1
|
Devoie É, Connon RF, Beddoe R, Goordial J, Quinton WL, Craig JR. Disconnected active layers and unfrozen permafrost: A discussion of permafrost-related terms and definitions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169017. [PMID: 38040371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Permafrost is ground that remains at or below 0 °C for two or more consecutive years. It is overlain by an active layer which thaws and freezes annually. The difference between these definitions - the active layer based on pore water phase and permafrost based on soil temperature - leads to challenges when monitoring and modelling permafrost environments. Contrary to its definition, the key properties of permafrost including hardness, bearing capacity, permeability, unfrozen water content, and energy content, depend primarily on the ice content of permafrost and not its temperature. Temperature-based measurements in permafrost systems often overlook key features, e.g. taliks and cryopegs, and comparisons between measured and modelled systems can differ energetically by up to 90 % while reporting the same temperature. Due to the shortcomings of the temperature-based definition, it is recommended that an estimate of ice content be reported alongside temperature in permafrost systems for both in-situ measurements and modelling applications. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Permafrost is ground that remains at or below 0 °C for two or more consecutive years. Above it sits an active layer which thaws and freezes annually (meaning that the water in the ground changes to ice each winter). The difference between these definitions - the active layer based on the state or water in the ground and permafrost based on ground temperature - leads to challenges when measuring (in the field) and modelling (using computers) permafrost environments. In addition to these challenges, the key properties of permafrost including its ability to support infrastructure, convey water, and absorb energy depend more on its ice content than its temperature. Due to the shortcomings of the temperature-based definition, it is recommended that an estimate of ice content be reported alongside temperature in permafrost systems for both field measurements and modelling applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- É Devoie
- Department of Civil Engineering, Queen's University, Canada.
| | - R F Connon
- Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of the Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - R Beddoe
- Department of Civil Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada, Canada
| | - J Goordial
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Canada
| | - W L Quinton
- Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada
| | - J R Craig
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Francisco Martínez P, Morgante V, González-Pastor JE. Isolation of novel cold-tolerance genes from rhizosphere microorganisms of Antarctic plants by functional metagenomics. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1026463. [DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1026463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The microorganisms that thrive in Antarctica, one of the coldest environments on the planet, have developed diverse adaptation mechanisms to survive in these extreme conditions. Through functional metagenomics, in this work, 29 new genes related to cold tolerance have been isolated and characterized from metagenomic libraries of microorganisms from the rhizosphere of two Antarctic plants. Both libraries were hosted in two cold-sensitive strains of Escherichia coli: DH10B ΔcsdA and DH10B ΔcsdA Δrnr. The csdA gene encodes a DEAD-box RNA helicase and rnr gene encodes an exoribonuclease, both essential for cold-adaptation. Cold-tolerance tests have been carried out in solid and liquid media at 15°C. Among the cold-tolerance genes identified, 12 encode hypothetical and unknown proteins, and 17 encode a wide variety of different proteins previously related to other well-characterized ones involved in metabolism reactions, transport and membrane processes, or genetic information processes. Most of them have been connected to cold-tolerance mechanisms. Interestingly, 13 genes had no homologs in E. coli, thus potentially providing entirely new adaptation strategies for this bacterium. Moreover, ten genes also conferred resistance to UV-B radiation, another extreme condition in Antarctica.
Collapse
|
3
|
Wani AK, Akhtar N, Sher F, Navarrete AA, Américo-Pinheiro JHP. Microbial adaptation to different environmental conditions: molecular perspective of evolved genetic and cellular systems. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:144. [PMID: 35044532 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-02757-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms are ubiquitous on Earth and can inhabit almost every environment. In a complex heterogeneous environment or in face of ecological disturbance, the microbes adjust to fluctuating environmental conditions through a cascade of cellular and molecular systems. Their habitats differ from cold microcosms of Antarctica to the geothermal volcanic areas, terrestrial to marine, highly alkaline zones to the extremely acidic areas and freshwater to brackish water sources. The diverse ecological microbial niches are attributed to the versatile, adaptable nature under fluctuating temperature, nutrient availability and pH of the microorganisms. These organisms have developed a series of mechanisms to face the environmental changes and thereby keep their role in mediate important ecosystem functions. The underlying mechanisms of adaptable microbial nature are thoroughly investigated at the cellular, genetic and molecular levels. The adaptation is mediated by a spectrum of processes like natural selection, genetic recombination, horizontal gene transfer, DNA damage repair and pleiotropy-like events. This review paper provides the fundamentals insight into the microbial adaptability besides highlighting the molecular network of microbial adaptation under different environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atif Khurshid Wani
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Nahid Akhtar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Farooq Sher
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Touchette D, Altshuler I, Gostinčar C, Zalar P, Raymond-Bouchard I, Zajc J, McKay CP, Gunde-Cimerman N, Whyte LG. Novel Antarctic yeast adapts to cold by switching energy metabolism and increasing small RNA synthesis. THE ISME JOURNAL 2022; 16:221-232. [PMID: 34294882 PMCID: PMC8692454 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-01030-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The novel extremophilic yeast Rhodotorula frigidialcoholis, formerly R. JG1b, was isolated from ice-cemented permafrost in University Valley (Antarctic), one of coldest and driest environments on Earth. Phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses classified R. frigidialcoholis as a novel species. To characterize its cold-adaptive strategies, we performed mRNA and sRNA transcriptomic analyses, phenotypic profiling, and assessed ethanol production at 0 and 23 °C. Downregulation of the ETC and citrate cycle genes, overexpression of fermentation and pentose phosphate pathways genes, growth without reduction of tetrazolium dye, and our discovery of ethanol production at 0 °C indicate that R. frigidialcoholis induces a metabolic switch from respiration to ethanol fermentation as adaptation in Antarctic permafrost. This is the first report of microbial ethanol fermentation utilized as the major energy pathway in response to cold and the coldest temperature reported for natural ethanol production. R. frigidialcoholis increased its diversity and abundance of sRNAs when grown at 0 versus 23 °C. This was consistent with increase in transcription of Dicer, a key protein for sRNA processing. Our results strongly imply that post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and mRNA silencing may be a novel evolutionary fungal adaptation in the cryosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Touchette
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - I Altshuler
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - C Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao, China
| | - P Zalar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - I Raymond-Bouchard
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - J Zajc
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - C P McKay
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - N Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - L G Whyte
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shen L, Zhang S, Chen G. Regulated strategies of cold-adapted microorganisms in response to cold: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:68006-68024. [PMID: 34648167 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16843-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There are a large number of active cold-adapted microorganisms in the perennial cold environment. Due to their high-efficiency and energy-saving catalytic properties, cold-adapted microorganisms have become valuable natural resources with potential in various biological fields. In this study, a series of cold response strategies for microorganisms were summarized. This mainly involves the regulation of cell membrane fluidity, synthesis of cold adaptation proteins, regulators and metabolic changes, energy supply, and reactive oxygen species. Also, the potential of biocatalysts produced by cold-adapted microorganisms including cold-active enzymes, ice-binding proteins, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and surfactants was introduced, which provided a guidance for expanding its application values. Overall, new insights were obtained on response strategies of microorganisms to cold environments in this review. This will deepen the understanding of the cold tolerance mechanism of cold-adapted microorganisms, thus promoting the establishment and application of low-temperature biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Straw Biology and Utilization, The Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Sitong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.
- Key Laboratory of Straw Biology and Utilization, The Ministry of Education, Changchun, China.
| | - Guang Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.
- Key Laboratory of Straw Biology and Utilization, The Ministry of Education, Changchun, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schwendner P, Nguyen AN, Schuerger AC. Use of NanoSIMS to Identify the Lower Limits of Metabolic Activity and Growth by Serratia liquefaciens Exposed to Sub-Zero Temperatures. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050459. [PMID: 34065549 PMCID: PMC8161314 DOI: 10.3390/life11050459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Serratia liquefaciens is a cold-adapted facultative anaerobic astrobiology model organism with the ability to grow at a Martian atmospheric pressure of 7 hPa. Currently there is a lack of data on its limits of growth and metabolic activity at sub-zero temperatures found in potential habitable regions on Mars. Growth curves and nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) were used to characterize the growth and metabolic threshold for S. liquefaciens ATCC 27,592 grown at and below 0 °C. Cells were incubated in Spizizen medium containing three stable isotopes substituting their unlabeled counterparts; i.e., 13C-glucose, (15NH4)2SO4, and H218O; at 0, −1.5, −3, −5, −10, or −15 °C. The isotopic ratios of 13C/12C, 15N/14N, and 18O/16O and their corresponding fractions were determined for 240 cells. NanoSIMS results revealed that with decreasing temperature the cellular amounts of labeled ions decreased indicating slower metabolic rates for isotope uptake and incorporation. Metabolism was significantly reduced at −1.5 and −3 °C, almost halted at −5 °C, and shut-down completely at or below −10 °C. While growth was observed at 0 °C after 5 days, samples incubated at −1.5 and −3 °C exhibited significantly slower growth rates until growth was detected at 70 days. In contrast, cell densities decreased by at least half an order of magnitude over 70 days in cultures incubated at ≤ −5 °C. Results suggest that S. liquefaciens, if transported to Mars, might be able to metabolize and grow in shallow sub-surface niches at temperatures above −5 °C and might survive—but not grow—at temperatures below −5 °C.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Schwendner
- Space Life Sciences Lab, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, 505 Odyssey Way, Exploration Park, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ann N. Nguyen
- Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA;
| | - Andrew C. Schuerger
- Space Life Sciences Lab, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, 505 Odyssey Way, Exploration Park, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sekoai PT, Feng S, Zhou W, Ngan WY, Pu Y, Yao Y, Pan J, Habimana O. Insights into the Microbiological Safety of Wooden Cutting Boards Used for Meat Processing in Hong Kong's Wet Markets: A Focus on Food-Contact Surfaces, Cross-Contamination and the Efficacy of Traditional Hygiene Practices. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E579. [PMID: 32316436 PMCID: PMC7232214 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hong Kong's wet markets play a crucial role in the country's supply of safe, fresh meat to satisfy the dietary needs of its population. Whilst food safety regulations have been introduced over the past few years to maintain the microbial safety of foods sold from these wet markets, it remains unclear whether the hygiene maintenance that is performed on the wooden cutting boards used for meat-processing is effective. In fact, hygiene maintenance may often be overlooked, and hygiene standards may be insufficient. If so, this may lead to the spread of harmful pathogens through cross-contamination, thereby causing severe risks to public health. The aim of this study was to determine the level of microbial transfer between wooden cutting boards and swine meat of various qualities, using 16S metagenomic sequencing, strain identification and biofilm screening of isolated strains. The results established that: (a) the traditional hygiene practices used for cleaning wooden cutting boards in Hong Kong's wet markets expose the surfaces to potentially harmful microorganisms; (b) the processing of microbially contaminated meat on cutting boards cleaned using traditional practices leads to cross-contamination; and (c) several potentially pathogenic microorganisms found on the cutting boards have good biofilm-forming abilities. These results reinforce the need to review the traditional methods used to clean wooden cutting boards after the processing of raw meat in Hong Kong' wet markets so as to prevent cross-contamination events. The establishment of proper hygiene protocols may reduce the spread of disease-causing microorganisms (including antibiotic-resistant microorganisms) in food-processing environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Sekoai
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shiqi Feng
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wenwen Zhou
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wing Y Ngan
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yang Pu
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Olivier Habimana
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Magnuson E, Mykytczuk NC, Pellerin A, Goordial J, Twine SM, Wing B, Foote SJ, Fulton K, Whyte LG. Thiomicrorhabdus
streamers and sulfur cycling in perennial hypersaline cold springs in the Canadian high Arctic. Environ Microbiol 2020; 23:3384-3400. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisse Magnuson
- Natural Resource Sciences McGill University Montreal QC Canada
| | | | - Andre Pellerin
- Centre for Geomicrobiology Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Jacqueline Goordial
- Natural Resource Sciences McGill University Montreal QC Canada
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Guelph Guelph, ON Canada
| | - Susan M. Twine
- Institute for Biological Sciences National Research Council Ottawa Ontario
| | - Boswell Wing
- Earth and Planetary Sciences McGill University Montreal QC Canada
| | - Simon J. Foote
- Institute for Biological Sciences National Research Council Ottawa Ontario
| | - Kelly Fulton
- Institute for Biological Sciences National Research Council Ottawa Ontario
| | - Lyle G. Whyte
- Natural Resource Sciences McGill University Montreal QC Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Heinz J, Waajen AC, Airo A, Alibrandi A, Schirmack J, Schulze-Makuch D. Bacterial Growth in Chloride and Perchlorate Brines: Halotolerances and Salt Stress Responses of Planococcus halocryophilus. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:1377-1387. [PMID: 31386567 PMCID: PMC6818489 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2019.2069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Extraterrestrial environments encompass physicochemical conditions and habitats that are unknown on Earth, such as perchlorate-rich brines that can be at least temporarily stable on the martian surface. To better understand the potential for life in these cold briny environments, we determined the maximum salt concentrations suitable for growth (MSCg) of six different chloride and perchlorate salts at 25°C and 4°C for the extremotolerant cold- and salt-adapted bacterial strain Planococcus halocryophilus. Growth was measured through colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, while cellular and colonial phenotypic stress responses were observed through visible light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. Our data show the following: (1) The tolerance to high salt concentrations can be increased through a stepwise inoculation toward higher concentrations. (2) Ion-specific factors are more relevant for the growth limitation of P. halocryophilus in saline solutions than single physicochemical parameters like ionic strength or water activity. (3) P. halocryophilus shows the highest microbial sodium perchlorate tolerance described so far. However, (4) MSCg values are higher for all chlorides compared to perchlorates. (5) The MSCg for calcium chloride was increased by lowering the temperature from 25°C to 4°C, while sodium- and magnesium-containing salts can be tolerated at 25°C to higher concentrations than at 4°C. (6) Depending on salt type and concentration, P. halocryophilus cells show distinct phenotypic stress responses such as novel types of colony morphology on agar plates and biofilm-like cell clustering, encrustation, and development of intercellular nanofilaments. This study, taken in context with previous work on the survival of extremophiles in Mars-like environments, suggests that high-concentrated perchlorate brines on Mars might not be habitable to any present organism on Earth, but extremophilic microorganisms might be able to evolve thriving in such environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Heinz
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Astrobiology Research Group, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annemiek C. Waajen
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Astrobiology Research Group, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alessandro Airo
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Astrobiology Research Group, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Armando Alibrandi
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Astrobiology Research Group, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janosch Schirmack
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Astrobiology Research Group, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dirk Schulze-Makuch
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Astrobiology Research Group, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- GFZ German Center for Geoscience, Section Geomicrobiology, Potsdam, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Department of Experimental Limnology, Stechlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Margesin R, Collins T. Microbial ecology of the cryosphere (glacial and permafrost habitats): current knowledge. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:2537-2549. [PMID: 30719551 PMCID: PMC6443599 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09631-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Microorganisms in cold ecosystems play a key ecological role in their natural habitats. Since these ecosystems are especially sensitive to climate changes, as indicated by the worldwide retreat of glaciers and ice sheets as well as permafrost thawing, an understanding of the role and potential of microbial life in these habitats has become crucial. Emerging technologies have added significantly to our knowledge of abundance, functional activity, and lifestyles of microbial communities in cold environments. The current knowledge of microbial ecology in glacial habitats and permafrost, the most studied habitats of the cryosphere, is reported in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Margesin
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Tony Collins
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Heinz J, Schirmack J, Airo A, Kounaves SP, Schulze-Makuch D. Enhanced Microbial Survivability in Subzero Brines. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:1171-1180. [PMID: 29664686 PMCID: PMC6150940 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that dissolved salts can significantly lower the freezing point of water and thus extend habitability to subzero conditions. However, most investigations thus far have focused on sodium chloride as a solute. In this study, we report on the survivability of the bacterial strain Planococcus halocryophilus in sodium, magnesium, and calcium chloride or perchlorate solutions at temperatures ranging from +25°C to -30°C. In addition, we determined the survival rates of P. halocryophilus when subjected to multiple freeze/thaw cycles. We found that cells suspended in chloride-containing samples have markedly increased survival rates compared with those in perchlorate-containing samples. In both cases, the survival rates increase with lower temperatures; however, this effect is more pronounced in chloride-containing samples. Furthermore, we found that higher salt concentrations increase survival rates when cells are subjected to freeze/thaw cycles. Our findings have important implications not only for the habitability of cold environments on Earth but also for extraterrestrial environments such as that of Mars, where cold brines might exist in the subsurface and perhaps even appear temporarily at the surface such as at recurring slope lineae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Heinz
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janosch Schirmack
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandro Airo
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Samuel P. Kounaves
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Schulze-Makuch
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Raymond-Bouchard I, Tremblay J, Altshuler I, Greer CW, Whyte LG. Comparative Transcriptomics of Cold Growth and Adaptive Features of a Eury- and Steno-Psychrophile. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1565. [PMID: 30108551 PMCID: PMC6080646 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Permafrost subzero environments harbor diverse, active communities of microorganisms. However, our understanding of the subzero growth, metabolisms, and adaptive properties of these microbes remains very limited. We performed transcriptomic analyses on two subzero-growing permafrost isolates with different growth profiles in order to characterize and compare their cold temperature growth and cold-adaptive strategies. The two organisms, Rhodococcus sp. JG3 (-5 to 30°C) and Polaromonas sp. Eur3 1.2.1 (-5 to 22°C), shared several common responses during low temperature growth, including induction of translation and ribosomal processes, upregulation of nutrient transport, increased oxidative and osmotic stress responses, and stimulation of polysaccharide capsule synthesis. Recombination appeared to be an important adaptive strategy for both isolates at low temperatures, likely as a mechanism to increase genetic diversity and the potential for survival in cold systems. While Rhodococcus sp. JG3 favored upregulating iron and amino acid transport, sustaining redox potential, and modulating fatty acid synthesis and composition during growth at -5°C compared to 25°C, Polaromonas sp. Eur3 1.2.1 increased the relative abundance of transcripts involved in primary energy metabolism and the electron transport chain, in addition to signal transduction and peptidoglycan synthesis at 0°C compared to 20°C. The increase in energy metabolism may explain why Polaromonas sp. Eur3 1.2.1 is able to sustain growth rates at 0°C comparable to those at higher temperatures. For Rhodococcus sp. JG3, flexibility in use of carbon sources, iron acquisition, control of membrane fatty acid composition, and modulating redox and co-factor potential may be ways in which this organism is able to sustain growth over a wider range of temperatures. Increasing our understanding of the microbes in these habitats helps us better understand active pathways and metabolisms in extreme environments. Identifying novel, thermolabile, and cold-active enzymes from studies such as this is also of great interest to the biotechnology and food industries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julien Tremblay
- Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ianina Altshuler
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Charles W Greer
- Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lyle G Whyte
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
It is well known that cold environments are predominant over the Earth and there are a great number of reports analyzing bacterial adaptations to cold. Most of these works are focused on characteristics traditionally involved in cold adaptation, such as the structural adjustment of enzymes, maintenance of membrane fluidity, expression of cold shock proteins and presence of compatible solutes. Recent works based mainly on novel "omic" technologies have presented evidence of the presence of other important features to thrive in cold. In this work, we analyze cold-adapted bacteria, looking for strategies involving novel features, and/or activation of non-classical metabolisms for a cold lifestyle. Metabolic traits related to energy generation, compounds and mechanisms involved in stress resistance and cold adaptation, as well as characteristics of the cell envelope, are analyzed in heterotrophic cold-adapted bacteria. In addition, metagenomic, metatranscriptomic and metaproteomic data are used to detect key functions in bacterial communities inhabiting cold environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Tribelli
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EGA Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- IQUIBICEN, CONICET, C1428EGA Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Nancy I López
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EGA Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- IQUIBICEN, CONICET, C1428EGA Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Raymond-Bouchard I, Goordial J, Zolotarov Y, Ronholm J, Stromvik M, Bakermans C, Whyte LG. Conserved genomic and amino acid traits of cold adaptation in subzero-growing Arctic permafrost bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Raymond-Bouchard
- McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Goordial
- McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
- Bigelow laboratory for Ocean Sciences, 60 Bigelow Dr, East Boothbay, ME, 04544, USA
| | - Yevgen Zolotarov
- McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Jennifer Ronholm
- McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Martina Stromvik
- McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Corien Bakermans
- Altoona College, Pennsylvania State University, 3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, PA, 16601, USA
| | - Lyle G Whyte
- McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|