing activity inferred from sulfate and methane concentrations and carbon-isotopic compositions of methane and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). McrA appears absent from sulfate-rich sediments that are devoid of methane, but mcrA sequences belonging to putatively methane-oxidizing ANME-1a-b occur from the zone of methane oxidation to several meters into the methanogenesis zone. A sister group of ANME-1a-b, referred to as ANME-1d, and members of putatively aceticlastic Methanothrix (formerly Methanosaeta) occur throughout the remaining methanogenesis zone. Analyses of 16S rRNA and mcrA-mRNA indicate that the methane-cycling community is alive throughout (rRNA to 230 mbsf) and active in at least parts of the sediment column (mRNA at 44 mbsf). Carbon-isotopic depletions of methane relative to DIC (-80 to -86‰) suggest mostly methane production by CO2 reduction and thus seem at odds with the widespread detection of ANME-1 and Methanothrix. We explain this apparent contradiction based on recent insights into the metabolisms of both ANME-1 and Methanothricaceae, which indicate the potential for methanogenetic growth by CO2 reduction in both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Lever
- Department of Marine Science, Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX, United States
- Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Marc J. Alperin
- Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kai-Uwe Hinrichs
- Organic Geochemistry Group, MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences and Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Andreas Teske
- Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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18
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Liu J, Huang F, Liu J, Liu X, Lin R, Zhong X, Austin B, Zhang XH. Phylotype resolved spatial variation and association patterns of planktonic Thaumarchaeota in eastern Chinese marginal seas. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 5:257-270. [PMID: 37275536 PMCID: PMC10232715 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-023-00169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The majority of marine ammonia oxidizers belong to Thaumarchaeota, a phylum of Archaea, which is distributed throughout the water column. Marine surface waters contain distinct thaumarchaeotal phylotypes compared to the deeper ocean, but spatial dynamics of the surface-associated lineages are largely unsolved. This study of 120 seawater samples from the eastern Chinese marginal seas identified contrasting distribution and association patterns among thaumarchaeotal phylotypes across different dimensions. Horizontally, Nitrosopumilus-like and Nitrosopelagicus-like phylotypes dominated the surface water (3 m) of the Yellow Sea (YS) and East China Sea (ECS), respectively, along with increased abundance of total free-living Thaumarchaeota in ECS. Similar compositional changes were observed in the surface microlayer. The spatial heterogeneity of particle-attached Thaumarchaeota was less clear in surface microlayers than in surface waters. Vertically, the Nitrosopelagicus-like phylotype increased in abundance from surface to 90 m in ECS, which led to an increase in the proportion of Thaumarchaeota relative to total prokaryotes. This occurred mainly in the free-living fraction. These results indicate a clear size-fractionated niche partitioning, which is more pronounced at lower depths than in the surface water/surface microlayer. In addition, associations of Thaumarchaeota with other microbial taxa varied between phylotypes and size fractions. Our results show that a phylotype-resolved and size-fractionated spatial heterogeneity of the thaumarchaeotal community is present in surface oceanic waters and a vertical variation of the Nitrosopelagicus-like phylotype is present in shallow shelf waters. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-023-00169-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwen Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100 China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237 China
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Fuyan Huang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100 China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100 China
| | - Xiaoyue Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100 China
| | - Ruiyun Lin
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100 China
| | - Xiaosong Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266100 China
| | - Brian Austin
- Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland UK
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100 China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237 China
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
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19
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Liu H, Cai X, Luo K, Chen S, Su M, Lu J. Microbial Diversity, Community Turnover, and Putative Functions in Submarine Canyon Sediments under the Action of Sedimentary Geology. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0421022. [PMID: 36802161 PMCID: PMC10100816 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04210-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sampling challenges in deep-sea ecosystems lead to a lack of knowledge about the distribution of microbes in different submarine canyons. To study microbial diversity and community turnover under different ecological processes, we performed 16S/18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing for sediment samples from a submarine canyon in the South China Sea. Bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes made up 57.94% (62 phyla), 41.04% (12 phyla), and 1.02% (4 phyla) of the sequences, respectively. Thaumarchaeota, Planctomycetota, Proteobacteria, Nanoarchaeota, and Patescibacteria are the five most abundant phyla. Heterogeneous community composition was mainly observed in vertical profiles rather than horizontal geographic locations, and microbial diversity in the surface layer was much lower than that in deep layers. According to the null model tests, homogeneous selection dominated community assembly within each sediment layer, whereas heterogeneous selection and dispersal limitation dominated community assembly between distant layers. Different sedimentation processes of sediments, i.e., rapid deposition caused by turbidity currents or slow sedimentation, seem to be primarily responsible for these vertical variations. Finally, functional annotation through shotgun-metagenomic sequencing found that glycosyl transferases and glycoside hydrolases are the most abundant carbohydrate-active enzyme categories. The most likely expressed sulfur cycling pathways include assimilatory sulfate reduction, the link between inorganic and organic sulfur transformation, and organic sulfur transformation, while the potentially activated methane cycling pathways include aceticlastic methanogenesis and aerobic and anaerobic oxidation of methane. Overall, our study revealed high levels of microbial diversity and putative functions in canyon sediments and the important influence of sedimentary geology on microbial community turnover between vertical sediment layers. IMPORTANCE Deep-sea microbes have received growing attention due to their contribution to biogeochemical cycles and climate change. However, related research lags due to the difficulty of collecting samples. Based on our previous study, which revealed the formation of sediments under the dual action of turbidity currents and seafloor obstacles in a submarine canyon in the South China Sea, this interdisciplinary research provides new insights into how sedimentary geology influences microbial community assembly in sediments. We proposed some uncommon or new findings, including the following: (i) microbial diversity was much lower on the surface than in deeper layers (ii) archaea and bacteria dominated the surface and deep layers, respectively; (iii) sedimentary geology played key roles in vertical community turnover; and (iv) the microbes have great potential to catalyze sulfur, carbon, and methane cycling. This study may lead to extensive discussion of the assembly and function of deep-sea microbial communities in the context of geology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Liu
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xueyu Cai
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Kunwen Luo
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Sihan Chen
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Ming Su
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou Guangdong, China
| | - Jianguo Lu
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Guangzhou Guangdong, China
- Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai, China
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20
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Zou D, Li H, Du P, Wang B, Lin H, Liu H, Chen J, Li M. Distinct Features of Sedimentary Archaeal Communities in Hypoxia and Non-Hypoxia Regions off the Changjiang River Estuary. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0194722. [PMID: 36066619 PMCID: PMC9602602 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01947-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Water hypoxia (DO < 2 mg/L) is a growing global environmental concern that has the potential to significantly influence not only the aquatic ecosystem but also the benthic sedimentary ecosystem. The Changjiang River Estuary hypoxia, classified as one of the world's largest seasonal hypoxic water basins, has been reported to be expanding rapidly in recent decades. However, the microbial community dynamics and responses to this water hypoxia are still unclear. In this study, we examined the abundance, community composition, and distribution of sedimentary archaea, one important component of microbial communities in the Changjiang River Estuary and the East China Sea (ECS). Our results indicated that Thaumarchaeota and Bathyarchaeota were predominant archaeal groups in these research areas, with their 16S rRNA gene abundance ranged from 8.55 × 106 to 7.51 × 108 and 3.18 × 105 to 1.11 × 108 copies/g, respectively. The sedimentary archaeal community was mainly influenced by DO, together with the concentration of ammonium, nitrate, and sulfide. In addition, distinct differences in the archaeal community's composition, abundance, and driving factors were discovered between samples from hypoxia and non-hypoxia stations. Furtherly, microbial networks suggest various microbes leading the different activities in hypoxic and normoxic environments. Bathyarchaeota and Thermoprofundales were "key stone" archaeal members of the low-DO network, whereas Thaumarchaeota constituted a significant component of the high-DO network. Our results provide a clear picture of the sedimentary archaeal community in coastal hypoxia zones and indicates potential distinctions of archaea in hypoxia and non-hypoxia environments, including ecological niches and metabolic functions. IMPORTANCE In this study, the sedimentary archaeal community composition and abundance were detailed revealed and quantified based on 16S rRNA genes off the Changjiang River Estuary. We found that the community composition was distinct between hypoxia and non-hypoxia regions, while Thaumarchaeota and Bathyarchaeota dominated in non-hypoxia and hypoxia samples, respectively. In hypoxia regions, the sedimentary archaea were mainly affected by salinity, ammonium, and nitrate, whereas total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and sulfide were major influencing factors in non-hypoxia regions. The distinct microbial network may suggest the niche difference of archaeal community under various oxygen level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayu Zou
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Ping Du
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Lin
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianfang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Li
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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21
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Li W, Siddique MS, Liu M, Graham N, Yu W. The migration and microbiological degradation of dissolved organic matter in riparian soils. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 224:119080. [PMID: 36113239 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Riparian zones are important natural means of water purification, by decreasing the aqueous concentration of terrestrial organic matter (OM) through adsorption and microbial degradation of the organic matter within the aquatic ecosystem. Limited studies have been reported so far concerning the migration of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the horizontal and vertical planes of riparian zones. In this study, the migration of DOM in riparian zones, from forest soil to wetland soil, and with soil depth, were explored, based on a case study reservoir. Results showed that riparian wetlands can absorb the OM from the forest soils and adjacent reservoir, and act as a major OM sink through microbial action. Methylomirabilota and GAL15 bacteria increased with soil depth for the two soil systems, and the wetland soil system also contained microbial sulfates, nitrates and carbonates. These microorganisms successfully utilize the Fe3+, SO4-, and CO3- as electron acceptors in the wetland system, resulting in enhanced OM removal. Although the variation of soil DOM in the vertical direction was the same for both forest and wetland soils, the Chemical structure of the DOM was found to be significantly different. Furthermore, the soil was found to be the main source of DOM in the forest ecosystem, with lignin as the main ingredient. The lignin structure was gradually oxidized and decomposed, with an increase in carboxyl groups, as the lignin diffused down into the soil and the adjacent reservoir. PLS-PM analysis showed that the soil physicochemical properties were the main factors affecting DOM transformation. However, microbial metabolism was still the goes deeper affecting factor. This study will contribute to the analysis that migration and transform of soil organic matter in riparian zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
| | - Muhammad Saboor Siddique
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Mengjie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Nigel Graham
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Wenzheng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China.
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22
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Jing H, Xiao X, Zhang Y, Li Z, Jian H, Luo Y, Han Z. Composition and Ecological Roles of the Core Microbiome along the Abyssal-Hadal Transition Zone Sediments of the Mariana Trench. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0198821. [PMID: 35768947 PMCID: PMC9241748 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01988-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique geological features of hadal trenches are known to influence both the structure and ecological function of microbial communities. It is also well known that heterotrophs and chemoautotrophs dominate the hadal and abyssal pelagic zones, respectively. Here, a metagenomic investigation was conducted on sediment samples obtained from the abyssal-hadal transition zone in the Mariana Trench to gain a better understanding of the general diversity and potential function of the core microbiome in this zone. A high level of cosmopolitanism existed in the core microbiome referred from a high community similarity among different stations. Niche differentiation along the fine-scale of different sediment layers was observed, especially for major archaeal groups, largely due to sediment depth and the source of organic matter. A prevalence of nitrogen biogeochemical cycles driven by various nitrifying groups with the capability of dark carbon fixation in the abyssal-hadal biosphere was also demonstrated. The predominance of heterotrophic over chemolithoautotrophic pathways in this transition zone was found, and a high abundance of genes related to respiration and carbon fixation (i.e., the intact Calvin and rTCA cycles) were detected as well, which might reflect the intensive microbial activities known to occur in this deep biosphere. The presence of those metabolic processes and associated microbes were reflected by functional and genetic markers generated from the metagenomic data in the current study. However, their roles and contributions to the nitrogen/carbon biogeochemical cycles and flux in the abyssal-hadal transition zone still need further analysis. IMPORTANCE The Mariana Trench is the deepest oceanic region on earth, its microbial ecological exploration has become feasible with the rapid progress of submersible and metagenomic sequencing. We investigated the community compositions and metabolic functions of the core microbiome along the abyssal-hadal transition zone of the Mariana Trench, although most studies by far were focused on the pelagic zone. We found a predominance of heterotrophic groups and related metabolic pathways, which were closely associated with nitrogen biogeochemical cycles driven by various nitrifying groups with the capability of dark carbon fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Jing
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory for Experimental Study under Deep-Sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, ZhuHai, China
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)-CAS Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory for Experimental Study under Deep-Sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huahua Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingfeng Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuang Han
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory for Experimental Study under Deep-Sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
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23
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Zhu QZ, Wegener G, Hinrichs KU, Elvert M. Activity of Ancillary Heterotrophic Community Members in Anaerobic Methane-Oxidizing Cultures. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:912299. [PMID: 35722308 PMCID: PMC9201399 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.912299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Consortia of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) and sulfate-reducing bacteria mediate the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) in marine sediments. However, even sediment-free cultures contain a substantial number of additional microorganisms not directly related to AOM. To track the heterotrophic activity of these community members and their possible relationship with AOM, we amended meso- (37°C) and thermophilic (50°C) AOM cultures (dominated by ANME-1 archaea and their partner bacteria of the Seep-SRB2 clade or Candidatus Desulfofervidus auxilii) with L-leucine-3-13C (13C-leu). Various microbial lipids incorporated the labeled carbon from this amino acid, independent of the presence of methane as an energy source, specifically bacterial fatty acids, such as iso and anteiso-branched C15:0 and C17:0, as well as unsaturated C18:1ω9 and C18:1ω7. In natural methane-rich environments, these bacterial fatty acids are strongly 13C-depleted. We, therefore, suggest that those fatty acids are produced by ancillary bacteria that grow on 13C-depleted necromass or cell exudates/lysates of the AOM core communities. Candidates that likely benefit from AOM biomass are heterotrophic bacterial members of the Spirochetes and Anaerolineae—known to produce abundant branched fatty acids and present in all the AOM enrichment cultures. For archaeal lipids, we observed minor 13C-incorporation, but still suggesting some 13C-leu anabolism. Based on their relatively high abundance in the culture, the most probable archaeal candidates are Bathyarchaeota, Thermoplasmatales, and Lokiarchaeota. The identified heterotrophic bacterial and archaeal ancillary members are likely key players in organic carbon recycling in anoxic marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Zeng Zhu
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Gunter Wegener
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Hinrichs
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Marcus Elvert
- MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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24
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Cai M, Duan C, Zhang X, Pan J, Liu Y, Zhang C, Li M. Genomic and transcriptomic dissection of Theionarchaea in marine ecosystem. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:1222-1234. [PMID: 34668130 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-1996-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Theionarchaea is a recently described archaeal class within the Euryarchaeota. While it is widely distributed in sediment ecosystems, little is known about its metabolic potential and ecological features. Here, we used metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to characterize 12 theionarchaeal metagenome-assembled genomes, which were further divided into two subgroups, from coastal mangrove sediments of China and seawater columns of the Yap Trench. Genomic analysis revealed that apart from the canonical sulfhydrogenase, Theionarchaea harbor genes encoding heliorhodopsin, group 4 [NiFe]-hydrogenase, and flagellin, in which genes for heliorhodopsin and group 4 [NiFe]-hydrogenase were transcribed in mangrove sediment. Further, the theionarchaeal substrate spectrum may be broader than previously reported as revealed by metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, and the potential carbon substrates include detrital proteins, hemicellulose, ethanol, and CO2. The genes for organic substrate metabolism (mainly detrital protein and amino acid metabolism genes) have relatively higher transcripts in the top sediment layers in mangrove wetlands. In addition, co-occurrence analysis suggested that the degradation of these organic compounds by Theionarchaea might be processed in syntrophy with fermenters (e.g., Chloroflexi) and methanogens. Collectively, these observations expand the current knowledge of the metabolic potential of Theionarchaea, and shed light on the metabolic strategies and roles of these archaea in the marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Cai
- Archaeal Biology Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Changhai Duan
- Archaeal Biology Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- SZU-HKUST Joint PhD Program in Marine Environmental Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xinxu Zhang
- Archaeal Biology Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Archaeal Biology Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Archaeal Biology Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Cuijing Zhang
- Archaeal Biology Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Meng Li
- Archaeal Biology Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
- SZU-HKUST Joint PhD Program in Marine Environmental Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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25
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Genomic Evidence for the Recycling of Complex Organic Carbon by Novel
Thermoplasmatota
Clades in Deep-Sea Sediments. mSystems 2022; 7:e0007722. [PMID: 35430893 PMCID: PMC9239135 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00077-22] [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] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermoplasmatota have been widely reported in a variety of ecosystems, but their distribution and ecological role in marine sediments are still elusive. Here, we obtained four draft genomes affiliated with the former RBG-16-68-12 clade, which is now considered a new order, “Candidatus Yaplasmales,” of the Thermoplasmatota phylum in sediments from the South China Sea. The phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA genes and draft genomes showed that “Ca. Yaplasmales” archaea are composed of three clades: A, B, and C. Among them, clades A and B are abundantly distributed (up to 10.86%) in the marine anoxic sediment layers (>10-cm depth) of six of eight cores from 1,200- to 3,400-m depths. Metabolic pathway reconstructions indicated that all clades of “Ca. Yaplasmales” have the capacity for alkane degradation by predicted alkyl-succinate synthase. Clade A of “Ca. Yaplasmales” might be mixotrophic microorganisms for the identification of the complete Wood-Ljungdahl pathway and putative genes involved in the degradation of aromatic and halogenated organic compounds. Clades B and C were likely heterotrophic, especially with the potential capacity of the spermidine/putrescine and aromatic compound degradation, as suggested by a significant negative correlation between the concentrations of aromatic compounds and the relative abundances of clade B. The sulfide-quinone oxidoreductase and pyrophosphate-energized membrane proton pump were encoded by all genomes of “Ca. Yaplasmales,” serving as adaptive strategies for energy production. These findings suggest that “Ca. Yaplasmales” might synergistically transform benthic pollutant and detrital organic matter, possibly playing a vital role in the marine and terrestrial sedimentary carbon cycle. IMPORTANCE Deep oceans receive large amounts of complex organic carbon and anthropogenic pollutants. The deep-sea sediments of the continental slopes serve as the biggest carbon sink on Earth. Particulate organic carbons and detrital proteins accumulate in the sediment. The microbially mediated recycling of complex organic carbon is still largely unknown, which is an important question for carbon budget in global oceans and maintenance of the deep-sea ecosystem. In this study, we report the prevalence (up to 10.86% of the microbial community) of archaea from a novel order of Thermoplasmatota, “Ca. Yaplasmales,” in six of eight cores from 1,200- to 3,400-m depths in the South China Sea. We provide genomic evidence of “Ca. Yaplasmales” in the anaerobic microbial degradation of alkanes, aliphatic and monoaromatic hydrocarbons, and halogenated organic compounds. Our study identifies the key archaeal players in anoxic marine sediments, which are probably critical in recycling the complex organic carbon in global oceans.
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Liu YF, Yang L, Liu ZL, Chen J, Fang B, Zhou L, Liu JF, Yang SZ, Gu JD, Mu BZ. Discovery of the non-cosmopolitan lineages in Candidatus Thermoprofundales. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:3063-3080. [PMID: 35254697 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The recently proposed order Candidatus Thermoprofundales, currently containing only one family-level lineage Marine Benthic Group-D (MBG-D), is distributed in global subsurface ecosystems and ecologically important, but its diversity, evolution and metabolism remain largely unknown. Here we described two novel family-level specialized lineages in Ca. Thermoprofundales, JdFR-43 and HyVt, which are restricted to specific biotopes (primarily in marine hydrothermal vents and occasionally in oil reservoirs and hot springs) in contrast to the cosmopolitan lineage MBG-D. The comparative genomics revealed that the specialized lineages have streamlined genomes, higher GC contents, enriched genes associated with nucleotide biosynthesis, ribosome biogenesis and DNA repair and additional thermostable aminopeptidases, enabling them to adapt to high-temperature habitats such as marine hydrothermal vents, deep subsurface oil reservoirs and hot springs. On the contrary, the unique metabolic traits of the cosmopolitan MBG-D, motility, glycolysis, butanoate metabolism, secondary metabolites production and additional genes for specific peptides and carbohydrates degradation potentially enhance its response to environmental change. Substrate preference is found for most MAGs across all lineages with the ability to utilize both polysaccharides (chitin and starch) and proteinaceous substances, whereas JdFR-43 members from oil reservoirs can only utilize proteins. These results expand the diversity of Ca. Thermoprofundales significantly and further improve our understandings of the adaptations of Ca. Thermoprofundales to various environments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China.,Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China.,Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Liu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China.,Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China.,Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China.,Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China
| | - Bo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China.,Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China.,Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China.,Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Zhong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China.,Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Dong Gu
- Environmental Science and Engineering Group, Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 241 Daxue Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P.R. China
| | - Bo-Zhong Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China.,Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, P.R. China
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27
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Gavrilov SN, Potapov EG, Prokof’eva MI, Klyukina AA, Merkel AY, Maslov AA, Zavarzina DG. Diversity of Novel Uncultured Prokaryotes in Microbial Communities of the Yessentukskoye Underground Mineral Water Deposit. Microbiology (Reading) 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261722010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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28
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Wang Z, Wang L, Liu R, Li Z, Wu J, Wei X, Wei W, Fang J, Cao J, Wei Y, Xie Z. Community structure and activity potentials of archaeal communities in hadal sediments of the Mariana and Mussau trenches. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:150-161. [PMID: 37073355 PMCID: PMC10077302 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-021-00105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Hadal trenches are the least explored marine habitat on earth. Archaea has been shown to be the dominant group in trench sediments. However, the activity potentials and detailed diversity of these communities as well as their inter-trench variations are still not known. In this study, we combined datasets from two pairs of primers to investigate at high resolution the structure and activity potentials of the archaeal communities in vertically sectioned sediment cores taken from the deepest points of the Mariana (10,853 m) and Mussau (7011 m) trenches. The compositions of the potentially active communities revealed, via 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) and RNA (rRNA), significant differences between samples. Marine Group I (MGI), with nine identified subgroups, was the most dominant class in the active archaeal communities of the two trenches. Significantly different species composition and vertical variations were observed between the two trenches. Vertical transitions from aerobic MGI α to anaerobic MGI η and υ subgroups were observed in MST but not in MT sediments, which might be related to the faster microbial oxygen consumption in MST. These results provide a better understanding on archaeal activity and diversity in trench sediments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-021-00105-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Li Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Rulong Liu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Geological Process and Mineral Resources, Department of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074 China
| | - JiaXin Wu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Xing Wei
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Wenxia Wei
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Jiasong Fang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237 China
- Department of Natural Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, HI 96813 USA
| | - Junwei Cao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Yuli Wei
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
| | - Zhe Xie
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China
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29
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Beulig F, Schubert F, Adhikari RR, Glombitza C, Heuer VB, Hinrichs KU, Homola KL, Inagaki F, Jørgensen BB, Kallmeyer J, Krause SJE, Morono Y, Sauvage J, Spivack AJ, Treude T. Rapid metabolism fosters microbial survival in the deep, hot subseafloor biosphere. Nat Commun 2022; 13:312. [PMID: 35078973 PMCID: PMC8789916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27802-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A fourth of the global seabed sediment volume is buried at depths where temperatures exceed 80 °C, a previously proposed thermal barrier for life in the subsurface. Here, we demonstrate, utilizing an extensive suite of radiotracer experiments, the prevalence of active methanogenic and sulfate-reducing populations in deeply buried marine sediment from the Nankai Trough subduction zone, heated to extreme temperature (up to ~120 °C). The small microbial community subsisted with high potential cell-specific rates of energy metabolism, which approach the rates of active surface sediments and laboratory cultures. Our discovery is in stark contrast to the extremely low metabolic rates otherwise observed in the deep subseafloor. As cells appear to invest most of their energy to repair thermal cell damage in the hot sediment, they are forced to balance delicately between subsistence near the upper temperature limit for life and a rich supply of substrates and energy from thermally driven reactions of the sedimentary organic matter. In the deep sedimentary biosphere, 80 °C has been proposed as an upper thermal barrier for life. Using a suite of radiotracer experiments, this study reports active methanogenic and sulfate-reducing microbial populations with high cell-specific metabolic rates in deeply buried marine sediments from the Nankai Trough subduction zone, which reach temperatures up to 120 °C.
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30
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OUP accepted manuscript. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2022; 98:6523362. [DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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31
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Torres-Beltrán M, Vargas-Gastélum L, Magdaleno-Moncayo D, Riquelme M, Herguera-García JC, Prieto-Davó A, Lago-Lestón A. The metabolic core of the prokaryotic community from deep-sea sediments of the southern Gulf of Mexico shows different functional signatures between the continental slope and abyssal plain. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12474. [PMID: 34993013 PMCID: PMC8679910 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12474] [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: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine sediments harbor an outstanding level of microbial diversity supporting diverse metabolic activities. Sediments in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) are subjected to anthropic stressors including oil pollution with potential effects on microbial community structure and function that impact biogeochemical cycling. We used metagenomic analyses to provide significant insight into the potential metabolic capacity of the microbial community in Southern GoM deep sediments. We identified genes for hydrocarbon, nitrogen and sulfur metabolism mostly affiliated with Alpha and Betaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi and Firmicutes, in relation to the use of alternative carbon and energy sources to thrive under limiting growth conditions, and metabolic strategies to cope with environmental stressors. In addition, results show amino acids metabolism could be associated with sulfur metabolism carried out by Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi and Firmicutes, and may play a crucial role as a central carbon source to favor bacterial growth. We identified the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and aspartate, glutamate, glyoxylate and leucine degradation pathways, as part of the core carbon metabolism across samples. Further, microbial communities from the continental slope and abyssal plain show differential metabolic capacities to cope with environmental stressors such as oxidative stress and carbon limiting growth conditions, respectively. This research combined taxonomic and functional information of the microbial community from Southern GoM sediments to provide fundamental knowledge that links the prokaryotic structure to its potential function and which can be used as a baseline for future studies to model microbial community responses to environmental perturbations, as well as to develop more accurate mitigation and conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Torres-Beltrán
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Lluvia Vargas-Gastélum
- Departamento de Microbiología, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Dante Magdaleno-Moncayo
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Meritxell Riquelme
- Departamento de Microbiología, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Herguera-García
- Departamento de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Prieto-Davó
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Sisal, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Asunción Lago-Lestón
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
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32
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Microbial community structure in hadal sediments: high similarity along trench axes and strong changes along redox gradients. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:3455-3467. [PMID: 34103697 PMCID: PMC8629969 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-01021-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hadal trench sediments are hotspots of biogeochemical activity in the deep sea, but the biogeochemical and ecological factors that shape benthic hadal microbial communities remain unknown. Here, we sampled ten hadal sites from two trench regions with a vertical resolution of down to 1 cm. We sequenced 16S rRNA gene amplicons using universal and archaea-specific primer sets and compared the results to biogeochemical parameters. Despite bathymetric and depositional heterogeneity we found a high similarity of microbial communities within each of the two trench axes, while composition at the phylum level varied strongly with sediment depth in conjunction with the redox stratification into oxic, nitrogenous, and ferruginous zones. As a result, communities of a given sediment horizon were more similar to each other across a distance of hundreds of kilometers within each trench, than to those of adjacent horizons from the same sites separated only by centimeters. Total organic carbon content statistically only explained a small part of the variation within and between trenches, and did not explain the community differences observed between the hadal and adjacent shallower sites. Anaerobic taxa increased in abundance at the top of the ferruginous zone, seeded by organisms deposited at the sediment surface and surviving burial through the upper redox zones. While an influence of other potential factors such as geographic isolation, hydrostatic pressure, and non-steady state depositional regimes could not be discerned, redox stratification and diagenesis appear to be the main selective forces that structure community composition in hadal sediments.
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33
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Degenhardt J, Merder J, Heyerhoff B, Simon H, Engelen B, Waska H. Cross-Shore and Depth Zonations in Bacterial Diversity Are Linked to Age and Source of Dissolved Organic Matter across the Intertidal Area of a Sandy Beach. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1720. [PMID: 34442799 PMCID: PMC8399146 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities and dissolved organic matter (DOM) are intrinsically linked within the global carbon cycle. Demonstrating this link on a molecular level is hampered by the complexity of both counterparts. We have now investigated this connection within intertidal beach sediments, characterized by a runnel-ridge system and subterranean groundwater discharge. Using datasets generated by Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and Ilumina-sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, we predicted metabolic functions and determined links between bacterial communities and DOM composition. Four bacterial clusters were defined, reflecting differences within the community compositions. Those were attributed to distinct areas, depths, or metabolic niches. Cluster I was found throughout all surface sediments, probably involved in algal-polymer degradation. In ridge and low water line samples, cluster III became prominent. Associated porewaters indicated an influence of terrestrial DOM and the release of aromatic compounds from reactive iron oxides. Cluster IV showed the highest seasonality and was associated with species previously reported from a subsurface bloom. Interestingly, Cluster II harbored several members of the candidate phyla radiation (CPR) and was related to highly degraded DOM. This may be one of the first geochemical proofs for the role of candidate phyla in the degradation of highly refractory DOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Degenhardt
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Julian Merder
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Benedikt Heyerhoff
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Heike Simon
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Bert Engelen
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Hannelore Waska
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
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34
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Tahon G, Patricia Geesink, Ettema TJG. Expanding Archaeal Diversity and Phylogeny: Past, Present, and Future. Annu Rev Microbiol 2021; 75:359-381. [PMID: 34351791 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-040921-050212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the Archaea is a major scientific hallmark of the twentieth century. Since then, important features of their cell biology, physiology, ecology, and diversity have been revealed. Over the course of some 40 years, the diversity of known archaea has expanded from 2 to about 30 phyla comprising over 20,000 species. Most of this archaeal diversity has been revealed by environmental 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing surveys using a broad range of universal and targeted primers. Of the few primers that target a large fraction of known archaeal diversity, all display a bias against recently discovered lineages, which limits studies aiming to survey overall archaeal diversity. Induced by genomic exploration of archaeal diversity, and improved phylogenomics approaches, archaeal taxonomic classification has been frequently revised. Due to computational limitations and continued discovery of new lineages, a stable archaeal phylogeny is not yet within reach. Obtaining phylogenetic and taxonomic consensus of archaea should be a high priority for the archaeal research community. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Tahon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 EH Wageningen, The Netherlands; , ,
| | - Patricia Geesink
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 EH Wageningen, The Netherlands; , ,
| | - Thijs J G Ettema
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 EH Wageningen, The Netherlands; , ,
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35
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Kong Y, Lei H, Zhang Z, Cheng W, Wang B, Pan F, Huang F, Huang F, Li W. Depth profiles of geochemical features, geochemical activities and biodiversity of microbial communities in marine sediments from the Shenhu area, the northern South China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146233. [PMID: 34030248 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146233] [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: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The biogeochemical processes, anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and methanogenesis, control methane emission and create distinct geochemical profiles with depth in marine sediments. Correlating the capacities and biodiversity of the microbial communities in marine sediments remains challenging. We therefore investigated the geochemical constituents and the capabilities and diversity of microbial communities in sediments at different depths in two cores from the Shenhu area in the northern South China Sea, which is characterized by underlying gas hydrates. The geochemical features, sulfate concentration decreased linearly and the acid volatile sulfur accumulated from 4 m below the seafloor (mbsf) to the bottom, indicating significant sulfate reduction. However, the methane concentration was relatively low and showed irregular trends, indicating that our study cores did not reach the sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ). Nevertheless, incubation experiments showed that the microbial groups in sediments performed AOM and methanogenesis in the region where sulfate decreased linearly above the SMTZ. We mapped the diversity and abundance of microbial communities in sediments with depth using high-throughput sequencing. A small proportion of known methanogens (<0.3%) may have been responsible for the methanogenesis during incubation. No classical archaeal anaerobic methanotroph (ANME) sequences were detected across all samples; only a small amount of SEEP-SRB1 were detected, and their abundance did not increase with increasing depth. Thus, unknown or unconventional phylotypes may have participated in AOM during the incubation, and the dominant phylum Bathyarchaeota or the small number of detected methanogens are the most likely performers of AOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Kong
- Department of Geological Oceanography, College of Ocean & Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Huaiyan Lei
- Department of Geological Oceanography, College of Ocean & Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China.
| | - Zilian Zhang
- Department of Geological Oceanography, College of Ocean & Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Weidong Cheng
- Department of Geological Oceanography, College of Ocean & Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Geological Oceanography, College of Ocean & Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Fulong Pan
- Department of Geological Oceanography, College of Ocean & Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Fanfan Huang
- Department of Geological Oceanography, College of Ocean & Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Fanli Huang
- Department of Geological Oceanography, College of Ocean & Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Wenqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Evaluation in Northeast China, Ministry of Land and Resources, Changchun 130061, PR China
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36
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Pasquier V, Fike DA, Halevy I. Sedimentary pyrite sulfur isotopes track the local dynamics of the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4403. [PMID: 34285238 PMCID: PMC8292381 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24753-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfur cycling is ubiquitous in sedimentary environments, where it mediates organic carbon remineralization, impacting both local and global redox budgets, and leaving an imprint in pyrite sulfur isotope ratios (δ34Spyr). It is unclear to what extent stratigraphic δ34Spyr variations reflect local aspects of the depositional environment or microbial activity versus global sulfur-cycle variations. Here, we couple carbon-nitrogen-sulfur concentrations and stable isotopes to identify clear influences on δ34Spyr of local environmental changes along the Peru margin. Stratigraphically coherent glacial-interglacial δ34Spyr fluctuations (>30‰) were mediated by Oxygen Minimum Zone intensification/expansion and local enhancement of organic matter deposition. The higher resulting microbial sulfate reduction rates led to more effective drawdown and 34S-enrichment of residual porewater sulfate and sulfide produced from it, some of which is preserved in pyrite. We identify organic carbon loading as a major influence on δ34Spyr, adding to the growing body of evidence highlighting the local controls on these records. To explore the importance of local vs. global sulfur-cycle controls on variations in pyrite sulfur isotopes, the authors couple carbon-nitrogen-sulfur concentrations and stable isotopes of sediments from the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone, identifying a major role for the local organic carbon loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virgil Pasquier
- Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - David A Fike
- Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Itay Halevy
- Earth and Planetary Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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37
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Comparative Genomics Reveals Thermal Adaptation and a High Metabolic Diversity in " Candidatus Bathyarchaeia". mSystems 2021; 6:e0025221. [PMID: 34282939 PMCID: PMC8407382 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00252-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
"Candidatus Bathyarchaeia" is a phylogenetically diverse and widely distributed lineage often in high abundance in anoxic submarine sediments; however, their evolution and ecological roles in terrestrial geothermal habitats are poorly understood. In the present study, 35 Ca. Bathyarchaeia metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were recovered from hot spring sediments in Tibet and Yunnan, China. Phylogenetic analysis revealed all MAGs of Ca. Bathyarchaeia can be classified into 7 orders and 15 families. Among them, 4 families have been first discovered in the present study, significantly expanding the known diversity of Ca. Bathyarchaeia. Comparative genomics demonstrated Ca. Bathyarchaeia MAGs from thermal habitats to encode a large variety of genes related to carbohydrate degradation, which are likely a metabolic adaptation of these organisms to a lifestyle at high temperatures. At least two families are potential methanogens/alkanotrophs, indicating a potential for the catalysis of short-chain hydrocarbons. Three MAGs from Family-7.3 are identified as alkanotrophs due to the detection of an Mcr complex. Family-2 contains the largest number of genes relevant to alkyl-CoM transformation, indicating the potential for methylotrophic methanogenesis, although their evolutionary history suggests the ancestor of Ca. Bathyarchaeia was unable to metabolize alkanes. Subsequent lineages have acquired the ability via horizontal gene transfer. Overall, our study significantly expands our knowledge and understanding of the metabolic capabilities, habitat adaptations, and evolution of Ca. Bathyarchaeia in thermal environments. IMPORTANCE Ca. Bathyarchaeia MAGs from terrestrial hot spring habitats are poorly revealed, though they have been studied extensively in marine ecosystems. In this study, we uncovered the metabolic capabilities and ecological role of Ca. Bathyarchaeia in hot springs and give a comprehensive comparative analysis between thermal and nonthermal habitats to reveal the thermal adaptability of Ca. Bathyarchaeia. Also, we attempt to determine the evolutionary history of methane/alkane metabolism in Ca. Bathyarchaeia, since it appears to be the first archaea beyond Euryarchaeota which contains the mcrABG genes. The reclassification of Ca. Bathyarchaeia and significant genomic differences among different lineages largely expand our knowledge on these cosmopolitan archaea, which will be beneficial in guiding the future studies.
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38
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Zhao R, Biddle JF. Helarchaeota and co-occurring sulfate-reducing bacteria in subseafloor sediments from the Costa Rica Margin. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 1:25. [PMID: 36737514 PMCID: PMC9723726 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-021-00027-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Deep sediments host many archaeal lineages, including the Asgard superphylum which contains lineages predicted to require syntrophic partnerships. Our knowledge about sedimentary archaeal diversity and their metabolic pathways and syntrophic partners is still very limited. We present here new genomes of Helarchaeota and the co-occurring sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) recovered from organic-rich sediments off Costa Rica Margin. Phylogenetic analyses revealed three new metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) affiliating with Helarchaeota, each of which has three variants of the methyl-CoM reductase-like (MCR-like) complex that may enable them to oxidize short-chain alkanes anaerobically. These Helarchaeota have no multi-heme cytochromes but have Group 3b and Group 3c [NiFe] hydrogenases, and formate dehydrogenase, and therefore have the capacity to transfer the reducing equivalents (in the forms of hydrogen and formate) generated from alkane oxidation to external partners. We also recovered five MAGs of SRB affiliated with the class of Desulfobacteria, two of which showed relative abundances (represented by genome coverages) positively correlated with those of the three Helarchaeota. Genome analysis suggested that these SRB bacteria have the capacity of H2 and formate utilization and could facilitate electron transfers from other organisms by means of these reduced substances. Their co-occurrence and metabolic features suggest that Helarchaeota may metabolize synergistically with some SRB, and together exert an important influence on the carbon cycle by mitigating the hydrocarbon emission from sediments to the overlying ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhao
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, USA
| | - Jennifer F Biddle
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, USA.
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39
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Wasmund K, Pelikan C, Schintlmeister A, Wagner M, Watzka M, Richter A, Bhatnagar S, Noel A, Hubert CRJ, Rattei T, Hofmann T, Hausmann B, Herbold CW, Loy A. Genomic insights into diverse bacterial taxa that degrade extracellular DNA in marine sediments. Nat Microbiol 2021; 6:885-898. [PMID: 34127845 PMCID: PMC8289736 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-021-00917-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular DNA is a major macromolecule in global element cycles, and is a particularly crucial phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon source for microorganisms in the seafloor. Nevertheless, the identities, ecophysiology and genetic features of DNA-foraging microorganisms in marine sediments are largely unknown. Here, we combined microcosm experiments, DNA stable isotope probing (SIP), single-cell SIP using nano-scale secondary isotope mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) and genome-centric metagenomics to study microbial catabolism of DNA and its subcomponents in marine sediments. 13C-DNA added to sediment microcosms was largely degraded within 10 d and mineralized to 13CO2. SIP probing of DNA revealed diverse ‘Candidatus Izemoplasma’, Lutibacter, Shewanella and Fusibacteraceae incorporated DNA-derived 13C-carbon. NanoSIMS confirmed incorporation of 13C into individual bacterial cells of Fusibacteraceae sorted from microcosms. Genomes of the 13C-labelled taxa all encoded enzymatic repertoires for catabolism of DNA or subcomponents of DNA. Comparative genomics indicated that diverse ‘Candidatus Izemoplasmatales’ (former Tenericutes) are exceptional because they encode multiple (up to five) predicted extracellular nucleases and are probably specialized DNA-degraders. Analyses of additional sediment metagenomes revealed extracellular nuclease genes are prevalent among Bacteroidota at diverse sites. Together, our results reveal the identities and functional properties of microorganisms that may contribute to the key ecosystem function of degrading and recycling DNA in the seabed. Using microcosms, stable isotope probing, genome-resolved metagenomics and NanoSIMS, the authors identify diverse bacterial taxa that can degrade extracellular DNA in marine sediments, including ‘Candidatus Izemoplasma’, which encode numerous extracellular nucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Wasmund
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Austrian Polar Research Institute, Vienna, Austria. .,Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Claus Pelikan
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Polar Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arno Schintlmeister
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Large-Instrument Facility for Environmental and Isotope Mass Spectrometry, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Wagner
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Large-Instrument Facility for Environmental and Isotope Mass Spectrometry, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margarete Watzka
- Division of Terrestrial Ecosystem Research, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Richter
- Austrian Polar Research Institute, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Terrestrial Ecosystem Research, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Srijak Bhatnagar
- Geomicrobiology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy Noel
- Geomicrobiology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Casey R J Hubert
- Geomicrobiology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Thomas Rattei
- Division of Computational Systems Biology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thilo Hofmann
- Division of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bela Hausmann
- Joint Microbiome Facility of the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Craig W Herbold
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Loy
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Polar Research Institute, Vienna, Austria.,Joint Microbiome Facility of the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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40
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Aromokeye DA, Oni OE, Tebben J, Yin X, Richter-Heitmann T, Wendt J, Nimzyk R, Littmann S, Tienken D, Kulkarni AC, Henkel S, Hinrichs KU, Elvert M, Harder T, Kasten S, Friedrich MW. Crystalline iron oxides stimulate methanogenic benzoate degradation in marine sediment-derived enrichment cultures. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:965-980. [PMID: 33154547 PMCID: PMC8115662 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-00824-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Elevated dissolved iron concentrations in the methanic zone are typical geochemical signatures of rapidly accumulating marine sediments. These sediments are often characterized by co-burial of iron oxides with recalcitrant aromatic organic matter of terrigenous origin. Thus far, iron oxides are predicted to either impede organic matter degradation, aiding its preservation, or identified to enhance organic carbon oxidation via direct electron transfer. Here, we investigated the effect of various iron oxide phases with differing crystallinity (magnetite, hematite, and lepidocrocite) during microbial degradation of the aromatic model compound benzoate in methanic sediments. In slurry incubations with magnetite or hematite, concurrent iron reduction, and methanogenesis were stimulated during accelerated benzoate degradation with methanogenesis as the dominant electron sink. In contrast, with lepidocrocite, benzoate degradation, and methanogenesis were inhibited. These observations were reproducible in sediment-free enrichments, even after five successive transfers. Genes involved in the complete degradation of benzoate were identified in multiple metagenome assembled genomes. Four previously unknown benzoate degraders of the genera Thermincola (Peptococcaceae, Firmicutes), Dethiobacter (Syntrophomonadaceae, Firmicutes), Deltaproteobacteria bacteria SG8_13 (Desulfosarcinaceae, Deltaproteobacteria), and Melioribacter (Melioribacteraceae, Chlorobi) were identified from the marine sediment-derived enrichments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD-FISH) images showed the ability of microorganisms to colonize and concurrently reduce magnetite likely stimulated by the observed methanogenic benzoate degradation. These findings explain the possible contribution of organoclastic reduction of iron oxides to the elevated dissolved Fe2+ pool typically observed in methanic zones of rapidly accumulating coastal and continental margin sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Aromokeye
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany ,grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381MARUM—Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Oluwatobi E. Oni
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jan Tebben
- grid.10894.340000 0001 1033 7684Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Xiuran Yin
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany ,grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381MARUM—Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Tim Richter-Heitmann
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jenny Wendt
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381MARUM—Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany ,grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Rolf Nimzyk
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sten Littmann
- grid.419529.20000 0004 0491 3210Department of Biogeochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Daniela Tienken
- grid.419529.20000 0004 0491 3210Department of Biogeochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ajinkya C. Kulkarni
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Susann Henkel
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381MARUM—Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany ,grid.10894.340000 0001 1033 7684Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Hinrichs
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381MARUM—Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany ,grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Marcus Elvert
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381MARUM—Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany ,grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Tilmann Harder
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany ,grid.10894.340000 0001 1033 7684Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Sabine Kasten
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381MARUM—Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany ,grid.10894.340000 0001 1033 7684Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany ,grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Michael W. Friedrich
- grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany ,grid.7704.40000 0001 2297 4381MARUM—Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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41
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Kevorkian RT, Callahan S, Winstead R, Lloyd KG. ANME-1 archaea may drive methane accumulation and removal in estuarine sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 13:185-194. [PMID: 33462984 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ANME-1 archaea subsist on the very low energy of anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). Most marine sediments shift from net AOM in the sulfate methane transition zone (SMTZ) to methanogenesis in the methane zone (MZ) below it. In White Oak River estuarine sediments, ANME-1 comprised 99.5% of 16S rRNA genes from amplicons and 100% of 16S rRNA genes from metagenomes of the Methanomicrobia in the SMTZ and 99.9% and 98.3%, respectively, in the MZ. Each of the 16 ANME-1 OTUs (97% similarity) had peaks in the SMTZ that coincided with peaks of putative sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfatiglans sp. and SEEP-SRB1. In the MZ, ANME-1, but none of the putative sulfate-reducing bacteria or cultured methanogens, increased with depth. Our meta-analysis of public data showed only ANME-1 expressed methanogenic genes during both net AOM and net methanogenesis in an enrichment culture. We conclude that ANME-1 perform AOM in the SMTZ and methanogenesis in the MZ of White Oak River sediments. This metabolic flexibility may expand habitable zones in extraterrestrial environments, since it enables greater energy yields in a fluctuating energetic landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sean Callahan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Rachel Winstead
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Karen G Lloyd
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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42
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Cai M, Richter-Heitmann T, Yin X, Huang WC, Yang Y, Zhang C, Duan C, Pan J, Liu Y, Liu Y, Friedrich MW, Li M. Ecological features and global distribution of Asgard archaea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143581. [PMID: 33223169 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Asgard is a newly proposed archaeal superphylum, which has been suggested to hold the key to decipher the origin of Eukaryotes. However, their ecology remains largely unknown. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of publicly available Asgard-associated 16S rRNA gene fragments, and found that just three previously proposed clades (Lokiarchaeota, Thorarchaeota, and Asgard clade 4) are widely distributed, whereas the other seven clades (phylum or class level) are restricted to the sediment biosphere. Asgard archaea, especially Loki- and Thorarchaeota, seem to adapt to marine sediments, and water depth (the depth of the sediment below water surface) and salinity might be crucial factors for the proportion of these microorganisms as revealed by multivariate regression analyses. However, the abundance of Asgard archaea exhibited distinct environmental drivers at the clade-level; for instance, the proportion of Asgard clade 4 was higher in less saline environments (salinity <6.35 psu), while higher for Heimdallarchaeota-AAG and Asgard clade 2 in more saline environment (salinity ≥35 psu). Furthermore, co-occurrence analysis allowed us to find a significant non-random association of different Asgard clades with other groups (e.g., Lokiarchaeota with Deltaproteobacteria and Anaerolineae; Odinarchaeota with Bathyarchaeota), suggesting different interaction potentials among these clades. Overall, these findings reveal Asgard archaea as a ubiquitous group worldwide and provide initial insights into their ecological features on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tim Richter-Heitmann
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Xiuran Yin
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany; MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Wen-Cong Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuchun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Cuijing Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changhai Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Michael W Friedrich
- Microbial Ecophysiology Group, Faculty of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany; MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Meng Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
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43
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Walker AM, Leigh MB, Mincks SL. Patterns in Benthic Microbial Community Structure Across Environmental Gradients in the Beaufort Sea Shelf and Slope. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:581124. [PMID: 33584606 PMCID: PMC7876419 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.581124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The paradigm of tight pelagic-benthic coupling in the Arctic suggests that current and future fluctuations in sea ice, primary production, and riverine input resulting from global climate change will have major impacts on benthic ecosystems. To understand how these changes will affect benthic ecosystem function, we must characterize diversity, spatial distribution, and community composition for all faunal components. Bacteria and archaea link the biotic and abiotic realms, playing important roles in organic matter (OM) decomposition, biogeochemical cycling, and contaminant degradation, yet sediment microbial communities have rarely been examined in the North American Arctic. Shifts in microbial community structure and composition occur with shifts in OM inputs and contaminant exposure, with implications for shifts in ecological function. Furthermore, the characterization of benthic microbial communities provides a foundation from which to build focused experimental research. We assessed diversity and community structure of benthic prokaryotes in the upper 1 cm of sediments in the southern Beaufort Sea (United States and Canada), and investigated environmental correlates of prokaryotic community structure over a broad spatial scale (spanning 1,229 km) at depths ranging from 17 to 1,200 m. Based on hierarchical clustering, we identified four prokaryotic assemblages from the 85 samples analyzed. Two were largely delineated by the markedly different environmental conditions in shallow shelf vs. upper continental slope sediments. A third assemblage was mainly comprised of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) shared between the shallow shelf and upper slope assemblages. The fourth assemblage corresponded to sediments receiving heavier OM loading, likely resulting in a shallower anoxic layer. These sites may also harbor microbial mats and/or methane seeps. Substructure within these assemblages generally reflected turnover along a longitudinal gradient, which may be related to the quantity and composition of OM deposited to the seafloor; bathymetry and the Mackenzie River were the two major factors influencing prokaryote distribution on this scale. In a broader geographical context, differences in prokaryotic community structure between the Beaufort Sea and Norwegian Arctic suggest that benthic microbes may reflect regional differences in the hydrography, biogeochemistry, and bathymetry of Arctic shelf systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M Walker
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Mary Beth Leigh
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Sarah L Mincks
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
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44
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Zhang T, Xiao X, Chen S, Zhao J, Chen Z, Feng J, Liang Q, Phelps TJ, Zhang C. Active Anaerobic Archaeal Methanotrophs in Recently Emerged Cold Seeps of Northern South China Sea. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:612135. [PMID: 33391242 PMCID: PMC7772427 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.612135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold seep ecosystems are developed from methane-rich fluids in organic rich continental slopes, which are the source of various dense microbial and faunal populations. Extensive studies have been conducted on microbial populations in this unique environment; most of them were based on DNA, which could not resolve the activity of extant organisms. In this study, RNA and DNA analyses were performed to evaluate the active archaeal and bacterial communities and their network correlations, particularly those participating in the methane cycle at three sites of newly developed cold seeps in the northern South China Sea (nSCS). The results showed that both archaeal and bacterial communities were significantly different at the RNA and DNA levels, revealing a higher abundance of methane-metabolizing archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria in RNA sequencing libraries. Site ROV07-01, which exhibited extensive accumulation of deceased Calyptogena clam shells, was highly developed, and showed diverse and active anaerobic archaeal methanotrophs (ANME)-2a/b and sulfate-reducing bacteria from RNA libraries. Site ROV07-02, located near carbonate crusts with few clam shell debris, appeared to be poorly developed, less anaerobic and less active. Site ROV05-02, colonized by living Calyptogena clams, could likely be intermediary between ROV07-01 and ROV07-02, showing abundant ANME-2dI and sulfate-reducing bacteria in RNA libraries. The high-proportions of ANME-2dI, with respect to ANME-2dII in the site ROV07-01 was the first report from nSCS, which could be associated with recently developed cold seeps. Both ANME-2dI and ANME-2a/b showed close networked relationships with sulfate-reducing bacteria; however, they were not associated with the same microbial operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Based on the geochemical gradients and the megafaunal settlements as well as the niche specificities and syntrophic relationships, ANMEs appeared to change in community structure with the evolution of cold seeps, which may be associated with the heterogeneity of their geochemical processes. This study enriched our understanding of more active sulfate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) in poorly developed and active cold seep sediments by contrasting DNA- and RNA-derived community structure and activity indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, China.,Gas Hydrate Engineering Technology Center, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Xiao
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, China.,Gas Hydrate Engineering Technology Center, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Songze Chen
- Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Archaea Geo-Omics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zongheng Chen
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxi Feng
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, China.,Gas Hydrate Engineering Technology Center, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianyong Liang
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, China.,Gas Hydrate Engineering Technology Center, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Tommy J Phelps
- Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Chuanlun Zhang
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Archaea Geo-Omics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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45
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Valenzuela EI, Cervantes FJ. The role of humic substances in mitigating greenhouse gases emissions: Current knowledge and research gaps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:141677. [PMID: 33182214 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Humic substances (HS) constitute a highly transformed fraction of natural organic matter (NOM) with a heterogeneous structure, which is rich in electron-transferring functional moieties. Because of this feature, HS display a versatile reactivity with a diversity of environmentally relevant organic and inorganic compounds either by abiotic or microbial processes. Consequently, extensive research has been conducted related to the potential of HS to drive relevant processes in bio-engineered systems, as well as in the biogeochemical cycling of key elements in natural environments. Nevertheless, the increase in the number of reports examining the relationship between HS and the microorganisms related to the production and consumption of greenhouse gases (GHG), the main drivers of global warming, has just emerged in the last years. In this paper, we discuss the importance of HS, and their analogous redox-active organic molecules (RAOM), on controlling the emission of three of the most relevant GHG due to their tight relationship with microbial activity, their abundance on the Earth's atmosphere, and their important global warming potentials: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The current knowledge gaps concerning the microbial component, on-site occurrence, and environmental constraints affecting these HS-mediated processes are provided. Furthermore, strategies involving the metabolic traits that GHG-consuming/HS-reducing and -oxidizing microbes display for the development of environmental engineered processes are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo I Valenzuela
- División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
| | - Francisco J Cervantes
- Laboratory for Research on Advanced Processes for Water Treatment, Engineering Institute, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Querétaro, Mexico.
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46
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Seto M, Iwasa Y. How Thermodynamics Illuminates Population Interactions in Microbial Communities. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.602809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In traditional population models of microbial ecology, there are two central players: producers and consumers (including decomposers that depend on organic carbon). Producers support surface ecosystems by generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from sunlight, part of which is used to build new biomass from carbon dioxide. In contrast, the productivity of subsurface ecosystems with a limited supply of sunlight must rely on bacteria and archaea that are able generate ATP solely from chemical or electric energy to fix inorganic carbon. These “light-independent producers” are frequently not included in traditional food webs, even though they are ubiquitous in nature and interact with one another through the utilization of the by-products of others. In this review, we introduce theoretical approaches based on population dynamics that incorporate thermodynamics to highlight characteristic interactions in the microbial community of subsurface ecosystems, which may link community structures and ecosystem expansion under conditions of a limited supply of sunlight. In comparison with light-dependent producers, which compete with one another for light, the use of Gibbs free energy (chemical energy) can lead cooperative interactions among light-independent producers through the effects of the relative quantities of products and reactants on the available chemical energy, which is termed abundant resource premium. The development of a population theory that incorporates thermodynamics offers fundamental ecological insights into subsurface microbial ecosystems, which may be applied to fields of study such as environmental science/engineering, astrobiology, or the microbial ecosystems of the early earth.
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47
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Lai D, Hedlund BP, Xie W, Liu J, Phelps TJ, Zhang C, Wang P. Impact of Terrestrial Input on Deep-Sea Benthic Archaeal Community Structure in South China Sea Sediments. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:572017. [PMID: 33224115 PMCID: PMC7674655 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.572017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Archaea are widespread in marine sediments and play important roles in the cycling of sedimentary organic carbon. However, factors controlling the distribution of archaea in marine sediments are not well understood. Here we investigated benthic archaeal communities over glacial-interglacial cycles in the northern South China Sea and evaluated their responses to sediment organic matter sources and inter-species interactions. Archaea in sediments deposited during the interglacial period Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 1 (Holocene) were significantly different from those in sediments deposited in MIS 2 and MIS 3 of the Last Glacial Period when terrestrial input to the South China Sea was enhanced based on analysis of the long-chain n-alkane C31. The absolute archaeal 16S rRNA gene abundance in subsurface sediments was highest in MIS 2, coincident with high sedimentation rates and high concentrations of total organic carbon. Soil Crenarchaeotic Group (SCG; Nitrososphaerales) species, the most abundant ammonia-oxidizing archaea in soils, increased dramatically during MIS 2, likely reflecting transport of terrestrial archaea during glacial periods with high sedimentation rates. Co-occurrence network analyses indicated significant association of SCG archaea with benthic deep-sea microbes such as Bathyarchaeota and Thermoprofundales in MIS 2 and MIS 3, suggesting potential interactions among these archaeal groups. Meanwhile, Thermoprofundales abundance was positively correlated with total organic carbon (TOC), along with n-alkane C31 and sedimentation rate, indicating that Thermoprofundales may be particularly important in processing of organic carbon in deep-sea sediments. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the composition of heterotrophic benthic archaea in the South China Sea may be influenced by terrestrial organic input in tune with glacial-interglacial cycles, suggesting a plausible link between global climate change and microbial population dynamics in deep-sea marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengxun Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Brian P Hedlund
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States.,Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Wei Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tommy J Phelps
- Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Chuanlun Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Archaea Geo-Omics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China.,Shanghai Sheshan National Geophysical Observatory, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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48
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L. Bräuer S, Basiliko N, M. P. Siljanen H, H. Zinder S. Methanogenic archaea in peatlands. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2020; 367:5928548. [DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnaa172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Methane emission feedbacks in wetlands are predicted to influence global climate under climate change and other anthropogenic stressors. Herein, we review the taxonomy and physiological ecology of the microorganisms responsible for methane production in peatlands. Common in peat soils are five of the eight described orders of methanogens spanning three phyla (Euryarchaeota, Halobacterota and Thermoplasmatota). The phylogenetic affiliation of sequences found in peat suggest that members of the thus-far-uncultivated group Candidatus Bathyarchaeota (representing a fourth phylum) may be involved in methane cycling, either anaerobic oxidation of methane and/or methanogenesis, as at least a few organisms within this group contain the essential gene, mcrA, according to metagenomic data. Methanogens in peatlands are notoriously challenging to enrich and isolate; thus, much remains unknown about their physiology and how methanogen communities will respond to environmental changes. Consistent patterns of changes in methanogen communities have been reported across studies in permafrost peatland thaw where the resulting degraded feature is thermokarst. However much remains to be understood regarding methanogen community feedbacks to altered hydrology and warming in other contexts, enhanced atmospheric pollution (N, S and metals) loading and direct anthropogenic disturbances to peatlands like drainage, horticultural peat extraction, forestry and agriculture, as well as post-disturbance reclamation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna L. Bräuer
- Appalachian State University, Department of Biology, ASU Box 32027, 572 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608-2027 USA
| | - Nathan Basiliko
- Laurentian University, Department of Biology and the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Henri M. P. Siljanen
- Eastern Finland University, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Biogeochemistry Research Group, Snellmania Room 4042, Yliopistonranta 1, Kuopio, 70210, Finland
| | - Stephen H. Zinder
- Cornell University, Department of Microbiology, 272 Wing Hall, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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Zou D, Liu H, Li M. Community, Distribution, and Ecological Roles of Estuarine Archaea. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2060. [PMID: 32983044 PMCID: PMC7484942 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Archaea are diverse and ubiquitous prokaryotes present in both extreme and moderate environments. Estuaries, serving as links between the land and ocean, harbor numerous microbes that are relatively highly active because of massive terrigenous input of nutrients. Archaea account for a considerable portion of the estuarine microbial community. They are diverse and play key roles in the estuarine biogeochemical cycles. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are an abundant aquatic archaeal group in estuaries, greatly contributing estuarine ammonia oxidation. Bathyarchaeota are abundant in sediments, and they may involve in sedimentary organic matter degradation, acetogenesis, and, potentially, methane metabolism, based on genomics. Other archaeal groups are also commonly detected in estuaries worldwide. They include Euryarchaeota, and members of the DPANN and Asgard archaea. Based on biodiversity surveys of the 16S rRNA gene and some functional genes, the distribution and abundance of estuarine archaea are driven by physicochemical factors, such as salinity and oxygen concentration. Currently, increasing amount of genomic information for estuarine archaea is becoming available because of the advances in sequencing technologies, especially for AOA and Bathyarchaeota, leading to a better understanding of their functions and environmental adaptations. Here, we summarized the current knowledge on the community composition and major archaeal groups in estuaries, focusing on AOA and Bathyarchaeota. We also highlighted the unique genomic features and potential adaptation strategies of estuarine archaea, pointing out major unknowns in the field and scope for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayu Zou
- SZU-HKUST Joint Ph.D. Program in Marine Environmental Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science & Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Meng Li
- SZU-HKUST Joint Ph.D. Program in Marine Environmental Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Bradley JA, Arndt S, Amend JP, Burwicz E, Dale AW, Egger M, LaRowe DE. Widespread energy limitation to life in global subseafloor sediments. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba0697. [PMID: 32821818 PMCID: PMC7406382 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba0697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Microbial cells buried in subseafloor sediments comprise a substantial portion of Earth's biosphere and control global biogeochemical cycles; however, the rate at which they use energy (i.e., power) is virtually unknown. Here, we quantify organic matter degradation and calculate the power utilization of microbial cells throughout Earth's Quaternary-age subseafloor sediments. Aerobic respiration, sulfate reduction, and methanogenesis mediate 6.9, 64.5, and 28.6% of global subseafloor organic matter degradation, respectively. The total power utilization of the subseafloor sediment biosphere is 37.3 gigawatts, less than 0.1% of the power produced in the marine photic zone. Aerobic heterotrophs use the largest share of global power (54.5%) with a median power utilization of 2.23 × 10-18 watts per cell, while sulfate reducers and methanogens use 1.08 × 10-19 and 1.50 × 10-20 watts per cell, respectively. Most subseafloor cells subsist at energy fluxes lower than have previously been shown to support life, calling into question the power limit to life.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. A. Bradley
- School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Geochemistry, GFZ, German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
| | - S. Arndt
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Society, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J. P. Amend
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - E. Burwicz
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
| | - A. W. Dale
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
| | - M. Egger
- The Ocean Cleanup Foundation, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - D. E. LaRowe
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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