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Casero MC, Herrero MÁ, De la Roche JP, Quesada A, Velázquez D, Cirés S. Effect of salinity on scytonemin yield in endolithic cyanobacteria from the Atacama Desert. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9731. [PMID: 38679613 PMCID: PMC11056366 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria inhabiting extreme environments constitute a promising source for natural products with biotechnological applications. However, they have not been studied in-depth for this purpose due to the difficulties in their isolation and mass culturing. The Atacama Desert suffers one of the highest solar irradiances that limits the presence of life on its hyperarid core to endolithic microbial communities supported by cyanobacteria as primary producers. Some of these cyanobacteria are known to produce scytonemin, a UV-screening liposoluble pigment with varied biotechnological applications in cosmetics and other industries. In this work we carried out a strain selection based on growth performance among 8 endolithic cyanobacteria of the genera Chroococcidiopsis, Gloeocapsa and Gloeocapsopsis isolated from non-saline rocks of the Atacama Desert. Then we investigated the influence of NaCl exposure on scytonemin production yield. Results in the selected strain (Chroococcidiopsis sp. UAM571) showed that rising concentrations of NaCl lead to a growth decrease while triggering a remarkable increase in the scytonemin content, reaching maximum values at 20 g L-1 of NaCl over 50-fold higher scytonemin contents than those obtained without NaCl. Altogether, these findings point out to cyanobacteria from the Atacama Desert as potentially suitable candidates for pilot-scale cultivation with biotechnological purposes, particularly to obtain scytonemin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Antonio Quesada
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28014, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Velázquez
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28014, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samuel Cirés
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28014, Madrid, Spain.
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2
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Roncero-Ramos B, Savaglia V, Durieu B, Van de Vreken I, Richel A, Wilmotte A. Ecophysiological and genomic approaches to cyanobacterial hardening for restoration. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2024; 60:465-482. [PMID: 38373045 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13436] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria inhabit extreme environments, including drylands, providing multiple benefits to the ecosystem. Soil degradation in warm drylands is increasing due to land use intensification. Restoration methods adapted to the extreme stress in drylands are being developed, such as cyanobacteria inoculation to recover biocrusts. For this type of restoration method to be a success, it is crucial to optimize the survival of inoculated cyanobacteria in the field. One strategy is to harden them to be acclimated to stressful conditions after laboratory culturing. Here, we analyzed the genome and ecophysiological response to osmotic desiccation and UVR stresses of an Antarctic cyanobacterium, Stenomitos frigidus ULC029, which is closely related to other cyanobacteria from warm and cold dryland soils. Chlorophyll a concentrations showed that preculturing ULC029 under moderate osmotic stress improved its survival during an assay of desiccation plus rehydration under UVR. Additionally, its sequential exposure to these stress factors increased the production of exopolysaccharides, carotenoids, and scytonemin. Desiccation, but not osmotic stress, increased the concentrations of the osmoprotectants trehalose and sucrose. However, osmotic stress might induce the production of other osmoprotectants, for which the complete pathways were observed in the ULC029 genome. In total, 140 genes known to be involved in stress resistance were annotated. Here, we confirm that the sequential application of moderate osmotic stress and dehydration could improve cyanobacterial hardening for soil restoration by inducing several resistance mechanisms. We provide a high-quality genome of ULC029 and a description of the main resistance mechanisms (i.e., production of exopolysaccharides, osmoprotectants, chlorophyll, and carotenoids; DNA repair; and oxidative stress protection).
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Roncero-Ramos
- InBios-Molecular Diversity and Ecology of Cyanobacteria, University of Liège, Liege, Belgium
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Valentina Savaglia
- InBios-Molecular Diversity and Ecology of Cyanobacteria, University of Liège, Liege, Belgium
- Laboratory of Protistology & Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Benoit Durieu
- InBios-Molecular Diversity and Ecology of Cyanobacteria, University of Liège, Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Aurore Richel
- TERRA-Biomass and Green Technologies, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Annick Wilmotte
- InBios-Molecular Diversity and Ecology of Cyanobacteria, University of Liège, Liege, Belgium
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3
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Stiefelmaier J, Strieth D, Schaefer S, Wrabl B, Kronenberger D, Bröckel U, Ulber R. A new easy method for determination of surface adhesion of phototrophic biofilms. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:3518-3528. [PMID: 37641171 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28536] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial cyanobacteria grow as phototrophic biofilms and offer a wide spectrum of interesting products. For cultivation of phototrophic biofilms different reactor concepts have been developed in the last years. One of the main influencing factors is the surface material and the adhesion strength of the chosen production strain. In this work a flow chamber was developed, in which, in combination with optical coherence tomography and computational fluid dynamics simulation, an easy analysis of adhesion forces between different biofilms and varied surface materials is possible. Hereby, differences between two cyanobacteria strains and two surface materials were shown. With longer cultivation time of biofilms adhesion increased in all experiments. Additionally, the content of extracellular polymeric substances was analyzed and its role in surface adhesion was evaluated. To test the comparability of obtained results from the flow chamber with other methods, analogous experiments were conducted with a rotational rheometer, which proved to be successful. Thus, with the presented flow chamber an easy to implement method for analysis of biofilm adhesion was developed, which can be used in future research for determination of suitable combinations of microorganisms with cultivation surfaces on lab scale in advance of larger processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Stiefelmaier
- RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Dorina Strieth
- RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Susanne Schaefer
- Environmental Campus Birkenfeld, Institute of Microprocess Engineering and Particle Technology, University of Applied Sciences Trier, Birkenfeld, Germany
| | - Björn Wrabl
- RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Daniel Kronenberger
- RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Ulrich Bröckel
- Environmental Campus Birkenfeld, Institute of Microprocess Engineering and Particle Technology, University of Applied Sciences Trier, Birkenfeld, Germany
| | - Roland Ulber
- RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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4
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Singh VK, Jha S, Rana P, Mishra S, Kumari N, Singh SC, Anand S, Upadhye V, Sinha RP. Resilience and Mitigation Strategies of Cyanobacteria under Ultraviolet Radiation Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12381. [PMID: 37569755 PMCID: PMC10419127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512381] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) tends to damage key cellular machinery. Cells may adapt by developing several defence mechanisms as a response to such damage; otherwise, their destiny is cell death. Since cyanobacteria are primary biotic components and also important biomass producers, any drastic effects caused by UVR may imbalance the entire ecosystem. Cyanobacteria are exposed to UVR in their natural habitats. This exposure can cause oxidative stress which affects cellular morphology and vital processes such as cell growth and differentiation, pigmentation, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and enzyme activity, as well as alterations in the native structure of biomolecules such as proteins and DNA. The high resilience and several mitigation strategies adopted by a cyanobacterial community in the face of UV stress are attributed to the activation of several photo/dark repair mechanisms, avoidance, scavenging, screening, antioxidant systems, and the biosynthesis of UV photoprotectants, such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), scytonemin (Scy), carotenoids, and polyamines. This knowledge can be used to develop new strategies for protecting other organisms from the harmful effects of UVR. The review critically reports the latest updates on various resilience and defence mechanisms employed by cyanobacteria to withstand UV-stressed environments. In addition, recent developments in the field of the molecular biology of UV-absorbing compounds such as mycosporine-like amino acids and scytonemin and the possible role of programmed cell death, signal perception, and transduction under UVR stress are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha K. Singh
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; (V.K.S.); (S.J.); (P.R.); (S.M.); (N.K.)
| | - Sapana Jha
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; (V.K.S.); (S.J.); (P.R.); (S.M.); (N.K.)
| | - Palak Rana
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; (V.K.S.); (S.J.); (P.R.); (S.M.); (N.K.)
| | - Sonal Mishra
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; (V.K.S.); (S.J.); (P.R.); (S.M.); (N.K.)
| | - Neha Kumari
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; (V.K.S.); (S.J.); (P.R.); (S.M.); (N.K.)
| | - Suresh C. Singh
- Taurmed Technologies Pvt Ltd., 304, Pearl’s Business Park, Netaji Subhash Place, New Delhi 110034, India; (S.C.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Shekhar Anand
- Taurmed Technologies Pvt Ltd., 304, Pearl’s Business Park, Netaji Subhash Place, New Delhi 110034, India; (S.C.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Vijay Upadhye
- Department of Microbiology, Parul Institute of Applied Science, Center of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India;
| | - Rajeshwar P. Sinha
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; (V.K.S.); (S.J.); (P.R.); (S.M.); (N.K.)
- University Center for Research & Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Chandigarh 140413, India
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5
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Yadav P, Singh RP, Alodaini HA, Hatamleh AA, Santoyo G, Kumar A, Gupta RK. Impact of dehydration on the physiochemical properties of Nostoc calcicola BOT1 and its untargeted metabolic profiling through UHPLC-HRMS. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1147390. [PMID: 37426961 PMCID: PMC10327440 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1147390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The global population growth has led to a higher demand for food production, necessitating improvements in agricultural productivity. However, abiotic and biotic stresses pose significant challenges, reducing crop yields and impacting economic and social welfare. Drought, in particular, severely constrains agriculture, resulting in unproductive soil, reduced farmland, and jeopardized food security. Recently, the role of cyanobacteria from soil biocrusts in rehabilitating degraded land has gained attention due to their ability to enhance soil fertility and prevent erosion. The present study focused on Nostoc calcicola BOT1, an aquatic, diazotrophic cyanobacterial strain collected from an agricultural field at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. The aim was to investigate the effects of different dehydration treatments, specifically air drying (AD) and desiccator drying (DD) at various time intervals, on the physicochemical properties of N. calcicola BOT1. The impact of dehydration was assessed by analyzing the photosynthetic efficiency, pigments, biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, osmoprotectants), stress biomarkers, and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Furthermore, an analysis of the metabolic profiles of 96-hour DD and control mats was conducted using UHPLC-HRMS. Notably, there was a significant decrease in amino acid levels, while phenolic content, fatty acids, and lipids increased. These changes in metabolic activity during dehydration highlighted the presence of metabolite pools that contribute to the physiological and biochemical adjustments of N. calcicola BOT1, mitigating the impact of dehydration to some extent. Overall, present study demonstrated the accumulation of biochemical and non-enzymatic antioxidants in dehydrated mats, which could be utilized to stabilize unfavorable environmental conditions. Additionally, the strain N. calcicola BOT1 holds promise as a biofertilizer for semi-arid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Yadav
- Laboratory of Algal Research, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rahul Prasad Singh
- Laboratory of Algal Research, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | | | - Ashraf Atef Hatamleh
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gustavo Santoyo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Mexico
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Laboratory of Algal Research, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rajan Kumar Gupta
- Laboratory of Algal Research, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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6
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Villa F, Wu YL, Zerboni A, Cappitelli F. In Living Color: Pigment-Based Microbial Ecology At the Mineral-Air Interface. Bioscience 2022; 72:1156-1175. [PMID: 36451971 PMCID: PMC9699719 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biac091] [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] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigment-based color is one of the most important phenotypic traits of biofilms at the mineral-air interface (subaerial biofilms, SABs), because it reflects the physiology of the microbial community. Because color is the hallmark of all SABs, we argue that pigment-based color could convey the mechanisms that drive microbial adaptation and coexistence across different terrestrial environments and link phenotypic traits to community fitness and ecological dynamics. Within this framework, we present the most relevant microbial pigments at the mineral-air interface and discuss some of the evolutionary landscapes that necessitate pigments as adaptive strategies for resource allocation and survivability. We report several pigment features that reflect SAB communities' structure and function, as well as pigment ecology in the context of microbial life-history strategies and coexistence theory. Finally, we conclude the study of pigment-based ecology by presenting its potential application and some of the key challenges in the research.
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7
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Characterization of UV-screening pigment scytonemin from cyanobacteria inhabiting diverse habitats of Varanasi, India. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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8
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Sen S, Mallick N. Scytonemin: Unravelling major progress and prospects. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Bennett J, Soule T. Expression of Scytonemin Biosynthesis Genes under Alternative Stress Conditions in the Cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020427. [PMID: 35208882 PMCID: PMC8879130 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The indole-alkaloid scytonemin is a sunscreen pigment that is widely produced among cyanobacteria as an ultraviolet radiation (UVR) survival strategy. Scytonemin biosynthesis is encoded by two gene clusters that are known to be induced by long-wavelength radiation (UVA). Previous studies have characterized the transcriptome of cyanobacteria in response to a wide range of conditions, but the effect on the expression of scytonemin biosynthesis genes has not been specifically targeted. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the variable response of scytonemin biosynthesis genes to a variety of environmental conditions. Cells were acclimated to white light before supplementation with UVA, UVB, high light, or osmotic stress for 48 h. The presence of scytonemin was determined by absorbance spectroscopy and gene expression of representative scytonemin biosynthesis genes was measured using quantitative PCR. Scytonemin genes were up-regulated in UVA, UVB, and high light, although the scytonemin pigment was not detected under high light. There was no scytonemin or upregulation of these genes under osmotic stress. The lack of pigment production under high light, despite increased gene expression, suggests a time-dependent delay for pigment production or additional mechanisms or genes that may be involved in scytonemin production beyond those currently known.
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10
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OUP accepted manuscript. Bioscience 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biac036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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11
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Saha S, Sen A, Mandal S, Adhikary SP, Rath J. Mycosporine-alanine, an oxo-mycosporine, protect Hassallia byssoidea from high UV and solar irradiation on the stone monument of Konark. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2021; 224:112302. [PMID: 34537544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are small natural molecules having potent UV-absorbing and antioxidant properties. Hassallia byssoidea is one dominant cyanobacterium found all over the Konark stone monument, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We characterized mycosporine-alanine for the first time from H. byssoidea and studied its biosynthetic pathway from the whole genome data. We found D-alanyl-D-alanine carboxypeptidase, which might convert mycosporine-glycine to mycosporine-alanine by replacing glycine with alanine or by separate methylation, the mycosporine-glycine is converted to mycosporine-alanine. Our in vitro UV-B exposure experiment and exposure of H. byssoidea to natural sunlight show an increase in biosynthesis of mycosporine-alanine with 12 h of UV-B irradiation and high natural sunlight. We also found mycosporine-alanine to have good free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 1.98 mg/ml. Our results show due to the presence of mycosporine-alanine H. byssoidea probably tolerate the UV and high solar radiation and continue to colonize on the Konark stone monument as a dominant cyanobacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subarna Saha
- Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati (A Central University), Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal, India
| | - Animesh Sen
- Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati (A Central University), Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal, India
| | - Sikha Mandal
- Department of Botany, Sree Chaitanya College, Habra, West Bengal 743268, India.
| | - Siba Prasad Adhikary
- Department of Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati (A Central University), Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal, India
| | - Jnanendra Rath
- Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati (A Central University), Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal, India
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Gao X, Jing X, Liu X, Lindblad P. Biotechnological Production of the Sunscreen Pigment Scytonemin in Cyanobacteria: Progress and Strategy. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:129. [PMID: 33673485 PMCID: PMC7997468 DOI: 10.3390/md19030129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Scytonemin is a promising UV-screen and antioxidant small molecule with commercial value in cosmetics and medicine. It is solely biosynthesized in some cyanobacteria. Recently, its biosynthesis mechanism has been elucidated in the model cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme PCC 73102. The direct precursors for scytonemin biosynthesis are tryptophan and p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate, which are generated through the shikimate and aromatic amino acid biosynthesis pathway. More upstream substrates are the central carbon metabolism intermediates phosphoenolpyruvate and erythrose-4-phosphate. Thus, it is a long route to synthesize scytonemin from the fixed atmospheric CO2 in cyanobacteria. Metabolic engineering has risen as an important biotechnological means for achieving sustainable high-efficiency and high-yield target metabolites. In this review, we summarized the biochemical properties of this molecule, its biosynthetic gene clusters and transcriptional regulations, the associated carbon flux-driving progresses, and the host selection and biosynthetic strategies, with the aim to expand our understanding on engineering suitable cyanobacteria for cost-effective production of scytonemin in future practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Gao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, China;
| | - Xin Jing
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi’an 710021, China;
| | - Xufeng Liu
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångstrom, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångstrom, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden;
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Mehda S, Muñoz-Martín MÁ, Oustani M, Hamdi-Aïssa B, Perona E, Mateo P. Microenvironmental Conditions Drive the Differential Cyanobacterial Community Composition of Biocrusts from the Sahara Desert. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030487. [PMID: 33669110 PMCID: PMC7996595 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sahara Desert is characterized by extreme environmental conditions, which are a unique challenge for life. Cyanobacteria are key players in the colonization of bare soils and form assemblages with other microorganisms in the top millimetres, establishing biological soil crusts (biocrusts) that cover most soil surfaces in deserts, which have important roles in the functioning of drylands. However, knowledge of biocrusts from these extreme environments is limited. Therefore, to study cyanobacterial community composition in biocrusts from the Sahara Desert, we utilized a combination of methodologies in which taxonomic assignation, for next-generation sequencing of soil samples, was based on phylogenetic analysis (16S rRNA gene) in parallel with morphological identification of cyanobacteria in natural samples and isolates from certain locations. Two close locations that differed in microenvironmental conditions were analysed. One was a dry salt lake (a “chott”), and the other was an extension of sandy, slightly saline soil. Differences in cyanobacterial composition between the sites were found, with a clear dominance of Microcoleus spp. in the less saline site, while the chott presented a high abundance of heterocystous cyanobacteria as well as the filamentous non-heterocystous Pseudophormidium sp. and the unicellular cf. Acaryochloris. The cyanobacteria found in our study area, such as Microcoleus steenstrupii, Microcoleus vaginatus, Scytonema hyalinum, Tolypothrix distorta, and Calothrix sp., are also widely distributed in other geographic locations around the world, where the conditions are less severe. Our results, therefore, indicated that some cyanobacteria can cope with polyextreme conditions, as confirmed by bioassays, and can be considered extremotolerant, being able to live in a wide range of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smail Mehda
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (M.Á.M.-M.); (E.P.)
- Laboratory of Biogeochemistry of Desert Areas, University of Ouargla, 30000 Ouargla, Algeria;
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of El Oued, 39000 El Oued, Algeria
| | - Maria Ángeles Muñoz-Martín
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (M.Á.M.-M.); (E.P.)
| | - Mabrouka Oustani
- Laboratory of Saharan Bio-Resources: Preservation and Development, University of Ouargla, 30000 Ouargla, Algeria;
| | - Baelhadj Hamdi-Aïssa
- Laboratory of Biogeochemistry of Desert Areas, University of Ouargla, 30000 Ouargla, Algeria;
| | - Elvira Perona
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (M.Á.M.-M.); (E.P.)
| | - Pilar Mateo
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (M.Á.M.-M.); (E.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-914978184
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14
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Casero MC, Ascaso C, Quesada A, Mazur-Marzec H, Wierzchos J. Response of Endolithic Chroococcidiopsis Strains From the Polyextreme Atacama Desert to Light Radiation. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:614875. [PMID: 33537015 PMCID: PMC7848079 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.614875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria exposed to high solar radiation make use of a series of defense mechanisms, including avoidance, antioxidant systems, and the production of photoprotective compounds such as scytonemin. Two cyanobacterial strains of the genus Chroococcidiopsis from the Atacama Desert - which has one of the highest solar radiation levels on Earth- were examined to determine their capacity to protect themselves from direct photosynthetically active (PAR) and ultraviolet radiation (UVR): the UAM813 strain, originally isolated from a cryptoendolithic microhabitat within halite (NaCl), and UAM816 strain originally isolated from a chasmoendolithic microhabitat within calcite (CaCO3). The oxidative stress induced by exposure to PAR or UVR + PAR was determined to observe their short-term response, as were the long-term scytonemin production, changes in metabolic activity and ultrastructural damage induced. Both strains showed oxidative stress to both types of light radiation. The UAM813 strain showed a lower acclimation capacity than the UAM816 strain, showing an ever-increasing accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a smaller accumulation of scytonemin. This would appear to reflect differences in the adaptation strategies followed to meet the demands of their different microhabitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cristina Casero
- Grupo de Ecología y Geomicrobiología del Sustrato Lítico, Departamento de Biogeoquímica y Ecología Microbiana, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Ascaso
- Grupo de Ecología y Geomicrobiología del Sustrato Lítico, Departamento de Biogeoquímica y Ecología Microbiana, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Quesada
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jacek Wierzchos
- Grupo de Ecología y Geomicrobiología del Sustrato Lítico, Departamento de Biogeoquímica y Ecología Microbiana, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Amador-Castro F, Rodriguez-Martinez V, Carrillo-Nieves D. Robust natural ultraviolet filters from marine ecosystems for the formulation of environmental friendlier bio-sunscreens. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 749:141576. [PMID: 33370909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has detrimental effects on human health. It induces oxidative stress, deregulates signaling mechanisms, and produces DNA mutations, factors that ultimately can lead to the development of skin cancer. Therefore, reducing exposure to UVR is of major importance. Among available measures to diminish exposure is the use of sunscreens. However, recent studies indicate that several of the currently used filters have adverse effects on marine ecosystems and human health. This situation leads to the search for new photoprotective compounds that, apart from offering protection, are environmentally friendly. The answer may lie in the same marine ecosystems since molecules such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and scytonemin can serve as the defense system of some marine organisms against UVR. This review will discuss the harmful effects of UVR and the mechanisms that microalgae have developed to cope with it. Then it will focus on the biological distribution, characteristics, extraction, and purification methods of MAAs and scytonemin molecules to finally assess its potential as new filters for sunscreen formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Amador-Castro
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Av. General Ramon Corona No. 2514, 45201 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico
| | - Veronica Rodriguez-Martinez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Av. General Ramon Corona No. 2514, 45201 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico
| | - Danay Carrillo-Nieves
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Av. General Ramon Corona No. 2514, 45201 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico.
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16
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Chamizo S, Adessi A, Torzillo G, De Philippis R. Exopolysaccharide Features Influence Growth Success in Biocrust-forming Cyanobacteria, Moving From Liquid Culture to Sand Microcosms. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:568224. [PMID: 33193159 PMCID: PMC7652855 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.568224] [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: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Land degradation in drylands is a drawback of the combined action of climate change and human activities. New techniques have been developed to induce artificial biocrusts formation as a tool for restoration of degraded drylands, and among them soils inoculation with cyanobacteria adapted to environmental stress. Improvement of soil properties by cyanobacteria inoculation is largely related to their ability to synthesize exopolysaccharides (EPS). However, cyanobacterial EPS features [amount, molecular weight (MW), composition] can change from one species to another or when grown in different conditions. We investigated the differences in growth and polysaccharidic matrix features among three common biocrust-forming cyanobacteria (Nostoc commune, Scytonema javanicum, and Phormidium ambiguum), when grown in liquid media and on sandy soil microcosms under optimal nutrient and water, in controlled laboratory conditions. We extracted and analyzed the released EPS (RPS) and sheath for the liquid cultures, and the more soluble or loosely-bound (LB) and the more condensed or tightly-bound (TB) soil EPS fractions for the sandy soil microcosms. In liquid culture, P. ambiguum showed the greatest growth and EPS release. In contrast, on the sandy soil, S. javanicum showed the highest growth and highest LB-EPS content. N. commune showed no relevant growth after its inoculation of the sandy soil. A difference was observed in terms of MW distribution, showing that the higher MW of the polymers produced by P. ambiguum and S. javanicum compared to the polymers produced by N. commune, could have had a positive effect on growth for the first two organisms when inoculated on the sandy soil. We also observed how both RPS and sheath fractions reflected in the composition of the soil TB-EPS fraction, indicating the role in soil stabilization of both the released and the cell attached EPS. Our results indicate that the features of the polysaccharidic matrix produced by different cyanobacteria can influence their growth success in soil. These results are of great relevance when selecting suitable candidates for large-scale cyanobacteria applications in soil restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Chamizo
- Department of Agronomy, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.,Research Centre for Scientific Collections from the University of Almería (CECOUAL), Almería, Spain
| | - Alessandra Adessi
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Torzillo
- CNR -Institute of BioEconomy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Roberto De Philippis
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
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UV-A Irradiation Increases Scytonemin Biosynthesis in Cyanobacteria Inhabiting Halites at Salar Grande, Atacama Desert. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111690. [PMID: 33142998 PMCID: PMC7692114 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial consortia inhabiting evaporitic salt nodules at the Atacama Desert are dominated by unculturable cyanobacteria from the genus Halothece. Halite nodules provide transparency to photosynthetically active radiation and diminish photochemically damaging UV light. Atacama cyanobacteria synthesize scytonemin, a heterocyclic dimer, lipid soluble, UV-filtering pigment (in vivo absorption maximum at 370 nm) that accumulates at the extracellular sheath. Our goal was to demonstrate if UV-A irradiations modulate scytonemin biosynthesis in ground halites containing uncultured Halothece sp. cyanobacteria. Pulverized halite nodules with endolithic colonization were incubated under continuous UV-A radiation (3.6 W/m2) for 96 h, at 67% relative humidity, mimicking their natural habitat. Scytonemin content and relative transcription levels of scyB gene (a key gene in the biosynthesis of scytonemin) were evaluated by spectrophotometry and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. After 48 h under these experimental conditions, the ratio scytonemin/chlorophyll a and the transcription of scyB gene increased to a maximal 1.7-fold value. Therefore, endolithic Halothece cyanobacteria in halites are metabolically active and UV radiation is an environmental stressor with a positive influence on scyB gene transcription and scytonemin biosynthesis. Endolithobiontic cyanobacteria in Atacama show a resilient evolutive and adaptive strategy to survive in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
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18
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Estimating microbial mat biomass in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica using satellite imagery and ground surveys. Polar Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-020-02742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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19
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Sajjad W, Din G, Rafiq M, Iqbal A, Khan S, Zada S, Ali B, Kang S. Pigment production by cold-adapted bacteria and fungi: colorful tale of cryosphere with wide range applications. Extremophiles 2020; 24:447-473. [PMID: 32488508 PMCID: PMC7266124 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-020-01180-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pigments are an essential part of everyday life on Earth with rapidly growing industrial and biomedical applications. Synthetic pigments account for a major portion of these pigments that in turn have deleterious effects on public health and environment. Such drawbacks of synthetic pigments have shifted the trend to use natural pigments that are considered as the best alternative to synthetic pigments due to their significant properties. Natural pigments from microorganisms are of great interest due to their broader applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and textile industry with increasing demand among the consumers opting for natural pigments. To fulfill the market demand of natural pigments new sources should be explored. Cold-adapted bacteria and fungi in the cryosphere produce a variety of pigments as a protective strategy against ecological stresses such as low temperature, oxidative stresses, and ultraviolet radiation making them a potential source for natural pigment production. This review highlights the protective strategies and pigment production by cold-adapted bacteria and fungi, their industrial and biomedical applications, condition optimization for maximum pigment extraction as well as the challenges facing in the exploitation of cryospheric microorganisms for pigment extraction that hopefully will provide valuable information, direction, and progress in forthcoming studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Sajjad
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ghufranud Din
- Department of Microbiology, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Informatics, Balochistan University of IT, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Awais Iqbal
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Suliman Khan
- The Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sahib Zada
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Barkat Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, China.
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20
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Resilience and self-regulation processes of microalgae under UV radiation stress. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C: PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2019.100322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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21
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Pathak J, Pandey A, Maurya PK, Rajneesh R, Sinha RP, Singh SP. Cyanobacterial Secondary Metabolite Scytonemin: A Potential Photoprotective and Pharmaceutical Compound. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40011-019-01134-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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22
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Revealing the potential of cyanobacteria in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals — A new bioactive approach. ALGAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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23
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Schmidt SK, Vimercati L. Growth of cyanobacterial soil crusts during diurnal freeze-thaw cycles. J Microbiol 2019; 57:243-251. [PMID: 30721458 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-019-8359-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Various Nostoc spp. and related cyanobacteria are able to survive extreme temperatures and are among the most successful colonists of high-elevation sites being exposed due to glacial retreat. It is unclear, however, if cyanobacteria can grow during the extreme freeze-thaw cycles that occur on a year-round basis at high-elevation, peri-glacial sites or if they only grow during the rare periods when freeze-thaw cycles do not occur. We conducted several experiments to determine if cyanobacteria that form biological soil crusts (BSCs) at high-elevation sites (> 5,000 m.a.s.l.) in the Andes can grow during diurnal freeze-thaw cycles on a par with those that occur in the field. Here we show that a soil crust that had been frozen at -20°C for five years was able to increase from 40% to 100% soil coverage during a 45-day incubation during which the soil temperature cycled between -12°C and 26°C every day. In a second, experiment an undeveloped soil with no visible BSCs showed a statistically significant shift in the bacterial community from one containing few cyanobacterial sequences (8% of sequences) to one dominated (27%) by Nostoc, Microcoleus, and Leptolyngbya phylotypes during a 77-day incubation with daily freeze-thaw cycles. In addition, counts of spherical Nostoc-like colonies increased significantly on the soil surface during the experiment, especially in microcosms receiving phosphorus. Taken together these results show that freeze-thaw cycles alone do not limit the growth of BSCs in high-elevation soils, and provide new insight into how life is able to thrive in one of the most extreme terrestrial environments on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven K Schmidt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Lara Vimercati
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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24
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Marizcurrena JJ, Cerdá MF, Alem D, Castro-Sowinski S. Living with Pigments: The Colour Palette of Antarctic Life. SPRINGER POLAR SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-02786-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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25
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Wierzchos J, Casero MC, Artieda O, Ascaso C. Endolithic microbial habitats as refuges for life in polyextreme environment of the Atacama Desert. Curr Opin Microbiol 2018; 43:124-131. [PMID: 29414443 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The extremely harsh conditions of hyperarid deserts are a true challenge for microbial life. Microorganisms thriving in such polyextreme environments are fascinating as they can tell us more about life, its strategies and its boundaries than other groups of organisms. The Atacama Desert (North Chile) holds two world records of extreme environmental characteristics: the lowest rainfall and greatest surface ultraviolet radiation and total solar irradiance ever measured on Earth. Despite these limiting conditions for life, we recently identified several remarkable examples of endolithic habitats colonized by phototrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Wierzchos
- Department Biogeoquímica y Ecología Microbiana Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC c/ Serrano 115 dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Cristina Casero
- Department Biogeoquímica y Ecología Microbiana Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC c/ Serrano 115 dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Octavio Artieda
- Dpto. Biología Vegetal, Ecología y Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad de Extremadura Avda, Virgen del Puerto, 2, 10600 Plasencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Ascaso
- Department Biogeoquímica y Ecología Microbiana Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC c/ Serrano 115 dpdo, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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Effect of UV-B Radiation and Desiccation Stress on Photoprotective Compounds Accumulation in Marine Leptolyngbya sp. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017; 184:35-47. [PMID: 28584967 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-017-2523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Increased awareness regarding the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation has led to the search for new sources of natural UV-B protecting compounds. Mycosporine-like amino acids are one of such promising compounds found in several organisms. Cyanobacteria are ideal organisms for isolation of these compounds due to their compatibility and adaptability to thrive under harsh environmental conditions. In the following investigation, we report the production of shinorine in Leptolyngbya sp. isolated from the intertidal region. Based on the spectral characteristics and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, the UV-absorbing compound was identified as shinorine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of shinorine in Leptolyngbya sp. We also investigated the effect of artificial UV-B radiation and periodic desiccation on chlorophyll-a, total carotenoids, and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) production. The UV-B radiation had a negative effect on growth and chlorophyll concentration, whereas it showed an inductive effect on the production of total carotenoids and MAAs. Desiccation along with UV-B radiation led to an increase in the concentration of photoprotective compounds. These results indicate that carotenoids and MAAs thus facilitate cyanobacteria to avoid and protect themselves from the deleterious effects of UV-B and desiccation.
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Gao X. Scytonemin Plays a Potential Role in Stabilizing the Exopolysaccharidic Matrix in Terrestrial Cyanobacteria. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2017; 73:255-258. [PMID: 27623964 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-016-0851-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic oxygen-evolving prokaryotes that are distributed in diverse habitats. They synthesize the ultraviolet (UV)-screening pigments, scytonemin (SCY) and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), located in the exopolysaccharide (EPS) matrix. Multiple roles for both pigments have gradually been recognized, such as sunscreen ability, antioxidant activity, and heat dissipation from absorbed UV radiation. In this study, a filamentous terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc flagelliforme was used to evaluate the potential stabilizing role of SCY on the EPS matrix. SCY (∼3.7 %) was partially removed from N. flagelliforme filaments by rinsing with 100 % acetone for 5 s. The physiological damage to cells resulting from this treatment, in terms of photosystem II activity parameter Fv/Fm, was repaired after culturing the sample for 40 h. The physiologically recovered sample was further desiccated by natural or rapid drying and then allowed to recovery for 24 h. Compared with the normal sample, a relatively slower Fv/Fm recovery was observed in the SCY-partially removed sample, suggesting that the decreased SCY concentration in the EPS matrix caused cells to suffer further damage upon desiccation. In addition, the SCY-partially removed sample could allow the release of MAAs (∼25 %) from the EPS matrix, while the normal sample did not. Therefore, damage caused by drying of the former resulted from at least the reduction of structural stability of the EPS matrix as well as the loss of partial antioxidant compounds. Considering that an approximately 4 % loss of SCY led to this significant effect, the structurally stabilizing potential of SCY on the EPS matrix is crucial for terrestrial cyanobacteria survival in complex environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, People's Republic of China.
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28
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Terrestrial Microalgae: Novel Concepts for Biotechnology and Applications. PROGRESS IN BOTANY VOL. 79 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/124_2017_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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29
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Soule T, Shipe D, Lothamer J. Extracellular Polysaccharide Production in a Scytonemin-Deficient Mutant of Nostoc punctiforme Under UVA and Oxidative Stress. Curr Microbiol 2016; 73:455-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-016-1084-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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30
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Wierzchos J, DiRuggiero J, Vítek P, Artieda O, Souza-Egipsy V, Škaloud P, Tisza M, Davila AF, Vílchez C, Garbayo I, Ascaso C. Adaptation strategies of endolithic chlorophototrophs to survive the hyperarid and extreme solar radiation environment of the Atacama Desert. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:934. [PMID: 26441871 PMCID: PMC4564735 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Atacama Desert, northern Chile, is one of the driest deserts on Earth and, as such, a natural laboratory to explore the limits of life and the strategies evolved by microorganisms to adapt to extreme environments. Here we report the exceptional adaptation strategies of chlorophototrophic and eukaryotic algae, and chlorophototrophic and prokaryotic cyanobacteria to the hyperarid and extremely high solar radiation conditions occurring in this desert. Our approach combined several microscopy techniques, spectroscopic analytical methods, and molecular analyses. We found that the major adaptation strategy was to avoid the extreme environmental conditions by colonizing cryptoendolithic, as well as, hypoendolithic habitats within gypsum deposits. The cryptoendolithic colonization occurred a few millimeters beneath the gypsum surface and showed a succession of organized horizons of algae and cyanobacteria, which has never been reported for endolithic microbial communities. The presence of cyanobacteria beneath the algal layer, in close contact with sepiolite inclusions, and their hypoendolithic colonization suggest that occasional liquid water might persist within these sub-microhabitats. We also identified the presence of abundant carotenoids in the upper cryptoendolithic algal habitat and scytonemin in the cyanobacteria hypoendolithic habitat. This study illustrates that successful lithobiontic microbial colonization at the limit for microbial life is the result of a combination of adaptive strategies to avoid excess solar irradiance and extreme evapotranspiration rates, taking advantage of the complex structural and mineralogical characteristics of gypsum deposits-conceptually called "rock's habitable architecture." Additionally, self-protection by synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites likely produces a shielding effect that prevents photoinhibition and lethal photooxidative damage to the chlorophototrophs, representing another level of adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Petr Vítek
- Laboratory of Ecological Plant Physiology, Global Change Research Centre AS CRBrno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Charles UniversityPrague, Czech Republic
| | - Octavio Artieda
- Departamento Biología Vegetal, Ecología y Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad de ExtremaduraPlasencia, Spain
| | | | - Pavel Škaloud
- Department of Botany, Charles UniversityPrague, Czech Republic
| | - Michel Tisza
- Biology Department, The Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Carlos Vílchez
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de HuelvaHuelva, Spain
| | - Inés Garbayo
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de HuelvaHuelva, Spain
| | - Carmen Ascaso
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSICMadrid, Spain
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31
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Rastogi RP, Madamwar D, Incharoensakdi A. Sun-screening bioactive compounds mycosporine-like amino acids in naturally occurring cyanobacterial biofilms: role in photoprotection. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 119:753-62. [PMID: 26099286 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the occurrence of UV sunscreening biomolecules and their role in photoprotection in cyanobacterial biofilms growing in brightly lit habitats with high UV fluxes. METHODS AND RESULTS High performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array and mass spectrometry revealed the presence of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) shinorine (λ(max) 334 nm, m/z 333), porphyra-334 (λ(max) 334 nm, m/z 347), mycosporine-glycine (λ(max) 310 nm, m/z 246) and palythinol (λ(max) 332 nm, m/z 303). Two unknown MAAs with λ(max) at 320 (m/z 289) and 329 nm (m/z 318) were also found. Biosynthesis of MAAs was found to increase with increase in exposure time under UV radiation. The MAAs from biofilms showed efficient radical scavenging activity as well as photoprotective potential on the survival of UV-treated Escherichia coli cells. CONCLUSIONS Biosynthesis of photoprotectants is an important mechanism to prevent photodamage in Cyanobacteria. UV-induction and photoprotective function of MAAs may facilitate them to perform important ecological functions under harsh environmental conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY There are very few reports on qualitative and quantitative characterization of different MAAs in cyanobacterial biofilms. Due to strong UV absorption and photoprotective function, MAAs may be used as an active ingredient in cosmetic and other pharmaceutical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Rastogi
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, India
| | - D Madamwar
- BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, India
| | - A Incharoensakdi
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Barthès A, Ten-Hage L, Lamy A, Rols JL, Leflaive J. Resilience of aggregated microbial communities subjected to drought--small-scale studies. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2015; 70:9-20. [PMID: 25403110 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-014-0532-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The response of microbial communities to disturbance is a major concern for microbial ecologists since potential modifications in their composition and functioning may affect ecosystems to a larger extent. Microbial ecosystems may be resistant (not affected) or may present engineering (return to initial state) or ecological resilience. In the latter case, when the disturbance is released, the ecosystem evolves towards a new equilibrium state. The aim of this study was to determine if variations in the magnitude of a disturbance could induce either engineering or ecological resilience. We used phototrophic biofilms grown in mesocosms as a model of microbial ecosystem and increasing drought duration (1-8 weeks) as a range of disturbances. Biofilm composition (algal and prokaryotic), photosynthetic activity (PhytoPAM), and potential functional diversity (Biolog) were determined at the end of dry phase and after a 2-week rewetting phase in individual aquaria. We only observed an ecological resilience of the biofilm, with a resistance of phototrophic component for the weakest disturbance. After rewetting, the biofilm could fulfill the same functions, but its species composition was highly modified. We observed a shift from cyanobacteria dominance towards diatom dominance. The disturbance caused a transition towards a new steady state of the biofilm. We also observed a positive effect of stress duration on biofilm productivity after resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Barthès
- EcoLab (Laboratoire d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement), INP, UPS, Université de Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
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Rastogi RP, Sonani RR, Madamwar D. Cyanobacterial Sunscreen Scytonemin: Role in Photoprotection and Biomedical Research. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2015; 176:1551-63. [PMID: 26013282 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-015-1676-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are the most promising group of photosynthetic microorganisms capable of producing an array of natural products of industrial importance. Scytonemin is a small hydrophobic alkaloid pigment molecules present in the extracellular sheath of several cyanobacteria as a protective mechanism against short wavelength solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It has great efficacy to minimize the production of reactive oxygen species and formation of DNA lesions. The biosynthesis of scytonemin is regulated by different physico-chemical stressors. Scytonemin display multiple roles, functioning as a potent UV sunscreen and antioxidant molecules, and can be exploited in cosmetic and other industries for the development of new cosmeceuticals. Herein, we review the occurrence, biosynthesis, and potential application of scytonemin in photoprotection, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Prasad Rastogi
- BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel Maidan, Vadtal Road, Satellite Campus, Sardar Patel University, Post Box No. 39, Vallabh Vidyanagar, 388 120, Anand, Gujarat, India,
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Ekebergh A, Sandin P, Mårtensson J. On the photostability of scytonemin, analogues thereof and their monomeric counterparts. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2015; 14:2179-86. [DOI: 10.1039/c5pp00215j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Observation of unexpectedly rapid photodegradation of the cyanobacterial UV-screener scytoneminin vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ekebergh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Organic and Physical Chemistry
- Chalmers University of Technology
- SE-412 96 Gothenburg
- Sweden
| | - Peter Sandin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Organic and Physical Chemistry
- Chalmers University of Technology
- SE-412 96 Gothenburg
- Sweden
| | - Jerker Mårtensson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Organic and Physical Chemistry
- Chalmers University of Technology
- SE-412 96 Gothenburg
- Sweden
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Kuhne S, Strieth D, Lakatos M, Muffler K, Ulber R. A new photobioreactor concept enabling the production of desiccation induced biotechnological products using terrestrial cyanobacteria. J Biotechnol 2014; 192 Pt A:28-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abed RMM, Polerecky L, Al-Habsi A, Oetjen J, Strous M, de Beer D. Rapid recovery of cyanobacterial pigments in desiccated biological soil crusts following addition of water. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112372. [PMID: 25375172 PMCID: PMC4223047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined soil surface colour change to green and hydrotaxis following addition of water to biological soil crusts using pigment extraction, hyperspectral imaging, microsensors and 13C labeling experiments coupled to matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALD-TOF MS). The topsoil colour turned green in less than 5 minutes following water addition. The concentrations of chlorophyll a (Chl a), scytonemin and echinenon rapidly increased in the top <1 mm layer while in the deeper layer, their concentrations remained low. Hyperspectral imaging showed that, in both wet and dehydrated crusts, cyanobacteria formed a layer at a depth of 0.2–0.4 mm and this layer did not move upward after wetting. 13C labeling experiments and MALDI TOF analysis showed that Chl a was already present in the desiccated crusts and de novo synthesis of this molecule started only after 2 days of wetting due to growth of cyanobacteria. Microsensor measurements showed that photosynthetic activity increased concomitantly with the increase of Chl a, and reached a maximum net rate of 92 µmol m−2 h−1 approximately 2 hours after wetting. We conclude that the colour change of soil crusts to green upon water addition was not due to hydrotaxis but rather to the quick recovery and reassembly of pigments. Cyanobacteria in crusts can maintain their photosynthetic apparatus intact even under prolonged periods of desiccation with the ability to resume their photosynthetic activities within minutes after wetting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeid M. M. Abed
- Sultan Qaboos University, College of Science, Biology Department, Al Khoud, Sultanate of Oman
- * E-mail:
| | - Lubos Polerecky
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Amal Al-Habsi
- Sultan Qaboos University, College of Science, Biology Department, Al Khoud, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Janina Oetjen
- MALDI Imaging Laboratory, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Marc Strous
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dirk de Beer
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
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Application of biofilm bioreactors in white biotechnology. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 146:123-61. [PMID: 24402458 DOI: 10.1007/10_2013_267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The production of valuable compounds in industrial biotechnology is commonly done by cultivation of suspended cells or use of (immobilized) enzymes rather than using microorganisms in an immobilized state. Within the field of wastewater as well as odor treatment the application of immobilized cells is a proven technique. The cells are entrapped in a matrix of extracellular polymeric compounds produced by themselves. The surface-associated agglomerate of encapsulated cells is termed biofilm. In comparison to common immobilization techniques, toxic effects of compounds used for cell entrapment may be neglected. Although the economic impact of biofilm processes used for the production of valuable compounds is negligible, many prospective approaches were examined in the laboratory and on a pilot scale. This review gives an overview of biofilm reactors applied to the production of valuable compounds. Moreover, the characteristics of the utilized materials are discussed with respect to support of surface-attached microbial growth.
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Mavi B, Gurbuz LF, Ciftci H, Akkurt I. Shielding property of natural biomass against gamma rays. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2014; 16:247-256. [PMID: 24912221 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2013.773276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Algae and cyanobacteria are capable living under harsh conditions in the natural environments and can develop peculiar survival processes. In order to evaluate radiation shielding properties of green algae; Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus, and cyanobacteria; Synechococcus sp., Planktothrix limnetica, Microcystis aeruginosa, Arthrospira maxima, Anabaena affinis, Phormidium articulatum, and Pseudoanabaena sp. were cultured in batch systems. Air dried biomass was tested for its high tolerance to gamma-radiations in terms of linear attenuation coefficients. In the present work, the linear and mass attenuation coefficients were measured at photon energies of 1173 and 1332 keV. Protection capacity of some biomass was observed to be higher than a 1-cm thick lead standard for comparison. Gamma ray related protection depends not only to thickness but also to density (g/cm3). Hence the effect of biomass density also was tested and significantly found the tested biomass absorbed more of the incoming energy on a density basis than lead. This paper discusses the a new approach to environmental protection from gamma ray. The findings suggest that the test samples, especially cyanobacteria, have a potential for reducing gamma ray more significantly than lead and can be used as shielding materials.
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Rastogi RP, Sinha RP, Incharoensakdi A. Partial characterization, UV-induction and photoprotective function of sunscreen pigment, scytonemin from Rivularia sp. HKAR-4. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 93:1874-1878. [PMID: 23859424 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Scytonemin, located in the extracellular polysaccharide sheath of some cyanobacterial species is considered an efficient natural photoprotectant against lethal doses of ultraviolet (UV) radiations. In the present study, scytonemin from the cyanobacterium Rivularia sp. HKAR-4 was partially characterized and investigated for its induction by UV radiation as well as its role in photoprotection. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode-array detection studies revealed the presence of an UV-absorbing compound with absorption maximum at 386 nm. Based on its absorption spectrum and ion trap liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis, the compound was confirmed as scytonemin. In comparison to photosynthetically active radiation, a significant induction in the synthesis of scytonemin was found under UV-stress. Scytonemin also exhibited efficient photoprotective ability by detoxifying the in vivo reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV radiation and by reducing the formation of thymine dimers. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the UV-screening effects of scytonemin on in vivo ROS generation and thymine dimer formation in any cyanobacterial strain. Based on these findings, we conclude that scytonemin may play a vital role in the survival and sustainability of cyanobacterial life in adverse environmental conditions such as under high solar irradiances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh P Rastogi
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Rastogi RP, Incharoensakdi A. Characterization of UV-screening compounds, mycosporine-like amino acids, and scytonemin in the cyanobacteriumLyngbyasp. CU2555. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2013; 87:244-56. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6941.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh P. Rastogi
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology; Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Science; Chulalongkorn University; Bangkok Thailand
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Laboratory of Cyanobacterial Biotechnology; Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Science; Chulalongkorn University; Bangkok Thailand
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Ecological patterns of nifH genes in four terrestrial climatic zones explored with targeted metagenomics using FrameBot, a new informatics tool. mBio 2013; 4:e00592-13. [PMID: 24045641 PMCID: PMC3781835 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00592-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological nitrogen fixation is an important component of sustainable soil fertility and a key component of the nitrogen cycle. We used targeted metagenomics to study the nitrogen fixation-capable terrestrial bacterial community by targeting the gene for nitrogenase reductase (nifH). We obtained 1.1 million nifH 454 amplicon sequences from 222 soil samples collected from 4 National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) sites in Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, and Florida. To accurately detect and correct frameshifts caused by indel sequencing errors, we developed FrameBot, a tool for frameshift correction and nearest-neighbor classification, and compared its accuracy to that of two other rapid frameshift correction tools. We found FrameBot was, in general, more accurate as long as a reference protein sequence with 80% or greater identity to a query was available, as was the case for virtually all nifH reads for the 4 NEON sites. Frameshifts were present in 12.7% of the reads. Those nifH sequences related to the Proteobacteria phylum were most abundant, followed by those for Cyanobacteria in the Alaska and Utah sites. Predominant genera with nifH sequences similar to reads included Azospirillum, Bradyrhizobium, and Rhizobium, the latter two without obvious plant hosts at the sites. Surprisingly, 80% of the sequences had greater than 95% amino acid identity to known nifH gene sequences. These samples were grouped by site and correlated with soil environmental factors, especially drainage, light intensity, mean annual temperature, and mean annual precipitation. FrameBot was tested successfully on three ecofunctional genes but should be applicable to any. High-throughput phylogenetic analysis of microbial communities using rRNA-targeted sequencing is now commonplace; however, such data often allow little inference with respect to either the presence or the diversity of genes involved in most important ecological processes. To study the gene pool for these processes, it is more straightforward to assess the genes directly responsible for the ecological function (ecofunctional genes). However, analyzing these genes involves technical challenges beyond those seen for rRNA. In particular, frameshift errors cause garbled downstream protein translations. Our FrameBot tool described here both corrects frameshift errors in query reads and determines their closest matching protein sequences in a set of reference sequences. We validated this new tool with sequences from defined communities and demonstrated the tool’s utility on nifH gene fragments sequenced from soils in well-characterized and major terrestrial ecosystem types.
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Gao X, Yang Y, Ai Y, Luo H, Qiu B. Quality evaluation of the edible blue-green alga Nostoc flagelliforme using a chlorophyll fluorescence parameter and several biochemical markers. Food Chem 2013; 143:307-12. [PMID: 24054244 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.07.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Nostoc flagelliforme is an edible blue-green alga with herbal and dietary values. Due to the diminishing supply of natural N. flagelliforme and the large investment on the development of its cultivation technology, it is anticipated that artificially cultured N. flagelliforme will soon sustain the market supply. Once this change occurs, the storage-associated quality problem will become the focus of attention for future trade. In this paper, we used a chlorophyll fluorescence parameter, maximum quantum efficiency of Photosystem II (Fv/Fm), and several biomarkers to evaluate the quality of several N. flagelliforme samples. It was found that longer storage times resulted in darker coloured solutions (released pigments) and decreased amounts of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and water-soluble sugars (WSS). Additionally, a higher Fv/Fm value suggests better physiological recovery and quality. In actual application, determination of Fv/Fm would be the first step for evaluating the quality of N. flagelliforme, and the biochemical indexes would serve as good secondary markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Gao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, People's Republic of China
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43
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Multiple roles of photosynthetic and sunscreen pigments in cyanobacteria focusing on the oxidative stress. Metabolites 2013; 3:463-83. [PMID: 24958001 PMCID: PMC3901267 DOI: 10.3390/metabo3020463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria have two types of sunscreen pigments, scytonemin and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). These secondary metabolites are thought to play multiple roles against several environmental stresses such as UV radiation and desiccation. Not only the large molar absorption coefficients of these sunscreen pigments, but also their antioxidative properties may be necessary for the protection of biological molecules against the oxidative damages induced by UV radiation. The antioxidant activity and vitrification property of these pigments are thought to be requisite for the desiccation and rehydration processes in anhydrobiotes. In this review, the multiple roles of photosynthetic pigments and sunscreen pigments on stress resistance, especially from the viewpoint of their structures, biosynthetic pathway, and in vitro studies of their antioxidant activity, will be discussed.
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Gupta V, Ratha SK, Sood A, Chaudhary V, Prasanna R. New insights into the biodiversity and applications of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)—Prospects and challenges. ALGAL RES 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Honegger R, Edwards D, Axe L. The earliest records of internally stratified cyanobacterial and algal lichens from the Lower Devonian of the Welsh Borderland. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2013; 197:264-275. [PMID: 23110612 DOI: 10.1111/nph.12009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Lichenization is assumed to be a very ancient mode of fungal nutrition, but fossil records are rare. Here we describe two fragments of exceptionally preserved, probably charred, lichen thalli with internal stratification. Cyanolichenomycites devonicus has a cyanobacterial and Chlorolichenomycites salopensis a unicellular, presumably green algal photobiont. Fruiting bodies are missing. Cyanolichenomycites devonicus forms asexual spores in a pycnidium. All specimens were examined with scanning electron microscopy techniques. The fossils were extracted by maceration. Extant lichens and free-living cyanobacteria were either experimentally charcoalified for comparison or conventionally prepared. Based on their septate hyphal structure, both specimens are tentatively interpreted as representatives of the Pezizomycotina (Ascomycota). Their presence in 415 million yr (Myr) old rocks from the Welsh Borderland predates existing Late Cretaceous records of pycnidial conidiomata by some 325 Myr and Triassic records of lichens with broadly similar organization by some 195 Myr. These fossils represent the oldest known record of lichens with symbionts and anatomy as typically found in morphologically advanced taxa today. The latter does not apply to Winfrenatia reticulata, the enigmatic crustose lichen fossil from the Lower Devonian, nor to presumed lichen-like organisms such as the Cambrian Farghera robusta or to the Lower Devonian Spongiophyton minutissimum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosmarie Honegger
- Institute of Plant Biology, University of Zürich, Zollikerstrasse 107, CH-8008, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dianne Edwards
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Lindsey Axe
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
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Nguyen KH, Chollet-Krugler M, Gouault N, Tomasi S. UV-protectant metabolites from lichens and their symbiotic partners. Nat Prod Rep 2013; 30:1490-508. [DOI: 10.1039/c3np70064j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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47
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Thomas AD. Impact of grazing intensity on seasonal variations in soil organic carbon and soil CO2 efflux in two semiarid grasslands in southern Botswana. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2012; 367:3076-86. [PMID: 23045706 PMCID: PMC3479694 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are an important source of organic carbon, and affect a range of ecosystem functions in arid and semiarid environments. Yet the impact of grazing disturbance on crust properties and soil CO(2) efflux remain poorly studied, particularly in African ecosystems. The effects of burial under wind-blown sand, disaggregation and removal of BSCs on seasonal variations in soil CO(2) efflux, soil organic carbon, chlorophyll a and scytonemin were investigated at two sites in the Kalahari of southern Botswana. Field experiments were employed to isolate CO(2) efflux originating from BSCs in order to estimate the C exchange within the crust. Organic carbon was not evenly distributed through the soil profile but concentrated in the BSC. Soil CO(2) efflux was higher in Kalahari Sand than in calcrete soils, but rates varied significantly with seasonal changes in moisture and temperature. BSCs at both sites were a small net sink of C to the soil. Soil CO(2) efflux was significantly higher in sand soils where the BSC was removed, and on calcrete where the BSC was buried under sand. The BSC removal and burial under sand also significantly reduced chlorophyll a, organic carbon and scytonemin. Disaggregation of the soil crust, however, led to increases in chlorophyll a and organic carbon. The data confirm the importance of BSCs for C cycling in drylands and indicate intensive grazing, which destroys BSCs through trampling and burial, will adversely affect C sequestration and storage. Managed grazing, where soil surfaces are only lightly disturbed, would help maintain a positive carbon balance in African drylands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Thomas
- Institute of Geography & Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK.
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48
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Rath J, Mandal S, Adhikary SP. Salinity induced synthesis of UV-screening compound scytonemin in the cyanobacterium Lyngbya aestuarii. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2012; 115:5-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2011] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Effects of UV-B radiation and periodic desiccation on the morphogenesis of the edible terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc flagelliforme. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:7075-81. [PMID: 22865081 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01427-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc flagelliforme Berk. et M. A. Curtis has been a popular food and herbal ingredient for hundreds of years. To meet great market demand and protect the local ecosystem, for decades researchers have tried to cultivate N. flagelliforme but have failed to get macroscopic filamentous thalli. In this study, single trichomes with 50 to 200 vegetative cells were induced from free-living cells by low light and used to investigate the morphogenesis of N. flagelliforme under low UV-B radiation and periodic desiccation. Low-fluence-rate UV-B (0.1 W m(-2)) did not inhibit trichome growth; however, it significantly increased the synthesis of extracellular polysaccharides and mycosporine-like amino acids and promoted sheath formation outside the trichomes. Under low UV-B radiation, single trichomes developed into filamentous thalli more than 1 cm long after 28 days of cultivation, most of which grew separately in liquid BG11 medium. With periodic desiccation treatment, the single trichomes formed flat or banded thalli that grew up to 2 cm long after 3 months on solid BG11 medium. When trichomes were cultivated on solid BG11 medium with alternate treatments of low UV-B and periodic desiccation, dark and scraggly filamentous thalli that grew up to about 3 cm in length after 40 days were obtained. In addition, the cultivation of trichomes on nitrogen-deficient solid BG11 medium (BG11(0)) suggested that nitrogen availability could affect the color and lubricity of newly developed thalli. This study provides promising techniques for artificial cultivation of N. flagelliforme in the future.
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50
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Abed RM, Ramette A, Hübner V, Deckker P, Beer D. Microbial diversity of eolian dust sources from saline lake sediments and biological soil crusts in arid Southern Australia. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2012; 80:294-304. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2011.01289.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2011] [Revised: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alban Ramette
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology; Bremen; Germany
| | - Vera Hübner
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology; Bremen; Germany
| | - Patrick Deckker
- Research School of Earth Sciences; The Australian National University; Canberra; Australia
| | - Dirk Beer
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology; Bremen; Germany
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