Identification of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase responsible for hydrogen generation in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and demonstration of increased ethanol yield via hydrogenase knockout

Cofactor engineering in Thermoanaerobacterium aotearoense SCUT27 for maximizing ethanol yield and revealing an enzyme complex with high ferredoxin-NAD+ reductase activity

Thermoanaerobacterium aotearoense SCUT27 is a prominent producer of biofuels from lignocellulosic materials. To provide sufficient NAD(P)H for ethanol production, redox-related genes, including lactate dehydrogenase (ldh), redox-sensing transcriptional repressor (rex), and hydrogenase (hfsB), were knocked out. However, the growth of strain PRH (Δldh/Δrex/ΔhfsB) was suppressed due to the intracellular redox state imbalance with the increased NADH concentration. Coincidentally, when the Bcd-EtfAB (BCD) complex was overexpressed, the resulting strain PRH-B3 (Δldh/Δrex/ΔhfsB::BCD) grew rapidly and produced ethanol with a high yield. With lignocellulosic hydrolysates, PRH-BA (Δldh/Δrex/ΔhfsB::BCD::adhE) demonstrated high ethanol productivity and yield, reaching levels of 0.45-0.51 g/L/h and 0.46-0.53 g/g sugars, respectively. The study results shed light on the cofactor balance for cell stability and the high ferredoxin-NAD+ reductase activity of the BCD complex under an intracellular low redox state. They also provide an essential reference for developing strains for improved biofuel production.

Comparative genomics reveals probable adaptations for xylose use in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum

Second-generation ethanol, a promising biofuel for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, faces challenges due to the inefficient metabolism of xylose, a pentose sugar. Overcoming this hurdle requires exploration of genes, pathways, and organisms capable of fermenting xylose. Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum is an organism capable of naturally fermenting compounds of industrial interest, such as xylose, and understanding evolutionary adaptations may help to bring novel genes and information that can be used for industrial yeast, increasing production of current bio-platforms. This study presents a deep evolutionary study of members of the firmicutes clade, focusing on adaptations in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum that may be related to overall fermentation metabolism, especially for xylose fermentation. One highlight is the finding of positive selection on a xylose-binding protein of the xylFGH operon, close to the annotated sugar binding site, with this protein already being found to be expressed in xylose fermenting conditions in a previous study. Results from this study can serve as basis for searching for candidate genes to use in industrial strains or to improve Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum as a new microbial cell factory, which may help to solve current problems found in the biofuels' industry.

Metabolic engineering of Thermoanaerobacterium AK17 for increased ethanol production in seaweed hydrolysate

Sustainably produced renewable biomass has the potential to replace fossil-based feedstocks, for generation of biobased fuels and chemicals of industrial interest, in biorefineries. In this context, seaweeds contain a large fraction of carbohydrates that are a promising source for enzymatic and/or microbial biorefinery conversions. The thermoanaerobe Thermoanaerobacterium AK17 is a versatile fermentative bacterium producing ethanol, acetate and lactate from various sugars. In this study, strain AK17 was engineered for more efficient production of ethanol by knocking out the lactate and acetate side-product pathways. This was successfully achieved, but the strain reverted to acetate production by recruiting enzymes from the butyrate pathway. Subsequently this pathway was knocked out and the resultant strain AK17_M6 could produce ethanol close to the maximum theoretical yield (90%), leading to a 1.5-fold increase in production compared to the wild-type strain. Strain AK17 was also shown to successfully ferment brown seaweed hydrolysate from Laminaria digitata to ethanol in a comparatively high yield of 0.45 g/g substrate, with the primary carbon sources for the fermentations being mannitol, laminarin-derived glucose and short laminari-oligosaccharides. As strain AK17 was successfully engineered and has a wide carbohydrate utilization range that includes mannitol from brown seaweed, as well as hexoses and pentoses found in both seaweeds and lignocellulose, the new strain AK17_M6 obtained in this study is an interesting candidate for production of ethanol from both second and third generations biomass.

NMR-based metabolomic analysis of the physiological role of the electron-bifurcating FeFe-hydrogenase Hnd in Solidesulfovibrio fructosivorans under pyruvate fermentation

Solidesulfovibrio fructosivorans (formely Desulfovibrio fructosovorans), an anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacterium, possesses six gene clusters encoding six hydrogenases catalyzing the reversible oxidation of hydrogen gas (H₂) into protons and electrons. One of these, named Hnd, was demonstrated to be an electron-bifurcating hydrogenase Hnd (Kpebe et al., 2018). It couples the exergonic reduction of NAD⁺ to the endergonic reduction of a ferredoxin with electrons derived from H₂ and whose function has been recently shown to be involved in ethanol production under pyruvate fermentation (Payne 2022). To understand further the physiological role of Hnd in S. fructosivorans, we compared the mutant deleted of part of the hnd gene with the wild-type strain grown on pyruvate without sulfate using NMR-based metabolomics. Our results confirm that Hnd is profoundly involved in ethanol metabolism, but also indirectly intervenes in global carbon metabolism and additional metabolic processes such as the biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids. We also highlight the metabolic reprogramming induced by the deletion of hndD that leads to the upregulation of several NADP-dependent pathways.

Growth-uncoupled propanediol production in a Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum strain engineered for high ethanol yield

Cocultures of engineered thermophilic bacteria can ferment lignocellulose without costly pretreatment or added enzymes, an ability that can be exploited for low cost biofuel production from renewable feedstocks. The hemicellulose-fermenting species Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum was engineered for high ethanol yield, but we found that the strains switched from growth-coupled production of ethanol to growth uncoupled production of acetate and 1,2-propanediol upon growth cessation, producing up to 6.7 g/L 1,2-propanediol from 60 g/L cellobiose. The unique capability of this species to make 1,2-propanediol from sugars was described decades ago, but the genes responsible were not identified. Here we deleted genes encoding methylglyoxal reductase, methylglyoxal synthase and glycerol dehydrogenase. Deletion of the latter two genes eliminated propanediol production. To understand how carbon flux is redirected in this species, we hypothesized that high ATP levels during growth cessation downregulate the activity of alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase activities. Measurements with cell free extracts show approximately twofold and tenfold inhibition of these activities by 10 mM ATP, supporting the hypothesized mechanism of metabolic redirection. This result may have implications for efforts to direct and maximize flux through alcohol dehydrogenase in other species.

Fantastic [FeFe]-Hydrogenases and Where to Find Them

[FeFe]-hydrogenases are complex metalloenzymes, key to microbial energy metabolism in numerous organisms. During anaerobic metabolism, they dissipate excess reducing equivalents by using protons from water as terminal electron acceptors, leading to hydrogen production. This reaction is coupled to reoxidation of specific redox partners [ferredoxins, NAD(P)H or cytochrome c3], that can be used either individually or simultaneously (via flavin-based electron bifurcation). [FeFe]-hydrogenases also serve additional physiological functions such as H2 uptake (oxidation), H2 sensing, and CO2 fixation. This broad functional spectrum is enabled by a modular architecture and vast genetic diversity, which is not fully explored and understood. This Mini Review summarises recent advancements in identifying and characterising novel [FeFe]-hydrogenases, which has led to expanding our understanding of their multiple roles in metabolism and functional mechanisms. For example, while numerous well-known [FeFe]-hydrogenases are irreversibly damaged by oxygen, some newly discovered enzymes display intrinsic tolerance. These findings demonstrate that oxygen sensitivity varies between different [FeFe]-hydrogenases: in some cases, protection requires the presence of exogenous compounds such as carbon monoxide or sulphide, while in other cases it is a spontaneous built-in mechanism that relies on a reversible conformational change. Overall, it emerges that additional research is needed to characterise new [FeFe]-hydrogenases as this will reveal further details on the physiology and mechanisms of these enzymes that will enable potential impactful applications.

The electron-bifurcating FeFe-hydrogenase Hnd is involved in ethanol metabolism in Desulfovibrio fructosovorans grown on pyruvate

Desulfovibrio fructosovorans, a sulfate-reducing bacterium, possesses six gene clusters encoding six hydrogenases catalyzing the reversible oxidation of H₂ into protons and electrons. Among them, Hnd is an electron-bifurcating hydrogenase, coupling the exergonic reduction of NAD⁺ to the endergonic reduction of a ferredoxin with electrons derived from H₂ . It was previously hypothesized that its biological function involves the production of NADPH necessary for biosynthetic purposes. However, it was subsequently demonstrated that Hnd is instead a NAD⁺ -reducing enzyme, thus its specific function has yet to be established. To understand the physiological role of Hnd in D. fructosovorans, we compared the hnd deletion mutant with the wild-type strain grown on pyruvate. Growth, metabolites production and comsumption, and gene expression were compared under three different growth conditions. Our results indicate that hnd is strongly regulated at the transcriptional level and that its deletion has a drastic effect on the expression of genes for two enzymes, an aldehyde ferredoxin oxidoreductase and an alcohol dehydrogenase. We demonstrated here that Hnd is involved in ethanol metabolism when bacteria grow fermentatively and proposed that Hnd might oxidize part of the H₂ produced during fermentation generating both NADH and reduced ferredoxin for ethanol production via its electron bifurcation mechanism.

Engineered bacteria for valorizing lignocellulosic biomass into bioethanol

Appropriate bioprocessing of lignocellulosic materials into ethanol could address the world's insatiable appetite for energy while mitigating greenhouse gases. Bioethanol is an ideal gasoline extender and is widely used in many countries in blended form with gasoline at specific ratios to improve fuel characteristics and engine performance. Although the bioethanol production industry has long been operational, finding a suitable microbial agent for the efficient conversion of lignocelluloses is still an active field of study. Among available microbial candidates, engineered bacteria may be promising ethanol producers while may show other desired traits such as thermophilic nature and high ethanol tolerance. This review provides the current knowledge on the introduction, overexpression, and deletion of the genes that have been performed in bacterial hosts to achieve higher ethanol yield, production rate and titer, and tolerance. The constraints and possible solutions and economic feasibility of the processes utilizing such engineered strains are also discussed.

Groundwater Elusimicrobia are metabolically diverse compared to gut microbiome Elusimicrobia and some have a novel nitrogenase paralog

Currently described members of Elusimicrobia, a relatively recently defined phylum, are animal-associated and rely on fermentation. However, free-living Elusimicrobia have been detected in sediments, soils and groundwater, raising questions regarding their metabolic capacities and evolutionary relationship to animal-associated species. Here, we analyzed 94 draft-quality, non-redundant genomes, including 30 newly reconstructed genomes, from diverse animal-associated and natural environments. Genomes group into 12 clades, 10 of which previously lacked reference genomes. Groundwater-associated Elusimicrobia are predicted to be capable of heterotrophic or autotrophic lifestyles, reliant on oxygen or nitrate/nitrite-dependent respiration, or a variety of organic compounds and Rhodobacter nitrogen fixation (Rnf) complex-dependent acetogenesis with hydrogen and carbon dioxide as the substrates. Genomes from two clades of groundwater-associated Elusimicrobia often encode a new group of nitrogenase paralogs that co-occur with an extensive suite of radical S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) proteins. We identified similar genomic loci in genomes of bacteria from the Gracilibacteria phylum and the Myxococcales order and predict that the gene clusters reduce a tetrapyrrole, possibly to form a novel cofactor. The animal-associated Elusimicrobia clades nest phylogenetically within two free-living-associated clades. Thus, we propose an evolutionary trajectory in which some Elusimicrobia adapted to animal-associated lifestyles from free-living species via genome reduction.

Alternative type of Ames test allows for dynamic mutagenicity detection by online monitoring of respiration activity

The Ames test is the most commonly used mutagenicity test worldwide. It is based on a microbial system that uses histidine auxotrophic Salmonella typhimurium strains. Due to either spontaneous mutations or mutations induced by a mutagenic compound, the cells can regain their ability to grow without histidine supplementation. The degree of mutagenicity of a sample correlates with the number of cells that are able to grow in media that lack histidine. All test variants published up to now are endpoint determinations providing no information about cell growth and respiration activity during the cultivation time. This study aimed to develop an alternative type of Ames test by characterizing the respiration activity of Salmonella typhimurium over time for dynamic mutagenicity detection. It focuses on elucidating the mechanisms underlying this novel test system, and serves as a general proof of principle. Respiration activity (oxygen transfer and uptake rate) and biomass growth of Salmonella typhimurium TA 100 and TA 98 were mechanistically modeled to understand and predict the behavior of the bacteria during the Ames test. The results simulated by the model were experimentally validated by the online monitoring of respiration activity over cultivation time using a Respiration Activity MOnitoring System (RAMOS). The simulated prediction was observed to fit well to the experimental data. When a mutagenic compound was added, its mutagenicity could be detected online due to the elevated cell number and respiration of histidine prototrophic cells. Laborious manual evaluation of mutagenicity after cultivation is not necessary. Mutagenicity evaluation with the presented alternative Ames RAMOS test fitted well to results from an Ames fluctuation test. In the future, a miniaturized RAMOS device for microtiter plates should allow for a high-throughput Ames RAMOS test.

Engineering Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius for direct utilisation of holocellulose from wheat straw

BACKGROUND

A consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), where lignocellulose is converted into the desired product(s) in a single fermentative step without the addition of expensive degradative enzymes, represents the ideal solution of renewable routes to chemicals and fuels. Members of the genus Geobacillus are able to grow at elevated temperatures and are able to utilise a wide range of oligosaccharides derived from lignocellulose. This makes them ideally suited to the development of CBP.

RESULTS

In this study, we engineered Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius NCIMB 11955 to utilise lignocellulosic biomass, in the form of nitric acid/ammonia treated wheat straw to which expensive hydrolytic enzymes had not been added. Two different strains, BZ9 and BZ10, were generated by integrating the cglT (β-1,4-glucosidase) gene from Thermoanaerobacter brockii into the genome, and localising genes encoding different cellulolytic enzymes on autonomous plasmids. The plasmid of strain BZ10 carried a synthetic cellulosomal operon comprising the celA (Endoglucanase A) gene from Clostridium thermocellum and cel6B (Exoglucanase) from Thermobifida fusca; whereas, strain BZ9 contained a plasmid encoding the celA (multidomain cellulase) gene from Caldicellulosiruptor bescii. All of the genes were successfully expressed, and their encoded products secreted in a functionally active form, as evidenced by their detection in culture supernatants by Western blotting and enzymatic assay. In the case of the C. bescii CelA enzyme, this is one of the first times that the heterologous production of this multi-functional enzyme has been achieved in a heterologous host. Both strains (BZ9 and BZ10) exhibited improved growth on pre-treated wheat straw, achieving a higher final OD600 and producing greater numbers of viable cells. To demonstrate that cellulosic ethanol can be produced directly from lignocellulosic biomass by a single organism, we established our consortium of hydrolytic enzymes in a previously engineered ethanologenic G. thermoglucosidasius strain, LS242. We observed approximately twofold and 1.6-fold increase in ethanol production in the recombinant G. thermoglucosidasius equivalent to BZ9 and BZ10, respectively, compared to G. thermoglucosidasius LS242 strain at 24 h of growth.

CONCLUSION

We engineered G. thermoglucosidasius to utilise a real-world lignocellulosic biomass substrate and demonstrated that cellulosic ethanol can be produced directly from lignocellulosic biomass in one step. Direct conversion of biomass into desired products represents a new paradigm for CBP, offering the potential for carbon neutral, cost-effective production of sustainable chemicals and fuels.

Hydrogenases and H2 metabolism in sulfate-reducing bacteria of the Desulfovibrio genus

Hydrogen metabolism plays a central role in sulfate-reducing bacteria of the Desulfovibrio genus and is based on hydrogenases that catalyze the reversible conversion of protons into dihydrogen. These metabolically versatile microorganisms possess a complex hydrogenase system composed of several enzymes of both [FeFe]- and [NiFe]-type that can vary considerably from one Desulfovibrio species to another. This review covers the molecular and physiological aspects of hydrogenases and H₂ metabolism in Desulfovibrio but focuses particularly on our model bacterium Desulfovibrio fructosovorans. The search of hydrogenase genes in more than 30 sequenced genomes provides an overview of the distribution of these enzymes in Desulfovibrio. Our discussion will consider the significance of the involvement of electron-bifurcation in H₂ metabolism.

Genome Analysis of Vallitalea guaymasensis Strain L81 Isolated from a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent System

Abyssivirga alkaniphila strain L81T, recently isolated from a black smoker biofilm at the Loki’s Castle hydrothermal vent field, was previously described as a mesophilic, obligately anaerobic heterotroph able to ferment carbohydrates, peptides, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The strain was classified as a new genus within the family Lachnospiraceae. Herein, its genome is analyzed and A. alkaniphila is reassigned to the genus Vallitalea as a new strain of V. guaymasensis, designated V. guaymasensis strain L81. The 6.4 Mbp genome contained 5651 protein encoding genes, whereof 4043 were given a functional prediction. Pathways for fermentation of mono-saccharides, di-saccharides, peptides, and amino acids were identified whereas a complete pathway for the fermentation of n-alkanes was not found. Growth on carbohydrates and proteinous compounds supported methane production in co-cultures with Methanoplanus limicola. Multiple confurcating hydrogen-producing hydrogenases, a putative bifurcating electron-transferring flavoprotein—butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase complex, and a Rnf-complex form a basis for the observed hydrogen-production and a putative reverse electron-transport in V. guaymasensis strain L81. Combined with the observation that n-alkanes did not support growth in co-cultures with M. limicola, it seemed more plausible that the previously observed degradation patterns of crude-oil in strain L81 are explained by unspecific activation and may represent a detoxification mechanism, representing an interesting ecological function. Genes encoding a capacity for polyketide synthesis, prophages, and resistance to antibiotics shows interactions with the co-occurring microorganisms. This study enlightens the function of the fermentative microorganisms from hydrothermal vents systems and adds valuable information on the bioprospecting potential emerging in deep-sea hydrothermal systems.

Unique Spectroscopic Properties of the H-Cluster in a Putative Sensory [FeFe] Hydrogenase

Sensory type [FeFe] hydrogenases are predicted to play a role in transcriptional regulation by detecting the H₂ level of the cellular environment. These hydrogenases contain the hydrogenase domain with distinct modifications in the active site pocket, followed by a Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain. As yet, neither the physiological function nor the biochemical or spectroscopic properties of these enzymes have been explored. Here, we present the characterization of an artificially maturated, putative sensory [FeFe] hydrogenase from Thermotoga maritima (HydS). This enzyme shows lower hydrogen conversion activity than prototypical [FeFe] hydrogenases and a reduced inhibition by CO. Using FTIR spectroelectrochemistry and EPR spectroscopy, three redox states of the active site were identified. The spectroscopic signatures of the most oxidized state closely resemble those of the H_ox state from the prototypical [FeFe] hydrogenases, while the FTIR spectra of both singly and doubly reduced states show large differences. The FTIR bands of both the reduced states are strongly red-shifted relative to the H_ox state, indicating reduction at the diiron site, but with retention of the bridging CO ligand. The unique functional and spectroscopic features of HydS are discussed with regard to the possible role of altered amino acid residues influencing the electronic properties of the H-cluster.

State of the art review of biofuels production from lignocellulose by thermophilic bacteria

Biofuels, including ethanol and butanol, are mainly produced by mesophilic solventogenic yeasts and Clostridium species. However, these microorganisms cannot directly utilize lignocellulosic materials, which are abundant, renewable and non-compete with human demand. More recently, thermophilic bacteria show great potential for biofuels production, which could efficiently degrade lignocellulose through the cost effective consolidated bioprocessing. Especially, it could avoid contamination in the whole process owing to its relatively high fermentation temperature. However, wild types thermophiles generally produce low levels of biofuels, hindering their large scale production. This review comprehensively summarizes the state of the art development of biofuels production by reported thermophilic microorganisms, and also concludes strategies to improve biofuels production including the metabolic pathways construction, co-culturing systems and biofuels tolerance. In addition, strategies to further improve butanol production are proposed.

Deletion of the hfsB gene increases ethanol production in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and several other thermophilic anaerobic bacteria

BACKGROUND

With the discovery of interspecies hydrogen transfer in the late 1960s (Bryant et al. in Arch Microbiol 59:20-31, 1967), it was shown that reducing the partial pressure of hydrogen could cause mixed acid fermenting organisms to produce acetate at the expense of ethanol. Hydrogen and ethanol are both more reduced than glucose. Thus there is a tradeoff between production of these compounds imposed by electron balancing requirements; however, the mechanism is not fully known.

RESULTS

Deletion of the hfsA or B subunits resulted in a roughly 1.8-fold increase in ethanol yield. The increase in ethanol production appears to be associated with an increase in alcohol dehydrogenase activity, which appears to be due, at least in part, to increased expression of the adhE gene, and may suggest a regulatory linkage between hfsB and adhE. We studied this system most intensively in the organism Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum; however, deletion of hfsB also increases ethanol production in other thermophilic bacteria suggesting that this could be used as a general technique for engineering thermophilic bacteria for improved ethanol production in organisms with hfs-type hydrogenases.

CONCLUSION

Since its discovery by Shaw et al. (JAMA 191:6457-64, 2009), the hfs hydrogenase has been suspected to act as a regulator due to the presence of a PAS domain. We provide additional support for the presence of a regulatory phenomenon. In addition, we find a practical application for this scientific insight, namely increasing ethanol yield in strains that are of interest for ethanol production from cellulose or hemicellulose. In two of these organisms (T. xylanolyticum and T. thermosaccharolyticum), the ethanol yields are the highest reported to date.

Determining the roles of the three alcohol dehydrogenases (AdhA, AdhB and AdhE) in Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus during ethanol formation

Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus is a promising candidate for biofuel production due to the broad range of substrates it can utilize and its high ethanol yield compared to other thermophilic bacteria, such as Clostridium thermocellum. Three alcohol dehydrogenases, AdhA, AdhB and AdhE, play key roles in ethanol formation. To study their physiological roles during ethanol formation, we deleted them separately and in combination. Previously, it has been thought that both AdhB and AdhE were bifunctional alcohol dehydrogenases. Here we show that AdhE has primarily acetyl-CoA reduction activity (ALDH) and almost no acetaldehyde reduction (ADH) activity, whereas AdhB has no ALDH activity and but high ADH activity. We found that AdhA and AdhB have similar patterns of activity. Interestingly, although deletion of both adhA and adhB reduced ethanol production, a single deletion of either one actually increased ethanol yields by 60-70%.

Ferredoxin:NAD+ Oxidoreductase of Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and Its Role in Ethanol Formation

Ferredoxin:NAD⁺ oxidoreductase (NADH-FNOR) catalyzes the transfer of electrons from reduced ferredoxin to NAD⁺ This enzyme has been hypothesized to be the main enzyme responsible for ferredoxin oxidization in the NADH-based ethanol pathway in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum; however, the corresponding gene has not yet been identified. Here, we identified the Tsac_1705 protein as a candidate FNOR based on the homology of its functional domains. We then confirmed its activity in vitro with a ferredoxin-based FNOR assay. To determine its role in metabolism, the tsac_1705 gene was deleted in different strains of T. saccharolyticum In wild-type T. saccharolyticum, deletion of tsac_1705 resulted in a 75% loss of NADH-FNOR activity, which indicated that Tsac_1705 is the main NADH-FNOR in T. saccharolyticum When both NADH- and NADPH-linked FNOR genes were deleted, the ethanol titer decreased and the ratio of ethanol to acetate approached unity, indicative of the absence of FNOR activity. Finally, we tested the effect of heterologous expression of Tsac_1705 in Clostridium thermocellum and found improvements in both the titer and the yield of ethanol.

IMPORTANCE

Redox balance plays a crucial role in many metabolic engineering strategies. Ferredoxins are widely used as electron carriers for anaerobic microorganism and plants. This study identified the gene responsible for electron transfer from ferredoxin to NAD⁺, a key reaction in the ethanol production pathway of this organism and many other metabolic pathways. Identification of this gene is an important step in transferring the ethanol production ability of this organism to other organisms.

Phenotypic and Genomic Properties of Chitinispirillum alkaliphilum gen. nov., sp. nov., A Haloalkaliphilic Anaerobic Chitinolytic Bacterium Representing a Novel Class in the Phylum Fibrobacteres

Anaerobic enrichment from sediments of hypersaline alkaline lakes in Wadi el Natrun (Egypt) with chitin resulted in the isolation of a fermentative haloalkaliphilic bacterium, strain ACht6-1, growing exclusively with insoluble chitin as the substrate in a sodium carbonate-based medium at pH 8.5–10.5 and total Na⁺ concentrations from 0.4 to 1.75 M. The isolate had a Gram-negative cell wall and formed lipid cysts in old cultures. The chitinolytic activity was associated with cells. Analysis of the 4.4 Mb draft genome identified pathways for chitin utilization, particularly, secreted chitinases linked to the cell surface, as well as genes for the hydrolysis of other polysaccharides and fermentation of sugars, while the genes needed for aerobic and anaerobic respiration were absent. Adaptation to a haloalkaliphilic lifestyle was reflected by the gene repertoire encoding sodium rather than proton-dependent membrane-bound ion pumps, including the Rnf-type complex, oxaloacetate decarboxylase, V-type ATPase, and pyrophosphatase. The phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene and ribosomal proteins indicated that ACht6-1 forms a novel deep lineage at the class level within the bacterial candidate division TG3. Based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and genomic analyses, the novel chitinolytic bacterium is described as Chitinispirillum alkaliphilum gen. nov., sp. nov., within a novel class Chitinispirillia that could be included into the phylum Fibrobacteres.

Genomic and metagenomic surveys of hydrogenase distribution indicate H2 is a widely utilised energy source for microbial growth and survival

Recent physiological and ecological studies have challenged the long-held belief that microbial metabolism of molecular hydrogen (H2) is a niche process. To gain a broader insight into the importance of microbial H2 metabolism, we comprehensively surveyed the genomic and metagenomic distribution of hydrogenases, the reversible enzymes that catalyse the oxidation and evolution of H2. The protein sequences of 3286 non-redundant putative hydrogenases were curated from publicly available databases. These metalloenzymes were classified into multiple groups based on (1) amino acid sequence phylogeny, (2) metal-binding motifs, (3) predicted genetic organisation and (4) reported biochemical characteristics. Four groups (22 subgroups) of [NiFe]-hydrogenase, three groups (6 subtypes) of [FeFe]-hydrogenases and a small group of [Fe]-hydrogenases were identified. We predict that this hydrogenase diversity supports H2-based respiration, fermentation and carbon fixation processes in both oxic and anoxic environments, in addition to various H2-sensing, electron-bifurcation and energy-conversion mechanisms. Hydrogenase-encoding genes were identified in 51 bacterial and archaeal phyla, suggesting strong pressure for both vertical and lateral acquisition. Furthermore, hydrogenase genes could be recovered from diverse terrestrial, aquatic and host-associated metagenomes in varying proportions, indicating a broad ecological distribution and utilisation. Oxygen content (pO2) appears to be a central factor driving the phylum- and ecosystem-level distribution of these genes. In addition to compounding evidence that H2 was the first electron donor for life, our analysis suggests that the great diversification of hydrogenases has enabled H2 metabolism to sustain the growth or survival of microorganisms in a wide range of ecosystems to the present day. This work also provides a comprehensive expanded system for classifying hydrogenases and identifies new prospects for investigating H2 metabolism.

Metabolic and process engineering of Clostridium cellulovorans for biofuel production from cellulose

Production of cellulosic biofuels has drawn increasing attention. However, currently no microorganism can produce biofuels, particularly butanol, directly from cellulosic biomass efficiently. Here we engineered a cellulolytic bacterium, Clostridium cellulovorans, for n-butanol and ethanol production directly from cellulose by introducing an aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase (adhE2), which converts butyryl-CoA to n-butanol and acetyl-CoA to ethanol. The engineered strain was able to produce 1.42 g/L n-butanol and 1.60 g/L ethanol directly from cellulose. Moreover, the addition of methyl viologen as an artificial electron carrier shifted the metabolic flux from acid production to alcohol production, resulting in a high biofuel yield of 0.39 g/g from cellulose, comparable to ethanol yield from corn dextrose by yeast fermentation. This study is the first metabolic engineering of C. cellulovorans for n-butanol and ethanol production directly from cellulose with significant titers and yields, providing a promising consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) platform for biofuel production from cellulosic biomass.

Deletion of nfnAB in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and Its Effect on Metabolism

NfnAB catalyzes the reversible transfer of electrons from reduced ferredoxin and NADH to 2 NADP(+). The NfnAB complex has been hypothesized to be the main enzyme for ferredoxin oxidization in strains of Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum engineered for increased ethanol production. NfnAB complex activity was detectable in crude cell extracts of T. saccharolyticum. Activity was also detected using activity staining of native PAGE gels. The nfnAB gene was deleted in different strains of T. saccharolyticum to determine its effect on end product formation. In wild-type T. saccharolyticum, deletion of nfnAB resulted in a 46% increase in H2 formation but otherwise little change in other fermentation products. In two engineered strains with 80% theoretical ethanol yield, loss of nfnAB caused two different responses: in one strain, ethanol yield decreased to about 30% of the theoretical value, while another strain had no change in ethanol yield. Biochemical analysis of cell extracts showed that the ΔnfnAB strain with decreased ethanol yield had NADPH-linked alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, while the ΔnfnAB strain with unchanged ethanol yield had NADH-linked ADH activity. Deletion of nfnAB caused loss of NADPH-linked ferredoxin oxidoreductase activity in all cell extracts. Significant NADH-linked ferredoxin oxidoreductase activity was seen in all cell extracts, including those that had lost nfnAB. This suggests that there is an unidentified NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (distinct from nfnAB) playing a role in ethanol formation. The NfnAB complex plays a key role in generating NADPH in a strain that had become reliant on NADPH-ADH activity.

IMPORTANCE

Thermophilic anaerobes that can convert biomass-derived sugars into ethanol have been investigated as candidates for biofuel formation. Many anaerobes have been genetically engineered to increase biofuel formation; however, key aspects of metabolism remain unknown and poorly understood. One example is the mechanism for ferredoxin oxidation and transfer of electrons to NAD(P)(+). The electron-bifurcating enzyme complex NfnAB is known to catalyze the reversible transfer of electrons from reduced ferredoxin and NADH to 2 NADP(+) and is thought to play key roles linking NAD(P)(H) metabolism with ferredoxin metabolism. We report the first deletion of nfnAB and demonstrate a role for NfnAB in metabolism and ethanol formation in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and show that this may be an important feature among other thermophilic ethanologenic anaerobes.

Genome-scale resources for Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum

Background

Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum is a hemicellulose-degrading thermophilic anaerobe that was previously engineered to produce ethanol at high yield. A major project was undertaken to develop this organism into an industrial biocatalyst, but the lack of genome information and resources were recognized early on as a key limitation.

Results

Here we present a set of genome-scale resources to enable the systems level investigation and development of this potentially important industrial organism. Resources include a complete genome sequence for strain JW/SL-YS485, a genome-scale reconstruction of metabolism, tiled microarray data showing transcription units, mRNA expression data from 71 different growth conditions or timepoints and GC/MS-based metabolite analysis data from 42 different conditions or timepoints. Growth conditions include hemicellulose hydrolysate, the inhibitors HMF, furfural, diamide, and ethanol, as well as high levels of cellulose, xylose, cellobiose or maltodextrin. The genome consists of a 2.7 Mbp chromosome and a 110 Kbp megaplasmid. An active prophage was also detected, and the expression levels of CRISPR genes were observed to increase in association with those of the phage. Hemicellulose hydrolysate elicited a response of carbohydrate transport and catabolism genes, as well as poorly characterized genes suggesting a redox challenge. In some conditions, a time series of combined transcription and metabolite measurements were made to allow careful study of microbial physiology under process conditions. As a demonstration of the potential utility of the metabolic reconstruction, the OptKnock algorithm was used to predict a set of gene knockouts that maximize growth-coupled ethanol production. The predictions validated intuitive strain designs and matched previous experimental results.

Conclusion

These data will be a useful asset for efforts to develop T. saccharolyticum for efficient industrial production of biofuels. The resources presented herein may also be useful on a comparative basis for development of other lignocellulose degrading microbes, such as Clostridium thermocellum.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12918-015-0159-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ethanol production by engineered thermophiles

We compare a number of different strategies that have been pursued to engineer thermophilic microorganisms for increased ethanol production. Ethanol production from pyruvate can proceed via one of four pathways, which are named by the key pyruvate dissimilating enzyme: pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), pyruvate formate lyase (PFL), and pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR). For each of these pathways except PFL, we see examples where ethanol production has been engineered with a yield of >90% of the theoretical maximum. In each of these cases, this engineering was achieved mainly by modulating expression of native genes. We have not found an example where a thermophilic ethanol production pathway has been transferred to a non-ethanol-producing organism to produce ethanol at high yield. A key reason for the lack of transferability of ethanol production pathways is the current lack of understanding of the enzymes involved.

The bifunctional alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase gene, adhE, is necessary for ethanol production in Clostridium thermocellum and Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum

Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and Clostridium thermocellum are anaerobic thermophilic bacteria being investigated for their ability to produce biofuels from plant biomass. The bifunctional alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase gene, adhE, is present in these bacteria and has been known to be important for ethanol formation in other anaerobic alcohol producers. This study explores the inactivation of the adhE gene in C. thermocellum and T. saccharolyticum. Deletion of adhE reduced ethanol production by >95% in both T. saccharolyticum and C. thermocellum, confirming that adhE is necessary for ethanol formation in both organisms. In both adhE deletion strains, fermentation products shifted from ethanol to lactate production and resulted in lower cell density and longer time to reach maximal cell density. In T. saccharolyticum, the adhE deletion strain lost >85% of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity did not appear to be affected, although ALDH activity was low in cell extracts. Adding ubiquinone-0 to the ALDH assay increased activity in the T. saccharolyticum parent strain but did not increase activity in the adhE deletion strain, suggesting that ALDH activity was inhibited. In C. thermocellum, the adhE deletion strain lost >90% of ALDH and ADH activity in cell extracts. The C. thermocellum adhE deletion strain contained a point mutation in the lactate dehydrogenase gene, which appears to deregulate its activation by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, leading to constitutive activation of lactate dehydrogenase.

IMPORTANCE

Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and Clostridium thermocellum are bacteria that have been investigated for their ability to produce biofuels from plant biomass. They have been engineered to produce higher yields of ethanol, yet questions remain about the enzymes responsible for ethanol formation in these bacteria. The genomes of these bacteria encode multiple predicted aldehyde and alcohol dehydrogenases which could be responsible for alcohol formation. This study explores the inactivation of adhE, a gene encoding a bifunctional alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Deletion of adhE reduced ethanol production by >95% in both T. saccharolyticum and C. thermocellum, confirming that adhE is necessary for ethanol formation in both organisms. In strains without adhE, we note changes in biochemical activity, product formation, and growth.

Physiological roles of pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase and pyruvate formate-lyase in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum JW/SL-YS485

BACKGROUND

Thermoanaerobacter saccharolyticum is a thermophilic microorganism that has been engineered to produce ethanol at high titer (30-70 g/L) and greater than 90 % theoretical yield. However, few genes involved in pyruvate to ethanol production pathway have been unambiguously identified. In T. saccharolyticum, the products of six putative pfor gene clusters and one pfl gene may be responsible for the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. To gain insights into the physiological roles of PFOR and PFL, we studied the effect of deletions of several genes thought to encode these activities.

RESULTS

It was found that pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase enzyme (PFOR) is encoded by the pforA gene and plays a key role in pyruvate dissimilation. We further demonstrated that pyruvate formate-lyase activity (PFL) is encoded by the pfl gene. Although the pfl gene is normally expressed at low levels, it is crucial for biosynthesis in T. saccharolyticum. In pforA deletion strains, pfl expression increased and was able to partially compensate for the loss of PFOR activity. Deletion of both pforA and pfl resulted in a strain that required acetate and formate for growth and produced lactate as the primary fermentation product, achieving 88 % theoretical lactate yield.

CONCLUSION

PFOR encoded by Tsac_0046 and PFL encoded by Tsac_0628 are only two routes for converting pyruvate to acetyl-CoA in T. saccharolyticum. The physiological role of PFOR is pyruvate dissimilation, whereas that of PFL is supplying C1 units for biosynthesis.

Anaerobic detoxification of acetic acid in a thermophilic ethanologen

BACKGROUND

The liberation of acetate from hemicellulose negatively impacts fermentations of cellulosic biomass, limiting the concentrations of substrate that can be effectively processed. Solvent-producing bacteria have the capacity to convert acetate to the less toxic product acetone, but to the best of our knowledge, this trait has not been transferred to an organism that produces ethanol at high yield.

RESULTS

We have engineered a five-step metabolic pathway to convert acetic acid to acetone in the thermophilic anaerobe Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum. The first steps of the pathway, a reversible conversion of acetate to acetyl-CoA, are catalyzed by the native T. saccharolyticum enzymes acetate kinase and phosphotransacetylase. ack and pta normally divert 30% of catabolic carbon flux to acetic acid; however, their re-introduction in evolved ethanologen strains resulted in virtually no acetic acid production. Conversion between acetic acid and acetyl-CoA remained active, as evidenced by rapid (13)C label transfer from exogenous acetate to ethanol. Genomic re-sequencing of six independently evolved ethanologen strains showed convergent mutations in the hfs hydrogenase gene cluster, which when transferred to wildtype T. saccharolyticum conferred a low acid production phenotype. Thus, the mutated hfs genes effectively separate acetic acid production and consumption from central metabolism, despite their intersecting at the common intermediate acetyl-CoA. To drive acetic acid conversion to a less inhibitory product, the enzymes thiolase, acetoacetate:acetate CoA-transferase, and acetoacetate decarboxylase were assembled in T. saccharolyticum with genes from thermophilic donor organisms that do not natively produce acetone. The resultant strain converted acetic acid to acetone and ethanol while maintaining a metabolic yield of 0.50 g ethanol per gram carbohydrate.

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion of acetic acid to acetone results in improved ethanol productivity and titer and is an attractive low-cost solution to acetic acid inhibition.

[FeFe]-hydrogenase abundance and diversity along a vertical redox gradient in Great Salt Lake, USA

The use of [FeFe]-hydrogenase enzymes for the biotechnological production of H₂ or other reduced products has been limited by their sensitivity to oxygen (O₂). Here, we apply a PCR-directed approach to determine the distribution, abundance, and diversity of hydA gene fragments along co-varying salinity and O₂ gradients in a vertical water column of Great Salt Lake (GSL), UT. The distribution of hydA was constrained to water column transects that had high salt and relatively low O₂ concentrations. Recovered HydA deduced amino acid sequences were enriched in hydrophilic amino acids relative to HydA from less saline environments. In addition, they harbored interesting variations in the amino acid environment of the complex H-cluster metalloenzyme active site and putative gas transfer channels that may be important for both H₂ transfer and O₂ susceptibility. A phylogenetic framework was created to infer the accessory cluster composition and quaternary structure of recovered HydA protein sequences based on phylogenetic relationships and the gene contexts of known complete HydA sequences. Numerous recovered HydA are predicted to harbor multiple N- and C-terminal accessory iron-sulfur cluster binding domains and are likely to exist as multisubunit complexes. This study indicates an important role for [FeFe]-hydrogenases in the functioning of the GSL ecosystem and provides new target genes and variants for use in identifying O₂ tolerant enzymes for biotechnological applications.

[FeFe]- and [NiFe]-hydrogenase diversity, mechanism, and maturation

The [FeFe]- and [NiFe]-hydrogenases catalyze the formal interconversion between hydrogen and protons and electrons, possess characteristic non-protein ligands at their catalytic sites and thus share common mechanistic features. Despite the similarities between these two types of hydrogenases, they clearly have distinct evolutionary origins and likely emerged from different selective pressures. [FeFe]-hydrogenases are widely distributed in fermentative anaerobic microorganisms and likely evolved under selective pressure to couple hydrogen production to the recycling of electron carriers that accumulate during anaerobic metabolism. In contrast, many [NiFe]-hydrogenases catalyze hydrogen oxidation as part of energy metabolism and were likely key enzymes in early life and arguably represent the predecessors of modern respiratory metabolism. Although the reversible combination of protons and electrons to generate hydrogen gas is the simplest of chemical reactions, the [FeFe]- and [NiFe]-hydrogenases have distinct mechanisms and differ in the fundamental chemistry associated with proton transfer and control of electron flow that also help to define catalytic bias. A unifying feature of these enzymes is that hydrogen activation itself has been restricted to one solution involving diatomic ligands (carbon monoxide and cyanide) bound to an Fe ion. On the other hand, and quite remarkably, the biosynthetic mechanisms to produce these ligands are exclusive to each type of enzyme. Furthermore, these mechanisms represent two independent solutions to the formation of complex bioinorganic active sites for catalyzing the simplest of chemical reactions, reversible hydrogen oxidation. As such, the [FeFe]- and [NiFe]-hydrogenases are arguably the most profound case of convergent evolution. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Fe/S proteins: Analysis, structure, function, biogenesis and diseases.

Hydrogen formation and its regulation in Ruminococcus albus: involvement of an electron-bifurcating [FeFe]-hydrogenase, of a non-electron-bifurcating [FeFe]-hydrogenase, and of a putative hydrogen-sensing [FeFe]-hydrogenase

Ruminococcus albus 7 has played a key role in the development of the concept of interspecies hydrogen transfer. The rumen bacterium ferments glucose to 1.3 acetate, 0.7 ethanol, 2 CO2, and 2.6 H2 when growing in batch culture and to 2 acetate, 2 CO2, and 4 H2 when growing in continuous culture in syntrophic association with H2-consuming microorganisms that keep the H2 partial pressure low. The organism uses NAD(+) and ferredoxin for glucose oxidation to acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) and CO2, NADH for the reduction of acetyl-CoA to ethanol, and NADH and reduced ferredoxin for the reduction of protons to H2. Of all the enzymes involved, only the enzyme catalyzing the formation of H2 from NADH remained unknown. Here, we report that R. albus 7 grown in batch culture on glucose contained, besides a ferredoxin-dependent [FeFe]-hydrogenase (HydA2), a ferredoxin- and NAD-dependent electron-bifurcating [FeFe]-hydrogenase (HydABC) that couples the endergonic formation of H2 from NADH to the exergonic formation of H2 from reduced ferredoxin. Interestingly, hydA2 is adjacent to the hydS gene, which is predicted to encode an [FeFe]-hydrogenase with a C-terminal PAS domain. We showed that hydS and hydA2 are part of a larger transcriptional unit also harboring putative genes for a bifunctional acetaldehyde/ethanol dehydrogenase (Aad), serine/threonine protein kinase, serine/threonine protein phosphatase, and a redox-sensing transcriptional repressor. Since HydA2 and Aad are required only when R. albus grows at high H2 partial pressures, HydS could be a H2-sensing [FeFe]-hydrogenase involved in the regulation of their biosynthesis.

Direct conversion of plant biomass to ethanol by engineered Caldicellulosiruptor bescii

Ethanol is the most widely used renewable transportation biofuel in the United States, with the production of 13.3 billion gallons in 2012 [John UM (2013) Contribution of the Ethanol Industry to the Economy of the United States]. Despite considerable effort to produce fuels from lignocellulosic biomass, chemical pretreatment and the addition of saccharolytic enzymes before microbial bioconversion remain economic barriers to industrial deployment [Lynd LR, et al. (2008) Nat Biotechnol 26(2):169-172]. We began with the thermophilic, anaerobic, cellulolytic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, which efficiently uses unpretreated biomass, and engineered it to produce ethanol. Here we report the direct conversion of switchgrass, a nonfood, renewable feedstock, to ethanol without conventional pretreatment of the biomass. This process was accomplished by deletion of lactate dehydrogenase and heterologous expression of a Clostridium thermocellum bifunctional acetaldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase. Whereas wild-type C. bescii lacks the ability to make ethanol, 70% of the fermentation products in the engineered strain were ethanol [12.8 mM ethanol directly from 2% (wt/vol) switchgrass, a real-world substrate] with decreased production of acetate by 38% compared with wild-type. Direct conversion of biomass to ethanol represents a new paradigm for consolidated bioprocessing, offering the potential for carbon neutral, cost-effective, sustainable fuel production.

Identification of key components in the energy metabolism of the hyperthermophilic sulfate-reducing archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus by transcriptome analyses

Energy conservation via the pathway of dissimilatory sulfate reduction is present in a diverse group of prokaryotes, but is most comprehensively studied in Deltaproteobacteria. In this study, whole-genome microarray analyses were used to provide a model of the energy metabolism of the sulfate-reducing archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus, based on comparative analysis of litoautotrophic growth with H₂/CO₂ and thiosulfate, and heterotrophic growth on lactate with sulfate or thiosulfate. Only 72 genes were expressed differentially between the cultures utilizing sulfate or thiosulfate, whereas 269 genes were affected by a shift in energy source. We identified co-located gene cluster encoding putative lactate dehydrogenases (LDHs; lldD, dld, lldEFG), also present in sulfate-reducing bacteria. These enzymes may take part in energy conservation in A. fulgidus by specifically linking lactate oxidation with APS reduction via the Qmo complex. High transcriptional levels of Fqo confirm an important role of F₄₂₀H₂, as well as a menaquinone-mediated electron transport chain, during heterotrophic growth. A putative periplasmic thiosulfate reductase was identified by specific up-regulation. Also, putative genes for transport of sulfate and sulfite are discussed. We present a model for hydrogen metabolism, based on the probable bifurcation reaction of the Mvh:Hdl hydrogenase, which may inhibit the utilization of Fd_red for energy conservation. Energy conservation is probably facilitated via menaquinone to multiple membrane-bound heterodisulfide reductase (Hdr) complexes and the DsrC protein—linking periplasmic hydrogenase (Vht) to the cytoplasmic reduction of sulfite. The ambiguous roles of genes corresponding to fatty acid metabolism induced during growth with H₂ are discussed. Putative co-assimilation of organic acids is favored over a homologous secondary carbon fixation pathway, although both mechanisms may contribute to conserve the amount of Fd_red needed during autotrophic growth with H₂.

Genome analysis of Chitinivibrio alkaliphilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel extremely haloalkaliphilic anaerobic chitinolytic bacterium from the candidate phylum Termite Group 3

Anaerobic enrichments from hypersaline soda lakes with chitin as substrate yielded five closely related anaerobic haloalkaliphilic isolates growing on insoluble chitin by fermentation at pH 10 and salinities up to 3.5 M. The chitinolytic activity was exclusively cell associated. To better understand the biology and evolutionary history of this novel bacterial lineage, the genome of the type strain ACht1 was sequenced. Analysis of the 2.6 Mb draft genome revealed enzymes of chitin-degradation pathways, including secreted cell-bound chitinases. The reconstructed central metabolism revealed pathways enabling the fermentation of polysaccharides, while it lacks the genes needed for aerobic or anaerobic respiration. The Rnf-type complex, oxaloacetate decarboxylase and sodium-transporting V-type adenosine triphosphatase were identified among putative membrane-bound ion pumps. According to 16S ribosomal RNA analysis, the isolates belong to the candidate phylum Termite Group 3, representing its first culturable members. Phylogenetic analysis using ribosomal proteins and taxonomic distribution analysis of the whole proteome supported a class-level classification of ACht1 most probably affiliated to the phylum Fibribacteres. Based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and genomic analyses, the novel bacteria are proposed to be classified as Chitinivibrio alkaliphilus gen. nov., sp. nov., within a novel class Chitinivibrione.

Single-step ethanol production from lignocellulose using novel extremely thermophilic bacteria

BACKGROUND

Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol using thermophilic bacteria provides a promising solution for efficient lignocellulose conversion without the need for additional cellulolytic enzymes. Most studies on the thermophilic CBP concentrate on co-cultivation of the thermophilic cellulolytic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum with non-cellulolytic thermophilic anaerobes at temperatures of 55°C-60°C.

RESULTS

We have specifically screened for cellulolytic bacteria growing at temperatures >70°C to enable direct conversion of lignocellulosic materials into ethanol. Seven new strains of extremely thermophilic anaerobic cellulolytic bacteria of the genus Caldicellulosiruptor and eight new strains of extremely thermophilic xylanolytic/saccharolytic bacteria of the genus Thermoanaerobacter isolated from environmental samples exhibited fast growth at 72°C, extensive lignocellulose degradation and high yield ethanol production on cellulose and pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. Monocultures of Caldicellulosiruptor strains degraded up to 89-97% of the cellulose and hemicellulose polymers in pretreated biomass and produced up to 72 mM ethanol on cellulose without addition of exogenous enzymes. In dual co-cultures of Caldicellulosiruptor strains with Thermoanaerobacter strains the ethanol concentrations rose 2- to 8.2-fold compared to cellulolytic monocultures. A co-culture of Caldicellulosiruptor DIB 087C and Thermoanaerobacter DIB 097X was particularly effective in the conversion of cellulose to ethanol, ethanol comprising 34.8 mol% of the total organic products. In contrast, a co-culture of Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus DSM 8903 and Thermoanaerobacter mathranii subsp. mathranii DSM 11426 produced only low amounts of ethanol.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly discovered Caldicellulosiruptor sp. strain DIB 004C was capable of producing unexpectedly large amounts of ethanol from lignocellulose in fermentors. The established co-cultures of new Caldicellulosiruptor strains with new Thermoanaerobacter strains underline the importance of using specific strain combinations for high ethanol yields. These co-cultures provide an efficient CBP pathway for ethanol production and represent an ideal starting point for development of a highly integrated commercial ethanol production process.

Complete genome sequence of the sulfate-reducing firmicute Desulfotomaculum ruminis type strain (DL(T))

Desulfotomaculum ruminis Campbell and Postgate 1965 is a member of the large genus Desulfotomaculum which contains 30 species and is contained in the family Peptococcaceae. This species is of interest because it represents one of the few sulfate-reducing bacteria that have been isolated from the rumen. Here we describe the features of D. ruminis together with the complete genome sequence and annotation. The 3,969,014 bp long chromosome with a total of 3,901 protein-coding and 85 RNA genes is the second completed genome sequence of a type strain of the genus Desulfotomaculum to be published, and was sequenced as part of the DOE Joint Genome Institute Community Sequencing Program 2009.

Biohydrogen Production from Cellulosic Biomass

Hydrogen can be produced by thermochemical, physicochemical, and biological processes. In contrast to thermo- and physicochemical processes, biological processes offer great potential for sustainable, renewable hydrogen production. Lignocellulosic biomass is renewable, inexpensive, constitutes a large fraction of waste biomass from municipal, agricultural, and forestry sectors, and thus offers excellent potential as a feedstock for renewable biofuels. Cellulose is, however, difficult to hydrolyze due to its crystalline structure. Biological hydrogen can be produced from cellulosic substrates by either hydrolyzing cellulose to sugars, followed by fermentation or by direct use of cellulose as the sole carbon source during fermentation. This chapter outlines the microbial basis of biological hydrogen production by cellulolytic bacteria, discusses the factors that influence hydrogen yields, and describes both single-phase and two-phase hydrogen production systems.

Proteomic analysis of Clostridium thermocellum core metabolism: relative protein expression profiles and growth phase-dependent changes in protein expression

Background

Clostridium thermocellum produces H₂ and ethanol, as well as CO₂, acetate, formate, and lactate, directly from cellulosic biomass. It is therefore an attractive model for biofuel production via consolidated bioprocessing. Optimization of end-product yields and titres is crucial for making biofuel production economically feasible. Relative protein expression profiles may provide targets for metabolic engineering, while understanding changes in protein expression and metabolism in response to carbon limitation, pH, and growth phase may aid in reactor optimization. We performed shotgun 2D-HPLC-MS/MS on closed-batch cellobiose-grown exponential phase C. thermocellum cell-free extracts to determine relative protein expression profiles of core metabolic proteins involved carbohydrate utilization, energy conservation, and end-product synthesis. iTRAQ (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation) based protein quantitation was used to determine changes in core metabolic proteins in response to growth phase.

Results

Relative abundance profiles revealed differential levels of putative enzymes capable of catalyzing parallel pathways. The majority of proteins involved in pyruvate catabolism and end-product synthesis were detected with high abundance, with the exception of aldehyde dehydrogenase, ferredoxin-dependent Ech-type [NiFe]-hydrogenase, and RNF-type NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase. Using 4-plex 2D-HPLC-MS/MS, 24% of the 144 core metabolism proteins detected demonstrated moderate changes in expression during transition from exponential to stationary phase. Notably, proteins involved in pyruvate synthesis decreased in stationary phase, whereas proteins involved in glycogen metabolism, pyruvate catabolism, and end-product synthesis increased in stationary phase. Several proteins that may directly dictate end-product synthesis patterns, including pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductases, alcohol dehydrogenases, and a putative bifurcating hydrogenase, demonstrated differential expression during transition from exponential to stationary phase.

Conclusions

Relative expression profiles demonstrate which proteins are likely utilized in carbohydrate utilization and end-product synthesis and suggest that H₂ synthesis occurs via bifurcating hydrogenases while ethanol synthesis is predominantly catalyzed by a bifunctional aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase. Differences in expression profiles of core metabolic proteins in response to growth phase may dictate carbon and electron flux towards energy storage compounds and end-products. Combined knowledge of relative protein expression levels and their changes in response to physiological conditions may aid in targeted metabolic engineering strategies and optimization of fermentation conditions for improvement of biofuels production.

Methylation by a unique α-class N4-cytosine methyltransferase is required for DNA transformation of Caldicellulosiruptor bescii DSM6725

Thermophilic microorganisms capable of using complex substrates offer special advantages for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels and bioproducts. Members of the gram-positive bacterial genus Caldicellulosiruptor are anaerobic thermophiles with optimum growth temperatures between 65°C and 78°C and are the most thermophilic cellulolytic organisms known. In fact, they efficiently use biomass non-pretreated as their sole carbon source and in successive rounds of application digest 70% of total switchgrass substrate. The ability to genetically manipulate these organisms is a prerequisite to engineering them for use in conversion of these complex substrates to products of interest as well as identifying gene products critical for their ability to utilize non-pretreated biomass. Here, we report the first example of DNA transformation of a member of this genus, C. bescii. We show that restriction of DNA is a major barrier to transformation (in this case apparently absolute) and that methylation with an endogenous unique α-class N4-Cytosine methyltransferase is required for transformation of DNA isolated from E. coli. The use of modified DNA leads to the development of an efficient and reproducible method for DNA transformation and the combined frequencies of transformation and recombination allow marker replacement between non-replicating plasmids and chromosomal genes providing the basis for rapid and efficient methods of genetic manipulation.

Improvements in fermentative biological hydrogen production through metabolic engineering

Replacement of fossil fuels with alternative energies is increasingly imperative in light of impending climate change and fossil fuel shortages. Biohydrogen has several potential advantages over other biofuels. Dark fermentation as a means of producing biohydrogen is attractive since a variety of readily available waste streams can be used. However, at present its practical application is prevented by the low yields obtained. Here the basic metabolisms leading to hydrogen production are outlined and current research to increase yields, either through modification of existing pathways, or by metabolic engineering to create new, higher yielding, pathways, is discussed. Inactivation of competing reactions and manipulation of culture conditions has lead to higher hydrogen yields, near those predicted by metabolic schemes. However, to be useful, hydrogen production must be increased beyond present limits. Several possibilities for surpassing those limits using metabolic engineering are presented.

Biohydrogen production from arabinose and glucose using extreme thermophilic anaerobic mixed cultures

BACKGROUND

Second generation hydrogen fermentation technologies using organic agricultural and forestry wastes are emerging. The efficient microbial fermentation of hexoses and pentoses resulting from the pretreatment of lingocellulosic materials is essential for the success of these processes.

RESULTS

Conversion of arabinose and glucose to hydrogen, by extreme thermophilic, anaerobic, mixed cultures was studied in continuous (70°C, pH 5.5) and batch (70°C, pH 5.5 and pH 7) assays. Two expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors, Rarab and Rgluc, were continuously fed with arabinose and glucose, respectively. No significant differences in reactor performance were observed for arabinose and glucose organic loading rates (OLR) ranging from 4.3 to 7.1 kgCOD m-3 d-1. However, for an OLR of 14.2 kgCOD m-3 d-1, hydrogen production rate and hydrogen yield were higher in Rarab than in Rgluc (average hydrogen production rate of 3.2 and 2.0 LH2 L-1 d-1 and hydrogen yield of 1.10 and 0.75 molH2 mol-1substrate for Rarab and Rgluc, respectively). Lower hydrogen production in Rgluc was associated with higher lactate production. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) results revealed no significant difference on the bacterial community composition between operational periods and between the reactors. Increased hydrogen production was observed in batch experiments when hydrogen partial pressure was kept low, both with arabinose and glucose as substrate. Sugars were completely consumed and hydrogen production stimulated (62% higher) when pH 7 was used instead of pH 5.5.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous hydrogen production rate from arabinose was significantly higher than from glucose, when higher organic loading rate was used. The effect of hydrogen partial pressure on hydrogen production from glucose in batch mode was related to the extent of sugar utilization and not to the efficiency of substrate conversion to hydrogen. Furthermore, at pH 7.0, sugars uptake, hydrogen production and yield were higher than at pH 5.5, with both arabinose and glucose as substrates.

Genomic analysis reveals multiple [FeFe] hydrogenases and hydrogen sensors encoded by treponemes from the H(2)-rich termite gut

We have completed a bioinformatic analysis of the hydrogenases encoded in the genomes of three termite gut treponeme isolates: hydrogenotrophic, homoacetogenic Treponema primitia strains ZAS-1 and ZAS-2, and the hydrogen-producing, sugar-fermenting Treponema azotonutricium ZAS-9. H(2) is an important free intermediate in the breakdown of wood by termite gut microbial communities, reaching concentrations in some species exceeding those measured for any other biological system. The spirochetes encoded 4, 8, and 5 [FeFe] hydrogenase-like proteins, identified by their H domains, respectively, but no other recognizable hydrogenases. The [FeFe] hydrogenases represented many sequence families previously proposed in an analysis of termite gut metagenomic data. Each strain encoded both putative [FeFe] hydrogenase enzymes and evolutionarily related hydrogen sensor/transducer proteins likely involved in phosphorelay or methylation pathways, and possibly even chemotaxis. A new family of [FeFe] hydrogenases (FDH-Linked) is proposed that may form a multimeric complex with formate dehydrogenase to provide reducing equivalents for reductive acetogenesis in T. primitia. The many and diverse [FeFe] hydrogenase-like proteins encoded within the sequenced genomes of the termite gut treponemes has enabled the discovery of a putative new class of [FeFe] hydrogenase proteins potentially involved in acetogenesis and furthered present understanding of many families, including sensory, of H domain proteins beyond what was possible through the use of fragmentary termite gut metagenome sequence data alone, from which they were initially defined.

Metagenomic evidence for h(2) oxidation and h(2) production by serpentinite-hosted subsurface microbial communities

Ultramafic rocks in the Earth’s mantle represent a tremendous reservoir of carbon and reducing power. Upon tectonic uplift and exposure to fluid flow, serpentinization of these materials generates copious energy, sustains abiogenic synthesis of organic molecules, and releases hydrogen gas (H₂). In order to assess the potential for microbial H₂ utilization fueled by serpentinization, we conducted metagenomic surveys of a marine serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal chimney (at the Lost City hydrothermal field) and two continental serpentinite-hosted alkaline seeps (at the Tablelands Ophiolite, Newfoundland). Novel [NiFe]-hydrogenase sequences were identified at both the marine and continental sites, and in both cases, phylogenetic analyses indicated aerobic, potentially autotrophic Betaproteobacteria belonging to order Burkholderiales as the most likely H₂-oxidizers. Both sites also yielded metagenomic evidence for microbial H₂ production catalyzed by [FeFe]-hydrogenases in anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria belonging to order Clostridiales. In addition, we present metagenomic evidence at both sites for aerobic carbon monoxide utilization and anaerobic carbon fixation via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway. In general, our results point to H₂-oxidizing Betaproteobacteria thriving in shallow, oxic–anoxic transition zones and the anaerobic Clostridia thriving in anoxic, deep subsurface habitats. These data demonstrate the feasibility of metagenomic investigations into novel subsurface habitats via surface-exposed seeps and indicate the potential for H₂-powered primary production in serpentinite-hosted subsurface habitats.