1
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Espinoza JL, Phillips A, Prentice MB, Tan GS, Kamath PL, Lloyd KG, Dupont CL. Unveiling the microbial realm with VEBA 2.0: a modular bioinformatics suite for end-to-end genome-resolved prokaryotic, (micro)eukaryotic and viral multi-omics from either short- or long-read sequencing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:e63. [PMID: 38909293 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms, encompassing prokaryotic (bacterial and archaeal), eukaryotic, and viral entities. This microbial ensemble plays a pivotal role in influencing the health and productivity of diverse ecosystems while shaping the web of life. However, many software suites developed to study microbiomes analyze only the prokaryotic community and provide limited to no support for viruses and microeukaryotes. Previously, we introduced the Viral Eukaryotic Bacterial Archaeal (VEBA) open-source software suite to address this critical gap in microbiome research by extending genome-resolved analysis beyond prokaryotes to encompass the understudied realms of eukaryotes and viruses. Here we present VEBA 2.0 with key updates including a comprehensive clustered microeukaryotic protein database, rapid genome/protein-level clustering, bioprospecting, non-coding/organelle gene modeling, genome-resolved taxonomic/pathway profiling, long-read support, and containerization. We demonstrate VEBA's versatile application through the analysis of diverse case studies including marine water, Siberian permafrost, and white-tailed deer lung tissues with the latter showcasing how to identify integrated viruses. VEBA represents a crucial advancement in microbiome research, offering a powerful and accessible software suite that bridges the gap between genomics and biotechnological solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh L Espinoza
- Department of Environment and Sustainability, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Allan Phillips
- Department of Environment and Sustainability, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Melanie B Prentice
- School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Gene S Tan
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pauline L Kamath
- School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
- Maine Center for Genetics in the Environment, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Karen G Lloyd
- Microbiology Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37917, USA
| | - Chris L Dupont
- Department of Environment and Sustainability, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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2
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Lenferink WB, van Alen TA, Jetten MSM, Op den Camp HJM, van Kessel MAHJ, Lücker S. Genomic analysis of the class Phycisphaerae reveals a versatile group of complex carbon-degrading bacteria. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2024; 117:104. [PMID: 39043958 PMCID: PMC11266412 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-024-02002-7] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria of the phylum Planctomycetota have received much attention over the years due to their unique cell biology and potential for biotechnological application. Within the phylum, bacteria of the class Phycisphaerae have been found in a multitude of environmental datasets. However, only a few species have been brought into culture so far and even enrichments are scarce. Therefore, very little is known about their lifestyle, which has hindered efforts to estimate their environmental relevance. Here, we analysed all medium- and high-quality Phycisphaerae genomes represented in the genome taxonomy database to learn more about their physiology. We combined automatic and manual annotation efforts to provide a bird's eye view of their diverse energy metabolisms. Contrasting previous reports, we did not find indications for the presence of genes for anaerobic ammonium oxidation in any Phycisphaerae genome. Instead, we found that many members of this class are adapted to a facultative anaerobic or strictly fermentative lifestyle and may be specialized in the breakdown of carbon compounds produced by other organisms. Based on these findings, we provide a practical overview of organic carbon substrates predicted to be utilized by Phycisphaerae families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter B Lenferink
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo A van Alen
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mike S M Jetten
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Huub J M Op den Camp
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje A H J van Kessel
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Lücker
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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3
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Lopes JC, Kinasz CT, Luiz AMC, Kreusch MG, Duarte RTD. Frost fighters: unveiling the potential of microbial antifreeze proteins in biotech innovation. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae140. [PMID: 38877650 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae140] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Polar environments pose extreme challenges for life due to low temperatures, limited water, high radiation, and frozen landscapes. Despite these harsh conditions, numerous macro and microorganisms have developed adaptive strategies to reduce the detrimental effects of extreme cold. A primary survival tactic involves avoiding or tolerating intra and extracellular freezing. Many organisms achieve this by maintaining a supercooled state by producing small organic compounds like sugars, glycerol, and amino acids, or through increasing solute concentration. Another approach is the synthesis of ice-binding proteins, specifically antifreeze proteins (AFPs), which hinder ice crystal growth below the melting point. This adaptation is crucial for preventing intracellular ice formation, which could be lethal, and ensuring the presence of liquid water around cells. AFPs have independently evolved in different species, exhibiting distinct thermal hysteresis and ice structuring properties. Beyond their ecological role, AFPs have garnered significant attention in biotechnology for potential applications in the food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. This review aims to offer a thorough insight into the activity and impacts of AFPs on water, examining their significance in cold-adapted organisms, and exploring the diversity of microbial AFPs. Using a meta-analysis from cultivation-based and cultivation-independent data, we evaluate the correlation between AFP-producing microorganisms and cold environments. We also explore small and large-scale biotechnological applications of AFPs, providing a perspective for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Camila Lopes
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina-Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Camila Tomazini Kinasz
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina-Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima,, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Alanna Maylle Cararo Luiz
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina-Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima,, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Marianne Gabi Kreusch
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina-Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Rubens Tadeu Delgado Duarte
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Extremophiles, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina-Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Reitor João David Ferreira Lima,, s/n Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
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4
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Espinoza JL, Phillips A, Prentice MB, Tan GS, Kamath PL, Lloyd KG, Dupont CL. Unveiling the Microbial Realm with VEBA 2.0: A modular bioinformatics suite for end-to-end genome-resolved prokaryotic, (micro)eukaryotic, and viral multi-omics from either short- or long-read sequencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.08.583560. [PMID: 38559265 PMCID: PMC10979853 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.583560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms, encompassing prokaryotic (bacterial and archaeal), eukaryotic, and viral entities. This microbial ensemble plays a pivotal role in influencing the health and productivity of diverse ecosystems while shaping the web of life. However, many software suites developed to study microbiomes analyze only the prokaryotic community and provide limited to no support for viruses and microeukaryotes. Previously, we introduced the Viral Eukaryotic Bacterial Archaeal (VEBA) open-source software suite to address this critical gap in microbiome research by extending genome-resolved analysis beyond prokaryotes to encompass the understudied realms of eukaryotes and viruses. Here we present VEBA 2.0 with key updates including a comprehensive clustered microeukaryotic protein database, rapid genome/protein-level clustering, bioprospecting, non-coding/organelle gene modeling, genome-resolved taxonomic/pathway profiling, long-read support, and containerization. We demonstrate VEBA's versatile application through the analysis of diverse case studies including marine water, Siberian permafrost, and white-tailed deer lung tissues with the latter showcasing how to identify integrated viruses. VEBA represents a crucial advancement in microbiome research, offering a powerful and accessible platform that bridges the gap between genomics and biotechnological solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh L. Espinoza
- Department of Environment and Sustainability, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Allan Phillips
- Department of Environment and Sustainability, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Gene S. Tan
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pauline L. Kamath
- School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Karen G. Lloyd
- Microbiology Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37917, USA
| | - Chris L. Dupont
- Department of Environment and Sustainability, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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5
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McDonald MD, Owusu-Ansah C, Ellenbogen JB, Malone ZD, Ricketts MP, Frolking SE, Ernakovich JG, Ibba M, Bagby SC, Weissman JL. What is microbial dormancy? Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:142-150. [PMID: 37689487 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.08.006] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Life can be stressful. One way to deal with stress is to simply wait it out. Microbes do this by entering a state of reduced activity and increased resistance commonly called 'dormancy'. But what is dormancy? Different scientific disciplines emphasize distinct traits and phenotypic ranges in defining dormancy for their microbial species and system-specific questions of interest. Here, we propose a unified definition of microbial dormancy, using a broad framework to place earlier discipline-specific definitions in a new context. We then discuss how this new definition and framework may improve our ability to investigate dormancy using multi-omics tools. Finally, we leverage our framework to discuss the diversity of genomic mechanisms for dormancy in an extreme environment that challenges easy definitions - the permafrost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D McDonald
- Argonne National Laboratory, Environmental Sciences Division, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | | | - Jared B Ellenbogen
- EMergent Ecosystem Response to ChanGE (EMERGE) Biology Integration Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Zachary D Malone
- University of California, Merced Environmental Systems Graduate Group, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Michael P Ricketts
- Argonne National Laboratory, Environmental Sciences Division, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Steve E Frolking
- EMergent Ecosystem Response to ChanGE (EMERGE) Biology Integration Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; University of New Hampshire, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Jessica Gilman Ernakovich
- EMergent Ecosystem Response to ChanGE (EMERGE) Biology Integration Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; University of New Hampshire, Natural Resources and the Environment, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Michael Ibba
- EMergent Ecosystem Response to ChanGE (EMERGE) Biology Integration Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Sarah C Bagby
- EMergent Ecosystem Response to ChanGE (EMERGE) Biology Integration Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Case Western Reserve University, Department of Biology, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - J L Weissman
- Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Orange, CA 92866, USA; University of Southern California, Department of Biological Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA.
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6
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Pusadkar V, Azad RK. Benchmarking Metagenomic Classifiers on Simulated Ancient and Modern Metagenomic Data. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2478. [PMID: 37894136 PMCID: PMC10609333 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102478] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Taxonomic profiling of ancient metagenomic samples is challenging due to the accumulation of specific damage patterns on DNA over time. Although a number of methods for metagenome profiling have been developed, most of them have been assessed on modern metagenomes or simulated metagenomes mimicking modern metagenomes. Further, a comparative assessment of metagenome profilers on simulated metagenomes representing a spectrum of degradation depth, from the extremity of ancient (most degraded) to current or modern (not degraded) metagenomes, has not yet been performed. To understand the strengths and weaknesses of different metagenome profilers, we performed their comprehensive evaluation on simulated metagenomes representing human dental calculus microbiome, with the level of DNA damage successively raised to mimic modern to ancient metagenomes. All classes of profilers, namely, DNA-to-DNA, DNA-to-protein, and DNA-to-marker comparison-based profilers were evaluated on metagenomes with varying levels of damage simulating deamination, fragmentation, and contamination. Our results revealed that, compared to deamination and fragmentation, human and environmental contamination of ancient DNA (with modern DNA) has the most pronounced effect on the performance of each profiler. Further, the DNA-to-DNA (e.g., Kraken2, Bracken) and DNA-to-marker (e.g., MetaPhlAn4) based profiling approaches showed complementary strengths, which can be leveraged to elevate the state-of-the-art of ancient metagenome profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaidehi Pusadkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA;
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Rajeev K. Azad
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA;
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
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7
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Thieringer PH, Boyd ES, Templeton AS, Spear JR. Metapangenomic investigation provides insight into niche differentiation of methanogenic populations from the subsurface serpentinizing environment, Samail Ophiolite, Oman. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1205558. [PMID: 37465028 PMCID: PMC10350532 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1205558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Serpentinization reactions produce highly reduced waters that have hyperalkaline pH and that can have high concentrations of H2 and CH4. Putatively autotrophic methanogenic archaea have been identified in the subsurface waters of the Samail Ophiolite, Sultanate of Oman, though the strategies to overcome hyperalkaline pH and dissolved inorganic carbon limitation remain to be fully understood. Here, we recovered metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) and applied a metapangenomic approach to three different Methanobacterium populations to assess habitat-specific functional gene distribution. A Type I population was identified in the fluids with neutral pH, while a Type II and "Mixed" population were identified in the most hyperalkaline fluids (pH 11.63). The core genome of all Methanobacterium populations highlighted potential DNA scavenging techniques to overcome phosphate or nitrogen limitation induced by environmental conditions. With particular emphasis on the Mixed and Type II population found in the most hyperalkaline fluids, the accessory genomes unique to each population reflected adaptation mechanisms suggesting lifestyles that minimize niche overlap. In addition to previously reported metabolic capability to utilize formate as an electron donor and generate intracellular CO2, the Type II population possessed genes relevant to defense against antimicrobials and assimilating potential osmoprotectants to provide cellular stability. The accessory genome of the Mixed population was enriched in genes for multiple glycosyltransferases suggesting reduced energetic costs by adhering to mineral surfaces or to other microorganisms, and fostering a non-motile lifestyle. These results highlight the niche differentiation of distinct Methanobacterium populations to circumvent the challenges of serpentinization impacted fluids through coexistence strategies, supporting our ability to understand controls on methanogenic lifestyles and adaptations within the serpentinizing subsurface fluids of the Samail Ophiolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick H. Thieringer
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Eric S. Boyd
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Alexis S. Templeton
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - John R. Spear
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
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8
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Sannino C, Qi W, Rüthi J, Stierli B, Frey B. Distinct taxonomic and functional profiles of high Arctic and alpine permafrost-affected soil microbiomes. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2023; 18:54. [PMID: 37328770 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00509-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global warming is affecting all cold environments, including the European Alps and Arctic regions. Here, permafrost may be considered a unique ecosystem harboring a distinct microbiome. The frequent freeze-thaw cycles occurring in permafrost-affected soils, and mainly in the seasonally active top layers, modify microbial communities and consequently ecosystem processes. Although taxonomic responses of the microbiomes in permafrost-affected soils have been widely documented, studies about how the microbial genetic potential, especially pathways involved in C and N cycling, changes between active-layer soils and permafrost soils are rare. Here, we used shotgun metagenomics to analyze the microbial and functional diversity and the metabolic potential of permafrost-affected soil collected from an alpine site (Val Lavirun, Engadin area, Switzerland) and a High Arctic site (Station Nord, Villum Research Station, Greenland). The main goal was to discover the key genes abundant in the active-layer and permafrost soils, with the purpose to highlight the potential role of the functional genes found. RESULTS We observed differences between the alpine and High Arctic sites in alpha- and beta-diversity, and in EggNOG, CAZy, and NCyc datasets. In the High Arctic site, the metagenome in permafrost soil had an overrepresentation (relative to that in active-layer soil) of genes involved in lipid transport by fatty acid desaturate and ABC transporters, i.e. genes that are useful in preventing microorganisms from freezing by increasing membrane fluidity, and genes involved in cell defense mechanisms. The majority of CAZy and NCyc genes were overrepresented in permafrost soils relative to active-layer soils in both localities, with genes involved in the degradation of carbon substrates and in the degradation of N compounds indicating high microbial activity in permafrost in response to climate warming. CONCLUSIONS Our study on the functional characteristics of permafrost microbiomes underlines the remarkably high functional gene diversity of the High Arctic and temperate mountain permafrost, including a broad range of C- and N-cycling genes, and multiple survival and energetic metabolisms. Their metabolic versatility in using organic materials from ancient soils undergoing microbial degradation determine organic matter decomposition and greenhouse gas emissions upon permafrost thawing. Attention to their functional genes is therefore essential to predict potential soil-climate feedbacks to the future warmer climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Sannino
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Weihong Qi
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics SIB, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joel Rüthi
- Rhizosphere Processes Group, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Beat Stierli
- Rhizosphere Processes Group, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Beat Frey
- Rhizosphere Processes Group, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
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9
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Wu X, Almatari AL, Cyr WA, Williams DE, Pfiffner SM, Rivkina EM, Lloyd KG, Vishnivetskaya TA. Microbial life in 25-m-deep boreholes in ancient permafrost illuminated by metagenomics. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2023; 18:33. [PMID: 37055869 PMCID: PMC10103415 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00487-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the composition and potential metabolic adaptation of microbial communities in northeastern Siberia, a repository of the oldest permafrost in the Northern Hemisphere. Samples of contrasting depth (1.75 to 25.1 m below surface), age (from ~ 10 kyr to 1.1 Myr) and salinity (from low 0.1-0.2 ppt and brackish 0.3-1.3 ppt to saline 6.1 ppt) were collected from freshwater permafrost (FP) of borehole AL1_15 on the Alazeya River, and coastal brackish permafrost (BP) overlying marine permafrost (MP) of borehole CH1_17 on the East Siberian Sea coast. To avoid the limited view provided with culturing work, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to show that the biodiversity decreased dramatically with permafrost age. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis placed the samples into three groups: FP and BP together (10-100 kyr old), MP (105-120 kyr old), and FP (> 900 kyr old). Younger FP/BP deposits were distinguished by the presence of Acidobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Chloroflexota_A, and Gemmatimonadota, older FP deposits had a higher proportion of Gammaproteobacteria, and older MP deposits had much more uncultured groups within Asgardarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, Chloroflexota, Patescibacteria, and unassigned archaea. The 60 recovered metagenome-assembled genomes and un-binned metagenomic assemblies suggested that despite the large taxonomic differences between samples, they all had a wide range of taxa capable of fermentation coupled to nitrate utilization, with the exception of sulfur reduction present only in old MP deposits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Wu
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, 1416 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1605, USA
| | - Abraham L Almatari
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, 1416 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1605, USA
| | - Wyatt A Cyr
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, 1416 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1605, USA
| | - Daniel E Williams
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, 1416 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1605, USA
| | - Susan M Pfiffner
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, 1416 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1605, USA
| | - Elizaveta M Rivkina
- Soil Cryology Laboratory, Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia, 142290
| | - Karen G Lloyd
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Tatiana A Vishnivetskaya
- Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, 1416 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1605, USA.
- Soil Cryology Laboratory, Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia, 142290.
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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10
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Zhu X, Deng Y, Hernández M, Fang J, Xing P, Liu Y. Distinct responses of soil methanotrophy in hummocks and hollows to simulated glacier meltwater and temperature rise in Tibetan glacier foreland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160888. [PMID: 36521618 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Glacier foreland soils are known to be essential methane (CH4) consumers. However, global warming and increased glacier meltwater have turned some foreland meadows into swamp meadows. The potential impact of this change on the function of foreland soils in methane consumption remains unclear. Therefore, we collected Tibetan glacier foreland soils in the non-melting season from typical microtopography in swamp meadows (hummock and hollow). Three soil moisture conditions (moist, saturated, and submerged) were set by adding glacier runoff water. Soil samples were then incubated in the laboratory for two weeks at 10 °C and 20 °C. About 5 % of 13CH4/12CH4 was added to the incubation bottles, and daily methane concentrations were measured. DNA stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) and high-throughput sequencing were combined to target the active methanotroph populations. The results showed that type Ia methanotrophs, including Crenothrix, Methylobacter, and an unclassified Methylomonadaceae cluster, actively oxidized methane at 10 °C and 20 °C. There were distinct responses of methanotrophs to soil moisture rises in hummock and hollow soils, resulting in different methane oxidation potentials. In both hummock and hollow soils, the methane oxidation potential was positively correlated with temperature. Furthermore, saturated hummock soils exhibited the highest methane oxidation potential and methanotroph populations, while submerged hollow soils had the lowest. This suggests that the in-situ hummock soils, generally saturated with water, are more essential than in-situ hollows, typically submerged in water, for alleviating the global warming potential of swamp meadows in the Tibetan glacier foreland during the growing season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinshu Zhu
- School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yongcui Deng
- School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Marcela Hernández
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jie Fang
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peng Xing
- Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yongqin Liu
- Center for the Pan-third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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11
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Sood U, Dhingra GG, Anand S, Hira P, Kumar R, Kaur J, Verma M, Singhvi N, Lal S, Rawat CD, Singh VK, Kaur J, Verma H, Tripathi C, Singh P, Dua A, Saxena A, Phartyal R, Jayaraj P, Makhija S, Gupta R, Sahni S, Nayyar N, Abraham JS, Somasundaram S, Lata P, Solanki R, Mahato NK, Prakash O, Bala K, Kumari R, Toteja R, Kalia VC, Lal R. Microbial Journey: Mount Everest to Mars. Indian J Microbiol 2022; 62:323-337. [PMID: 35974919 PMCID: PMC9375815 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-022-01029-6] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A rigorous exploration of microbial diversity has revealed its presence on Earth, deep oceans, and vast space. The presence of microbial life in diverse environmental conditions, ranging from moderate to extreme temperature, pH, salinity, oxygen, radiations, and altitudes, has provided the necessary impetus to search for them by extending the limits of their habitats. Microbiology started as a distinct science in the mid-nineteenth century and has provided inputs for the betterment of mankind during the last 150 years. As beneficial microbes are assets and pathogens are detrimental, studying both have its own merits. Scientists are nowadays working on illustrating the microbial dynamics in Earth's subsurface, deep sea, and polar regions. In addition to studying the role of microbes in the environment, the microbe-host interactions in humans, animals and plants are also unearthing newer insights that can help us to improve the health of the host by modulating the microbiota. Microbes have the potential to remediate persistent organic pollutants. Antimicrobial resistance which is a serious concern can also be tackled only after monitoring the spread of resistant microbes using disciplines of genomics and metagenomics The cognizance of microbiology has reached the top of the world. Space Missions are now looking for signs of life on the planets (specifically Mars), the Moon and beyond them. Among the most potent pieces of evidence to support the existence of life is to look for microbial, plant, and animal fossils. There is also an urgent need to deliberate and communicate these findings to layman and policymakers that would help them to take an adequate decision for better health and the environment around us. Here, we present a glimpse of recent advancements by scientists from around the world, exploring and exploiting microbial diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utkarsh Sood
- The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Shailly Anand
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Princy Hira
- Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Roshan Kumar
- Post-Graduate Department of Zoology, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, Bihar India
| | | | - Mansi Verma
- Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sukanya Lal
- Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Jaspreet Kaur
- Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Priya Singh
- Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Ankita Dua
- Shivaji College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Anjali Saxena
- Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Perumal Jayaraj
- Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Seema Makhija
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Renu Gupta
- Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Namita Nayyar
- Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Pushp Lata
- Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Renu Solanki
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Nitish Kumar Mahato
- University Department of Zoology, Kolhan University, Chaibasa, Jharkhand India
| | - Om Prakash
- National Centre for Cell Sciences, Pune, Maharashtra India
| | - Kiran Bala
- Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Rashmi Kumari
- College of Commerce, Arts and Science, Patliputra University, Patna, Bihar India
| | - Ravi Toteja
- Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | - Rup Lal
- The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, India
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12
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Abstract
Water is the cellular milieu, drives all biochemistry within Earth's biosphere and facilitates microbe-mediated decay processes. Instead of reviewing these topics, the current article focuses on the activities of water as a preservative-its capacity to maintain the long-term integrity and viability of microbial cells-and identifies the mechanisms by which this occurs. Water provides for, and maintains, cellular structures; buffers against thermodynamic extremes, at various scales; can mitigate events that are traumatic to the cell membrane, such as desiccation-rehydration, freeze-thawing and thermal shock; prevents microbial dehydration that can otherwise exacerbate oxidative damage; mitigates against biocidal factors (in some circumstances reducing ultraviolet radiation and diluting solute stressors or toxic substances); and is effective at electrostatic screening so prevents damage to the cell by the intense electrostatic fields of some ions. In addition, the water retained in desiccated cells (historically referred to as 'bound' water) plays key roles in biomacromolecular structures and their interactions even for fully hydrated cells. Assuming that the components of the cell membrane are chemically stable or at least repairable, and the environment is fairly constant, water molecules can apparently maintain membrane geometries over very long periods provided these configurations represent thermodynamically stable states. The spores and vegetative cells of many microbes survive longer in the presence of vapour-phase water (at moderate-to-high relative humidities) than under more-arid conditions. There are several mechanisms by which large bodies of water, when cooled during subzero weather conditions remain in a liquid state thus preventing potentially dangerous (freeze-thaw) transitions for their microbiome. Microbial life can be preserved in pure water, freshwater systems, seawater, brines, ice/permafrost, sugar-rich aqueous milieux and vapour-phase water according to laboratory-based studies carried out over periods of years to decades and some natural environments that have yielded cells that are apparently thousands, or even (for hypersaline fluid inclusions of mineralized NaCl) hundreds of millions, of years old. The term preservative has often been restricted to those substances used to extend the shelf life of foods (e.g. sodium benzoate, nitrites and sulphites) or those used to conserve dead organisms, such as ethanol or formaldehyde. For living microorganisms however, the ultimate preservative may actually be water. Implications of this role are discussed with reference to the ecology of halophiles, human pathogens and other microbes; food science; biotechnology; biosignatures for life and other aspects of astrobiology; and the large-scale release/reactivation of preserved microbes caused by global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food SecuritySchool of Biological SciencesQueen’s University Belfast19 Chlorine GardensBelfastBT9 5DLUK
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