1
|
Oliveros A, Terraube J, Levengood AL, Powell D, Frère CH. Influence of scat ageing on the gut microbiome: how old is too old? BMC Genomics 2023; 24:427. [PMID: 37525141 PMCID: PMC10388479 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09520-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of the host-microbiome by the collection of non-invasive samples has the potential to become a powerful tool for conservation monitoring and surveillance of wildlife. However, multiple factors can bias the quality of data recovered from scats, particularly when field-collected samples are used given that the time of defecation is unknown. Previous studies using scats have shown that the impact of aerobic exposure on the microbial composition is species-specific, leading to different rates of change in microbial communities. However, the impact that this aging process has on the relationship between the bacterial and fungal composition has yet to be explored. In this study, we measured the effects of time post-defecation on bacterial and fungal compositions in a controlled experiment using scat samples from the endangered koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). RESULTS We found that the bacterial composition remained stable through the scat aging process, while the fungal composition did not. The absence of an increase in facultative anaerobes and the stable population of obligate anaerobic bacteria were likely due to our sampling from the inner portion of the scat. We report a cluster of fungal taxa that colonises scats after defecation which can dilute the genetic material from the autochthonous mycoflora and inhibit recovery. CONCLUSION We emphasize the need to preserve the integrity of scat samples collected in the wild and combat the effects of time and provide strategies for doing so.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Oliveros
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.
| | - Julien Terraube
- Vulture Conservation Foundation, Wuhrstrasse 12, Zürich, CH-8003, Switzerland
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexis L Levengood
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Powell
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Céline H Frère
- The School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ojwach J, Adetunji AI, Mutanda T, Mukaratirwa S. Oligosaccharides production from coprophilous fungi: An emerging functional food with potential health-promoting properties. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 33:e00702. [PMID: 35127459 PMCID: PMC8803601 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2022.e00702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Functional foods are essential food products that possess health-promoting properties for the treatment of infectious diseases. In addition, they provide energy and nutrients, which are required for growth and survival. They occur as prebiotics or dietary supplements, including oligosaccharides, processed foods, and herbal products. However, oligosaccharides are more efficiently recognized and utilized, as they play a fundamental role as functional ingredients with great potential to improve health in comparison to other dietary supplements. They are low molecular weight carbohydrates with a low degree of polymerization. They occur as fructooligosaccharide (FOS), inulooligosaccharadie (IOS), and xylooligosaccahride (XOS), depending on their monosaccharide units. Oligosaccharides are produced by acid or chemical hydrolysis. However, this technique is liable to several drawbacks, including inulin precipitation, high processing temperature, low yields, and high production costs. As a consequence, the application of microbial enzymes for oligosaccharide production is recognized as a promising strategy. Microbial enzymatic production of FOS and IOS occurs by submerged or solid-state fermentation in the presence of suitable substrates (sucrose, inulin) and catalyzed by fructosyltransferases and inulinases. Incorporation of FOS and IOS enriches the rheological and physiological characteristics of foods. They are used as low cariogenic sugar substitutes, suitable for diabetics, and as prebiotics, probiotics and nutraceutical compounds. In addition, these oligosaccharides are employed as anticancer, antioxidant agents and aid in mineral absorption, lipid metabolism, immune regulation etc. This review, therefore, focuses on the occurrence, physico-chemical characteristics, and microbial enzymatic synthesis of FOS and IOS from coprophilous fungi. In addition, the potential health benefits of these oligosaccharides were discussed in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Ojwach
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17 Bellville 7530, South Africa
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Adegoke Isiaka Adetunji
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Taurai Mutanda
- Centre for Algal Biotechnology, Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P.O. Box 12363, Jacobs 4026, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Haelewaters D, Peterson RA, Nevalainen H, Aime MC. Inopinatum lactosum gen. & comb. nov., the first yeast-like fungus in Leotiomycetes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71. [PMID: 34214028 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.004862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporobolomyces lactosus is a pink yeast-like fungus that is not congeneric with other members of Sporobolomyces (Basidiomycota, Microbotryomycetes, Sporidiobolales). During our ongoing studies of pink yeasts we determined that S. lactosus was most closely related to Pseudeurotium zonatum (Ascomycota, Leotiomycetes, Thelebolales). A molecular phylogenetic analysis using sequences of the ITS region and the small and large subunit (SSU, LSU) rRNA genes, indicated that four isolates of S. lactosus, including three ex-type isolates, were placed in Thelebolales with maximum support. A new genus is proposed to accommodate S. lactosus, Inopinatum. This is the first pink yeast reported in Leotiomycetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danny Haelewaters
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Robyn A Peterson
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Helena Nevalainen
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - M Catherine Aime
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cold Active Lipases: Biocatalytic Tools for Greener Technology. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2021; 193:2245-2266. [PMID: 33544363 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-021-03516-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipases are enzymes that catalyze the ester bond hydrolysis in triglycerides with the release of fatty acids, mono- and diglycerides, and glycerol. The microbial lipases account for $400 million market size in 2017 and it is expected to reach $590 million by 2023. Many biotechnological processes are expedited at high temperatures and hence much research is dealt with thermostable enzymes. Cold active lipases are now gaining importance in the detergent, synthesis of chiral intermediates and frail/fragile compounds, and food and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, they consume less energy since they are active at low temperatures. These cold active lipases have not been commercially exploited so far compared to mesophilic and thermophilc lipases. Cold active lipases are distributed in microbes found at low temperatures. Only a few microbes were studied for the production of these enzymes. These cold-adapted enzymes show increased flexibility of their structures in response to freezing effect of the cold habitats. This review presents an update on cold-active lipases from microbial sources along with some structural features justifying high enzyme activity at low temperature. In addition, recent achievements on their use in various industries will also be discussed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Choolaei Z, Flick R, Khusnutdinova AN, Edwards EA, Yakunin AF. Lignin-oxidizing activity of bacterial laccases characterized using soluble substrates and polymeric lignin. J Biotechnol 2020; 325:128-137. [PMID: 33186661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Efficient biotransformation of lignin requires the activity of different oxidative enzymes. In this work, 19 bacterial multi-copper oxidases were screened for oxidase activity against 19 soluble substrates and revealed the highest activity in the laccase CotABsu (BSU0630) from Bacillus subtilis. Structure-based site-directed mutagenesis of CotABsu identified four conserved residues (His419, Cys492, His497, and Met502) as critical for activity against 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS). Greatly reduced oxidase activity was found in the CotABsu mutant proteins E213A, N214A, C229A, N264A, E298A, T415A, R416A, Q468A, and T480A. We also designed a lignin-agarose plate screen for detecting oxidase activity of purified proteins against polymeric lignin, which confirmed the results obtained with ABTS and identified three mutant variants with increased activity toward kraft lignin (E213A, T415A, and T260A). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of low sulfonate kraft lignin after incubation with CotABsu revealed a reduction in the content of CC/CC bonds and increase in CO/CO bonds. Product analyses using mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, and bright-field microscopy revealed an increased polymerization state of reaction products suggesting that formation of radical intermediates was followed by radical coupling. Our results provide further insights into the mechanisms of lignin oxidation by laccases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Choolaei
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Robert Flick
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Anna N Khusnutdinova
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A Edwards
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Alexander F Yakunin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada; Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Diversity of cultivable fungal endophytes in Paullinia cupana (Mart.) Ducke and bioactivity of their secondary metabolites. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195874. [PMID: 29649297 PMCID: PMC5897019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Paullinia cupana is associated with a diverse community of pathogenic and endophytic microorganisms. We isolated and identified endophytic fungal communities from the roots and seeds of P. cupana genotypes susceptible and tolerant to anthracnose that grow in two sites of the Brazilian Amazonia forest. We assessed the antibacterial, antitumor and genotoxic activity in vitro of compounds isolated from the strains Trichoderma asperellum (1BDA) and Diaporthe phaseolorum (8S). In concert, we identified eight fungal species not previously reported as endophytes; some fungal species capable of inhibiting pathogen growth; and the production of antibiotics and compounds with bacteriostatic activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both susceptible and multiresistant host strains. The plant genotype, geographic location and specially the organ influenced the composition of P. cupana endophytic fungal community. Together, our findings identify important functional roles of endophytic species found within the microbiome of P. cupana. This hypothesis requires experimental validation to propose management of this microbiome with the objective of promoting plant growth and protection.
Collapse
|
7
|
|
8
|
Singh S, Thavamani P, Megharaj M, Naidu R. Multifarious activities of cellulose degrading bacteria from Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) faeces. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2015; 57:23. [PMID: 26290743 PMCID: PMC4540270 DOI: 10.1186/s40781-015-0056-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cellulose degrading bacteria from koala faeces were isolated using caboxymethylcellulose-Congo red agar, screened in vitro for different hydrolytic enzyme activities and phylogenetically characterized using molecular tools. Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were the most prominent bacteria from koala faeces. The isolates demonstrated good xylanase, amylase, lipase, protease, tannase and lignin peroxidase activities apart from endoglucanase activity. Furthermore many isolates grew in the presence of phenanthrene, indicating their probable application for bioremediation. Potential isolates can be exploited further for industrial enzyme production or in bioremediation of contaminated sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surender Singh
- Division of Microbiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012 India
| | - Palanisami Thavamani
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales Australia ; formerly, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, South Australia Australia ; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), Adelaide, 5095 South Australia Australia
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales Australia ; formerly, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, South Australia Australia ; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), Adelaide, 5095 South Australia Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales Australia ; formerly, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, South Australia Australia ; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), Adelaide, 5095 South Australia Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Varela A, Martins C, Núñez O, Martins I, Houbraken JAMP, Martins TM, Leitão MC, McLellan I, Vetter W, Galceran MT, Samson RA, Hursthouse A, Silva Pereira C. Understanding fungal functional biodiversity during the mitigation of environmentally dispersed pentachlorophenol in cork oak forest soils. Environ Microbiol 2015; 17:2922-34. [PMID: 25753337 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is globally dispersed and contamination of soil with this biocide adversely affects its functional biodiversity, particularly of fungi - key colonizers. Their functional role as a community is poorly understood, although a few pathways have been already elucidated in pure cultures. This constitutes here our main challenge - elucidate how fungi influence the pollutant mitigation processes in forest soils. Circumstantial evidence exists that cork oak forests in N. W. Tunisia - economically critical managed forests are likely to be contaminated with PCP, but the scientific evidence has previously been lacking. Our data illustrate significant forest contamination through the detection of undefined active sources of PCP. By solving the taxonomic diversity and the PCP-derived metabolomes of both the cultivable fungi and the fungal community, we demonstrate here that most strains (predominantly penicillia) participate in the pollutant biotic degradation. They form an array of degradation intermediates and by-products, including several hydroquinone, resorcinol and catechol derivatives, either chlorinated or not. The degradation pathway of the fungal community includes uncharacterized derivatives, e.g. tetrachloroguaiacol isomers. Our study highlights fungi key role in the mineralization and short lifetime of PCP in forest soils and provide novel tools to monitor its degradation in other fungi dominated food webs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adélia Varela
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2784-505, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Celso Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Oscar Núñez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Serra Húnter Programme, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Jos A M P Houbraken
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, P.O. Box 85167-3508AD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tiago M Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - M Cristina Leitão
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Iain McLellan
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Science and Sport, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley Campus, PA1 2BE, Paisley, UK
| | - Walter Vetter
- Institute of Food Chemistry (170b), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - M Teresa Galceran
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert A Samson
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.,CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, P.O. Box 85167-3508AD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew Hursthouse
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Science and Sport, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley Campus, PA1 2BE, Paisley, UK
| | - Cristina Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal.,Institute of Food Chemistry (170b), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Greiner K, Peršoh D, Weig A, Rambold G. Phialosimplex salinarum, a new species of Eurotiomycetes from a hypersaline habitat. IMA Fungus 2014; 5:161-72. [PMID: 25734026 PMCID: PMC4329318 DOI: 10.5598/imafungus.2014.05.02.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Salt mines represent an extreme environment with hypersaline conditions, complete darkness, and low nutrient availability. The diversity of filamentous fungi in such habitats is largely unknown. Eight strains of an unknown fungus were isolated from water samples of the salt mine in Berchtesgaden (Bavaria, Germany). They could be assigned to the ascomycete genus Phialosimplex, based on their common characteristics of producing conidia in chains or in heads on single phialides. Species of this genus are hitherto known to cause mycoses in dogs and have been found in mummies. Using molecular and morphological methods, the isolates are established as a new species, Phialosimplex salinarum sp. nov. Basipetospora halophila is also transferred to Phialosimplex as P. halophila comb. nov.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Greiner
- Mycology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Derek Peršoh
- Mycology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Alfons Weig
- DNA-Analytics and Ecoinformatics, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Gerhard Rambold
- Mycology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany ; DNA-Analytics and Ecoinformatics, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yao J, Guo GS, Ren GH, Liu YH. Production, characterization and applications of tannase. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcatb.2013.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
12
|
Optimization of protease production by endophytic fungus, Alternaria alternata, isolated from an Australian native plant. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 30:1755-62. [PMID: 24419660 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-014-1598-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Endophytes are recognised as potential sources of novel secondary metabolites, including enzymes and drugs, with applications in medicine, agriculture and industry. There is a growing need for new enzymes, including proteases, for use in industry that can function under a variety of conditions. In this study, three fungal endophytes (Alternaria alternata, Phoma herbarum and an unclassified fungus), were isolated from the Australian native plant, Eremophilia longifolia, and assessed for production of proteases. The lyophilised growth media obtained after fungal fermentation were analysed for protease production using enzyme activity assays. Protease production was optimised by assessing the effects of temperature, pH, carbon source and nitrogen source on activity. A. alternata showed the greatest protease activity in a wide range of pH (3-9). The broadest activity between 9 and 50 °C was observed at pH 7, suggesting a neutral protease. Overall, the optimum conditions were 37 °C and pH 7 with a maximum specific activity value of 69.86 BAEE units/mg. The characteristics demonstrated by this fungal endophyte showed that it is a potential source of an enzyme with particular application in the dairy industry. However, further studies of the tolerance to higher temperatures and pH will indicate whether the enzyme is suitable to such applications.
Collapse
|
13
|
Martins I, Garcia H, Varela A, Núñez O, Planchon S, Galceran MT, Renaut J, Rebelo LPN, Silva Pereira C. Investigating Aspergillus nidulans secretome during colonisation of cork cell walls. J Proteomics 2013; 98:175-88. [PMID: 24316358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2013.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Cork, the outer bark of Quercus suber, shows a unique compositional structure, a set of remarkable properties, including high recalcitrance. Cork colonisation by Ascomycota remains largely overlooked. Herein, Aspergillus nidulans secretome on cork was analysed (2DE). Proteomic data were further complemented by microscopic (SEM) and spectroscopic (ATR-FTIR) evaluation of the colonised substrate and by targeted analysis of lignin degradation compounds (UPLC-HRMS). Data showed that the fungus formed an intricate network of hyphae around the cork cell walls, which enabled polysaccharides and lignin superficial degradation, but probably not of suberin. The degradation of polysaccharides was suggested by the identification of few polysaccharide degrading enzymes (β-glucosidases and endo-1,5-α-l-arabinosidase). Lignin degradation, which likely evolved throughout a Fenton-like mechanism relying on the activity of alcohol oxidases, was supported by the identification of small aromatic compounds (e.g. cinnamic acid and veratrylaldehyde) and of several putative high molecular weight lignin degradation products. In addition, cork recalcitrance was corroborated by the identification of several protein species which are associated with autolysis. Finally, stringent comparative proteomics revealed that A. nidulans colonisation of cork and wood share a common set of enzymatic mechanisms. However the higher polysaccharide accessibility in cork might explain the increase of β-glucosidase in cork secretome. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Cork degradation by fungi remains largely overlook. Herein we aimed at understanding how A. nidulans colonise cork cell walls and how this relates to wood colonisation. To address this, the protein species consistently present in the secretome were analysed, as well as major alterations occurring in the substrate, including lignin degradation compounds being released. The obtained data demonstrate that this fungus has superficially attacked the cork cell walls apparently by using both enzymatic and Fenton-like reactions. Only a few polysaccharide degrading enzymes could be detected in the secretome which was dominated by protein species associated with autolysis. Lignin degradation was corroborated by the identification of some degradation products, but the suberin barrier in the cell wall remained virtually intact. Comparative proteomics revealed that cork and wood colonisation share a common set of enzymatic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Martins
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (IBET), Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Helga Garcia
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Adélia Varela
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, (INIAV), Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês, 2784-505 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Oscar Núñez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sébastien Planchon
- Proteomics Platform, Centre de Recherche Public -Gabriel Lippmann, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Maria Teresa Galceran
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jenny Renaut
- Proteomics Platform, Centre de Recherche Public -Gabriel Lippmann, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Luís P N Rebelo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cristina Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (IBET), Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
The diversity and antimicrobial activity of Preussia sp. endophytes isolated from Australian dry rainforests. Curr Microbiol 2013; 68:30-7. [PMID: 23975673 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-013-0415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Limited knowledge currently exists regarding species diversity and antimicrobial activity of endophytic isolates of Preussia within Australia. This report describes endophytic Preussia species that were identified through molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region. Screening for antimicrobial secondary metabolites was determined by testing crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts derived from fungal mycelia against a panel of ATCC type strains which included Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the opportunist yeast pathogen Candida albicans. Subsequently, high-performance liquid chromatography generated fractions of bioactive EtOAc extracts which were subject to confirmatory testing using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute reference microdilution antimicrobial activity assay. A total of 18 Preussia were isolated from nine host plants with 6/18 having a <97 % sequence similarity to other known species in Genbank, suggesting that they are new species. In preliminary screening, 13/18 Preussia isolates revealed antimicrobial activity against at least one of the microbes tested, whilst 6/18 isolates, including 4/6 putative new species showed specific antimicrobial activity against MRSA and C. albicans. These results highlight the antimicrobial potential of Australian Preussia spp. and also the importance of Australian dry rainforests as an untapped repository of potentially significant bioactive compounds.
Collapse
|
15
|
Azeem M, Rajarao GK, Nordenhem H, Nordlander G, Borg-Karlson AK. Penicillium expansum volatiles reduce pine weevil attraction to host plants. J Chem Ecol 2013; 39:120-8. [PMID: 23297108 PMCID: PMC3562436 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-012-0232-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The pine weevil Hylobius abietis (L.) is a severe pest of conifer seedlings in reforested areas of Europe and Asia. To identify minimally toxic and ecologically sustainable compounds for protecting newly planted seedlings, we evaluated the volatile metabolites produced by microbes isolated from H. abietis feces and frass. Female weevils deposit feces and chew bark at oviposition sites, presumably thus protecting eggs from feeding conspecifics. We hypothesize that microbes present in feces/frass are responsible for producing compounds that deter weevils. Here, we describe the isolation of a fungus from feces and frass of H. abietis and the biological activity of its volatile metabolites. The fungus was identified by morphological and molecular methods as Penicillium expansum Link ex. Thom. It was cultured on sterilized H. abietis frass medium in glass flasks, and volatiles were collected by SPME and analyzed by GC-MS. The major volatiles of the fungus were styrene and 3-methylanisole. The nutrient conditions for maximum production of styrene and 3-methylanisole were examined. Large quantities of styrene were produced when the fungus was cultured on grated pine bark with yeast extract. In a multi-choice arena test, styrene significantly reduced male and female pine weevils' attraction to cut pieces of Scots pine twigs, whereas 3-methylanisole only reduced male weevil attraction to pine twigs. These studies suggest that metabolites produced by microbes may be useful as compounds for controlling insects, and could serve as sustainable alternatives to synthetic insecticides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azeem
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunaratna Kuttuva Rajarao
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Biotechnology, Division of Environmental Microbiology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Nordenhem
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 7044, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Göran Nordlander
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 7044, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Karin Borg-Karlson
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
- Tartu University, Institute of Technology, Division of Organic Chemistry, Tartu, 50411 Estonia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Endophytes from an Australian native plant are a promising source of industrially useful enzymes. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2012; 29:335-45. [PMID: 23054705 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-012-1187-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Endophytes are microorganisms that live within plant tissues that are potential sources of novel bioactive compounds, including enzymes. We have identified endophytes of the Australian native plant Eremophilia longifolia which were screened for the production of industrially useful enzymes. Seventeen fungal endophytes were isolated from the leaves of E. longifolia and enzyme production was investigated within a range of pH (3.5, 5.5, 7 and 9) and temperatures (9, 25, 37 and 50 °C). Amylase was the most common enzyme encountered with numerous isolates showing production throughout the temperature and pH ranges. Protease production was also seen over the conditions tested but was more dominant at lower pH and temperature. Activity was not observed for other enzymes including ligninase, xylanase and cellobiohydrolase. Enzymes from isolates of Preussia minima, Alternaria sp. and an unclassified fungus, which showed highest activity in screening assays, were investigated further. Enzyme production was verified by zymography and the amylase activity of P. minima was found to be significantly greater than that of Aspergillus oryzae particularly in alkaline conditions and low temperature which are desirable properties for the detergent industry. This work shows that enzymes with potential use in industry can be readily identified in fungal endophytes.
Collapse
|
17
|
Lipase production by Aspergillus ibericus using olive mill wastewater. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2012; 36:285-91. [PMID: 22791217 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-012-0783-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Olive mill wastewater (OMW) characteristics make it a suitable resource to be used as a microbial culture media to produce value-added compounds, such as enzymes. In this work, the ability of the novel species Aspergillus ibericus to discolor OMW and produce lipase was studied. An initial screening on plates containing an OMW-based agar medium and an emulsified olive oil/rhodamine-B agar medium was employed to select the strain A. ibericus MUM 03.49. Then, experiments in conical flasks with liquid OMW-based media showed that the fungus could growth on undiluted OMW, with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 97 ± 2 g/L, and to produce up to 2,927 ± 54 U/L of lipase. When pure OMW was used in the media, the maximum COD and color reduction achieved were 45 and 97 %, respectively. When OMW diluted to 10 % was used, A. ibericus was able to reduce phenolic and aromatic compounds by 37 and 39 %, respectively. Additionally, lipase production was found to be promoted by the addition of mineral nutrients. When the fermentations were scaled up to a 2-L bioreactor, A. ibericus produced up to 8,319 ± 33 U/L of lipase, and the maximum COD and color reduction were 57 and 24 %, respectively.
Collapse
|
18
|
Bao L, Huang Q, Chang L, Zhou J, Lu H. Screening and characterization of a cellulase with endocellulase and exocellulase activity from yak rumen metagenome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcatb.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
19
|
Bao L, Huang Q, Chang L, Sun Q, Zhou J, Lu H. Cloning and Characterization of Two β-Glucosidase/Xylosidase Enzymes from Yak Rumen Metagenome. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2011; 166:72-86. [PMID: 22020745 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-011-9405-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
|
20
|
Rodríguez-Durán LV, Valdivia-Urdiales B, Contreras-Esquivel JC, Rodríguez-Herrera R, Aguilar CN. Novel strategies for upstream and downstream processing of tannin acyl hydrolase. Enzyme Res 2011; 2011:823619. [PMID: 21941633 PMCID: PMC3175710 DOI: 10.4061/2011/823619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tannin acyl hydrolase also referred as tannase is an enzyme with important applications in several science and technology fields. Due to its hydrolytic and synthetic properties, tannase could be used to reduce the negative effects of tannins in beverages, food, feed, and tannery effluents, for the production of gallic acid from tannin-rich materials, the elucidation of tannin structure, and the synthesis of gallic acid esters in nonaqueous media. However, industrial applications of tannase are still very limited due to its high production cost. Thus, there is a growing interest in the production, recovery, and purification of this enzyme. Recently, there have been published a number of papers on the improvement of upstream and downstream processing of the enzyme. These papers dealt with the search for new tannase producing microorganisms, the application of novel fermentation systems, optimization of culture conditions, the production of the enzyme by recombinant microorganism, and the design of efficient protocols for tannase recovery and purification. The present work reviews the state of the art of basic and biotechnological aspects of tannin acyl hydrolase, focusing on the recent advances in the upstream and downstream processing of the enzyme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis V Rodríguez-Durán
- Food Research Department, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Boulevard V. Carranza and González Lobo s/n, 25280 Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
|
22
|
Secretome of the Coprophilous Fungus Doratomyces stemonitis C8, Isolated from Koala Feces. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:3793-801. [PMID: 21498763 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00252-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coprophilous fungi inhabit herbivore feces, secreting enzymes to degrade the most recalcitrant parts of plant biomass that have resisted the digestive process. Consequently, the secretomes of coprophilous fungi have high potential to contain novel and efficient plant cell wall degrading enzymes of biotechnological interest. We have used one-dimensional and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS/MS), and quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (Q-TOF LC-MS/MS) to identify proteins from the secretome of the coprophilous fungus Doratomyces stemonitis C8 (EU551185) isolated from koala feces. As the genome of D. stemonitis has not been sequenced, cross-species identification, de novo sequencing, and zymography formed an integral part of the analysis. A broad range of enzymes involved in the degradation of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, and protein were revealed, dominated by cellobiohydrolase of the glycosyl hydrolase family 7 and endo-1,4-β-xylanase of the glycosyl hydrolase family 10. A high degree of specialization for pectin degradation in the D. stemonitis C8 secretome distinguishes it from the secretomes of some other saprophytic fungi, such as the industrially exploited T. reesei. In the first proteomic analysis of the secretome of a coprophilous fungus reported to date, the identified enzymes provide valuable insight into how coprophilous fungi subsist on herbivore feces, and these findings hold potential for increasing the efficiency of plant biomass degradation in industrial processes such as biofuel production in the future.
Collapse
|
23
|
Herrera J, Poudel R, Khidir HH. Molecular characterization of coprophilous fungal communities reveals sequences related to root-associated fungal endophytes. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2011; 61:239-244. [PMID: 20842497 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-010-9744-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 08/29/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports the use of molecular methods to characterize the coprophilous fungal communities (CFC) that inhabit the dung of four species of mammalian herbivores at two sites, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) in New Mexico and Wind Cave National Park (WCNP) in South Dakota. Results reveal that CFC from domesticated cattle (Bos taurus) at SNWR, and bison (Bison bison) and black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) at WCNP were diverse but dominated primarily by members within eight taxonomic orders, including the rarely cultured and anaerobic order Neocallimastigales. In addition, 7.7% (138 of 1,788) of the sequences obtained from all dung samples were at least 97% similar to root-associated fungal (RAF) sequences previously described from blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), a common forage grass found throughout North America and growing at both study sites. In contrast, 95.8% (295 of 308) of the sequences and four of the total seven operational taxonomic units obtained from pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) dung belonged to the Pleosporalean order. We hypothesize that some herbivore vectors disperse non-systemic (non-clavicipitaceous) fungal endophytes. These dispersal events, it is argued, are most likely to occur via herbivores that occasionally forage and masticate root tissue, especially in arid regions where aboveground vegetation is sparse. The results of this study suggest that some (possibly many) members of the RAF community can expand their ecological role to include colonizing dung.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Herrera
- Department of Biology, 100 E Normal, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sakalidis ML, Hardy GES, Burgess TI. Endophytes as potential pathogens of the baobab species Adansonia gregorii: a focus on the Botryosphaeriaceae. FUNGAL ECOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2010.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
25
|
Extracellular hydrolase profiles of fungi isolated from koala faeces invite biotechnological interest. Mycol Prog 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s11557-010-0690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
26
|
Peterson R, Grinyer J, Joss J, Khan A, Nevalainen H. Fungal proteins with mannanase activity identified directly from a Congo Red stained zymogram by mass spectrometry. J Microbiol Methods 2009; 79:374-7. [PMID: 19854225 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2009.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2009] [Revised: 10/14/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Secreted fungal proteins with mannanase activity were identified by mass spectrometry of bands excised from a Congo Red stained zymogram containing locust bean gum as substrate. This technique circumvents the need to locate corresponding bands on a parallel gel without substrate and provides good accuracy in targeting proteins for identification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Peterson
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|