1
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Szaleniec M, Oleksy G, Sekuła A, Aleksić I, Pietras R, Sarewicz M, Krämer K, Pierik AJ, Heider J. Modeling the Initiation Phase of the Catalytic Cycle in the Glycyl-Radical Enzyme Benzylsuccinate Synthase. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:5823-5839. [PMID: 38848492 PMCID: PMC11194802 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c01237] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The reaction of benzylsuccinate synthase, the radical-based addition of toluene to a fumarate cosubstrate, is initiated by hydrogen transfer from a conserved cysteine to the nearby glycyl radical in the active center of the enzyme. In this study, we analyze this step by comprehensive computer modeling, predicting (i) the influence of bound substrates or products, (ii) the energy profiles of forward- and backward hydrogen-transfer reactions, (iii) their kinetic constants and potential mechanisms, (iv) enantiospecificity differences, and (v) kinetic isotope effects. Moreover, we support several of the computational predictions experimentally, providing evidence for the predicted H/D-exchange reactions into the product and at the glycyl radical site. Our data indicate that the hydrogen transfer reactions between the active site glycyl and cysteine are principally reversible, but their rates differ strongly depending on their stereochemical orientation, transfer of protium or deuterium, and the presence or absence of substrates or products in the active site. This is particularly evident for the isotope exchange of the remaining protium atom of the glycyl radical to deuterium, which appears dependent on substrate or product binding, explaining why the exchange is observed in some, but not all, glycyl-radical enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Szaleniec
- Jerzy
Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy
of Sciences, Kraków 31-201, Poland
| | - Gabriela Oleksy
- Jerzy
Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy
of Sciences, Kraków 31-201, Poland
- Department
of Biology, Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Anna Sekuła
- Jerzy
Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy
of Sciences, Kraków 31-201, Poland
| | - Ivana Aleksić
- Jerzy
Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy
of Sciences, Kraków 31-201, Poland
| | - Rafał Pietras
- Department
of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków 31-007, Poland
| | - Marcin Sarewicz
- Department
of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków 31-007, Poland
| | - Kai Krämer
- Department
of Biology, Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
| | - Antonio J. Pierik
- Biochemistry,
Faculty of ChemistryRPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern D-67663, Germany
| | - Johann Heider
- Department
of Biology, Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
- Synmikro-Center
for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University
Marburg, Marburg 35043, Germany
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2
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Antonioli R, de Faria Poloni J, Riveros Escalona MA, Dorn M. Functional response of microbial communities in lab-controlled oil-contaminated marine sediment. Mol Omics 2023; 19:756-768. [PMID: 37477619 DOI: 10.1039/d3mo00007a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Crude oil contamination is one of the biggest problems in modern society. As oil enters into contact with the environment, especially if the point of contact is a body of water, it begins a weathering process by mixing and spreading. This is dangerous to local living organisms' communities and can impact diversity. However, despite unfavorable conditions, some microorganisms in these environments can survive using hydrocarbons as a nutrient source. Thus, understanding the local community dynamics of contaminated areas is essential. In this work, we analyzed the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metatranscriptomic data of uncontaminated versus contaminated shallow marine sediment from publicly available datasets. We investigated the local population's taxonomic composition, species diversity, and fluctuations over time. Co-expression analysis coupled with functional enrichment showed us a prevalence of hydrocarbon-degrading functionality while keeping a distinct transcriptional profile between the late stages of oil contamination and the uncontaminated control. Processes related to the degradation of aromatic compounds and the metabolism of propanoate and butanoate were coupled with evidence of enhanced activity such as flagellar assembly and two-component system. Many enzymes of the anaerobic toluene degradation pathways were also enriched in our results. Furthermore, our diversity and taxonomical analyses showed a prevalence of the class Desulfobacteria, indicating interesting targets for bioremediation applications on marine sediment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regis Antonioli
- Center for Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Joice de Faria Poloni
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90619-900, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Márcio Dorn
- Center for Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology - Forensic Science, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Institute of Informatics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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3
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Lo HY, Martínez-Lavanchy PM, Goris T, Heider J, Boll M, Kaster AK, Müller JA. IncP-type plasmids carrying genes for antibiotic resistance or for aromatic compound degradation are prevalent in sequenced Aromatoleum and Thauera strains. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:6411-6425. [PMID: 36306376 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Self-transferable plasmids of the incompatibility group P-1 (IncP-1) are considered important carriers of genes for antibiotic resistance and other adaptive functions. In the laboratory, these plasmids have a broad host range; however, little is known about their in situ host profile. In this study, we discovered that Thauera aromatica K172T , a facultative denitrifying microorganism capable of degrading various aromatic compounds, contains a plasmid highly similar to the IncP-1 ε archetype pKJK5. The plasmid harbours multiple antibiotic resistance genes and is maintained in strain K172T for at least 1000 generations without selection pressure from antibiotics. In a subsequent search, we found additional nine IncP-type plasmids in a total of 40 sequenced genomes of the closely related genera Aromatoleum and Thauera. Six of these plasmids form a novel IncP-1 subgroup designated θ, four of which carry genes for anaerobic or aerobic degradation of aromatic compounds. Pentanucleotide sequence analyses (k-mer profiling) indicated that Aromatoleum spp. and Thauera spp. are among the most suitable hosts for the θ plasmids. Our results highlight the importance of IncP-1 plasmids for the genetic adaptation of these common facultative denitrifying bacteria and provide novel insights into the in situ host profile of these plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Yu Lo
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG-5), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Paula M Martínez-Lavanchy
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Goris
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, Intestinal Microbiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition, Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Germany
| | - Johann Heider
- Department of Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Boll
- Institute of Biology II, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne-Kristin Kaster
- Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG-5), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Jochen A Müller
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG-5), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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4
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Anaerobic oxidation of propane coupled to nitrate reduction by a lineage within the class Symbiobacteriia. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6115. [PMID: 36253480 PMCID: PMC9576796 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33872-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic microorganisms are thought to play a critical role in regulating the flux of short-chain gaseous alkanes (SCGAs; including ethane, propane and butane) from terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to the atmosphere. Sulfate has been confirmed to act as electron acceptor supporting microbial anaerobic oxidation of SCGAs, yet several other energetically more favourable acceptors co-exist with these gases in anaerobic environments. Here, we show that a bioreactor seeded with biomass from a wastewater treatment facility can perform anaerobic propane oxidation coupled to nitrate reduction to dinitrogen gas and ammonium. The bioreactor was operated for more than 1000 days, and we used 13C- and 15N-labelling experiments, metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, metaproteomic and metabolite analyses to characterize the microbial community and the metabolic processes. The data collectively suggest that a species representing a novel order within the bacterial class Symbiobacteriia is responsible for the observed nitrate-dependent propane oxidation. The closed genome of this organism, which we designate as 'Candidatus Alkanivorans nitratireducens', encodes pathways for oxidation of propane to CO2 via fumarate addition, and for nitrate reduction, with all the key genes expressed during nitrate-dependent propane oxidation. Our results suggest that nitrate is a relevant electron sink for SCGA oxidation in anaerobic environments, constituting a new microbially-mediated link between the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
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5
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Becker P, Döhmann A, Wöhlbrand L, Thies D, Hinrichs C, Buschen R, Wünsch D, Neumann-Schaal M, Schomburg D, Winklhofer M, Reinhardt R, Rabus R. Complex and flexible catabolism in Aromatoleum aromaticum pCyN1. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:3195-3211. [PMID: 35590445 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Large quantities of organic matter are continuously deposited, and (a)biotic gradients intersect in the soil-rhizosphere, where biodegradation contributes to the global cycles of elements. The betaproteobacterial genus Aromatoleum comprises cosmopolitan, facultative denitrifying degradation specialists. A. aromaticum pCyN1 stands out for anaerobically decomposing plant-derived monoterpenes in addition to monoaromatic hydrocarbons, polar aromatics and aliphatics. The catabolic network's structure and flexibility in A. aromaticum pCyN1 was studied across 34 growth conditions by superimposing proteome profiles onto the manually annotated 4.37 Mbp genome. Strain pCyN1 employs three fundamentally different enzymes for C-H-bond cleavage at the methyl groups of p-cymene/4-ethyltoluene, toluene and p-cresol, respectively. Regulation of degradation modules displayed substrate specificities ranging from narrow (toluene and cyclohexane carboxylate) via medium-wide (one module shared by p-cymene, 4-ethyltoluene, α-phellandrene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and limonene) to broad (central benzoyl-CoA pathway serving 16 aromatic substrates). Remarkably, three variants of ATP-dependent (class I) benzoyl-CoA reductase and four different β-oxidation routes establish a degradation hub that accommodates the substrate diversity. The respiratory system displayed several conspicuous profiles, e.g., the presence of nitrous oxide reductase under oxic and of low-affinity oxidase under anoxic conditions. Overall, nutritional versatility in conjunction with network regulation endow A. aromaticum pCyN1 with broad adaptability. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Becker
- General and Molecular Microbiology, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Annemieke Döhmann
- General and Molecular Microbiology, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Lars Wöhlbrand
- General and Molecular Microbiology, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Thies
- Department of Microbiology, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Christina Hinrichs
- General and Molecular Microbiology, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Ramona Buschen
- General and Molecular Microbiology, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Wünsch
- General and Molecular Microbiology, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Meina Neumann-Schaal
- Research Group Bacterial Metabolism, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Analytics, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dietmar Schomburg
- Research Group Bacterial Metabolism, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Winklhofer
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Sensory Biology of Animals, Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences (IBU), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Richard Reinhardt
- Max-Planck-Genome-Centre Cologne, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ralf Rabus
- General and Molecular Microbiology, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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6
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Lemaire ON, Wagner T. A Structural View of Alkyl-Coenzyme M Reductases, the First Step of Alkane Anaerobic Oxidation Catalyzed by Archaea. Biochemistry 2022; 61:805-821. [PMID: 35500274 PMCID: PMC9118554 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Microbial anaerobic
oxidation of alkanes intrigues the scientific
community by way of its impact on the global carbon cycle, and its
biotechnological applications. Archaea are proposed to degrade short-
and long-chain alkanes to CO2 by reversing methanogenesis,
a theoretically reversible process. The pathway would start with alkane
activation, an endergonic step catalyzed by methyl-coenzyme M reductase
(MCR) homologues that would generate alkyl-thiols carried by coenzyme
M. While the methane-generating MCR found in methanogens has been
well characterized, the enzymatic activity of the putative alkane-fixing
counterparts has not been validated so far. Such an absence of biochemical
investigations contrasts with the current explosion of metagenomics
data, which draws new potential alkane-oxidizing pathways in various
archaeal phyla. Therefore, validating the physiological function of
these putative alkane-fixing machines and investigating how their
structures, catalytic mechanisms, and cofactors vary depending on
the targeted alkane have become urgent needs. The first structural
insights into the methane- and ethane-capturing MCRs highlighted unsuspected
differences and proposed some explanations for their substrate specificity.
This Perspective reviews the current physiological, biochemical, and
structural knowledge of alkyl-CoM reductases and offers fresh ideas
about the expected mechanistic and chemical differences among members
of this broad family. We conclude with the challenges of the investigation
of these particular enzymes, which might one day generate biofuels
for our modern society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier N Lemaire
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Tristan Wagner
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
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7
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Genomic Evidence for the Recycling of Complex Organic Carbon by Novel
Thermoplasmatota
Clades in Deep-Sea Sediments. mSystems 2022; 7:e0007722. [PMID: 35430893 PMCID: PMC9239135 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00077-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermoplasmatota have been widely reported in a variety of ecosystems, but their distribution and ecological role in marine sediments are still elusive. Here, we obtained four draft genomes affiliated with the former RBG-16-68-12 clade, which is now considered a new order, “Candidatus Yaplasmales,” of the Thermoplasmatota phylum in sediments from the South China Sea. The phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA genes and draft genomes showed that “Ca. Yaplasmales” archaea are composed of three clades: A, B, and C. Among them, clades A and B are abundantly distributed (up to 10.86%) in the marine anoxic sediment layers (>10-cm depth) of six of eight cores from 1,200- to 3,400-m depths. Metabolic pathway reconstructions indicated that all clades of “Ca. Yaplasmales” have the capacity for alkane degradation by predicted alkyl-succinate synthase. Clade A of “Ca. Yaplasmales” might be mixotrophic microorganisms for the identification of the complete Wood-Ljungdahl pathway and putative genes involved in the degradation of aromatic and halogenated organic compounds. Clades B and C were likely heterotrophic, especially with the potential capacity of the spermidine/putrescine and aromatic compound degradation, as suggested by a significant negative correlation between the concentrations of aromatic compounds and the relative abundances of clade B. The sulfide-quinone oxidoreductase and pyrophosphate-energized membrane proton pump were encoded by all genomes of “Ca. Yaplasmales,” serving as adaptive strategies for energy production. These findings suggest that “Ca. Yaplasmales” might synergistically transform benthic pollutant and detrital organic matter, possibly playing a vital role in the marine and terrestrial sedimentary carbon cycle. IMPORTANCE Deep oceans receive large amounts of complex organic carbon and anthropogenic pollutants. The deep-sea sediments of the continental slopes serve as the biggest carbon sink on Earth. Particulate organic carbons and detrital proteins accumulate in the sediment. The microbially mediated recycling of complex organic carbon is still largely unknown, which is an important question for carbon budget in global oceans and maintenance of the deep-sea ecosystem. In this study, we report the prevalence (up to 10.86% of the microbial community) of archaea from a novel order of Thermoplasmatota, “Ca. Yaplasmales,” in six of eight cores from 1,200- to 3,400-m depths in the South China Sea. We provide genomic evidence of “Ca. Yaplasmales” in the anaerobic microbial degradation of alkanes, aliphatic and monoaromatic hydrocarbons, and halogenated organic compounds. Our study identifies the key archaeal players in anoxic marine sediments, which are probably critical in recycling the complex organic carbon in global oceans.
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8
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Chen SC, Ji J, Popp D, Jaekel U, Richnow HH, Sievert SM, Musat F. Genome and proteome analyses show the gaseous alkane degrader Desulfosarcina sp. strain BuS5 as an extreme metabolic specialist. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:1964-1976. [PMID: 35257474 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic potential of the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfosarcina sp. strain BuS5, currently the only pure culture able to oxidize the volatile alkanes propane and butane without oxygen, was investigated via genomics, proteomics and physiology assays. Complete genome sequencing revealed that strain BuS5 encodes a single alkyl-succinate synthase, an enzyme which apparently initiates oxidation of both propane and butane. The formed alkyl-succinates are oxidized to CO2 via beta oxidation and the oxidative Wood-Ljungdahl pathways as shown by proteogenomics analyses. Strain BuS5 conserves energy via the canonical sulfate reduction pathway and electron bifurcation. An ability to utilize long-chain fatty acids, mannose and oligopeptides, suggested by automated annotation pipelines, was not supported by physiology assays and in-depth analyses of the corresponding genetic systems. Consistently, comparative genomics revealed a streamlined BuS5 genome with a remarkable paucity of catabolic modules. These results establish strain BuS5 as an exceptional metabolic specialist, able to grow only with propane and butane, for which we propose the name Desulfosarcina aeriophaga BuS5. This highly restrictive lifestyle, most likely the result of habitat-driven evolutionary gene loss, may provide D. aeriophaga BuS5 a competitive edge in sediments impacted by natural gas seeps. Etymology: Desulfosarcina aeriophaga, aério (Greek): gas; phágos (Greek): eater; D. aeriophaga: a gas eating or gas feeding Desulfosarcina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Can Chen
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jiaheng Ji
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Denny Popp
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Hermann Richnow
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan M Sievert
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Florin Musat
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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9
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Atashgahi S, Oosterkamp MJ, Peng P, Frank J, Kraft B, Hornung B, Schleheck D, Lücker S, Jetten MSM, Stams AJM, Smidt H. Proteogenomic analysis of Georgfuchsia toluolica revealed unexpected concurrent aerobic and anaerobic toluene degradation. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 13:841-851. [PMID: 34374217 PMCID: PMC9290046 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Denitrifying Betaproteobacteria play a key role in the anaerobic degradation of monoaromatic hydrocarbons. We performed a multi-omics study to better understand the metabolism of the representative organism Georgfuchsia toluolica strain G5G6 known as a strict anaerobe coupling toluene oxidation with dissimilatory nitrate and Fe(III) reduction. Despite the genomic potential for degradation of different carbon sources, we did not find sugar or organic acid transporters, in line with the inability of strain G5G6 to use these substrates. Using a proteomics analysis, we detected proteins of fumarate-dependent toluene activation, membrane-bound nitrate reductase, and key components of the metal-reducing (Mtr) pathway under both nitrate- and Fe(III)-reducing conditions. High abundance of the multiheme cytochrome MtrC implied that a porin-cytochrome complex was used for respiratory Fe(III) reduction. Remarkably, strain G5G6 contains a full set of genes for aerobic toluene degradation, and we detected enzymes of aerobic toluene degradation under both nitrate- and Fe(III)-reducing conditions. We further detected an ATP-dependent benzoyl-CoA reductase, reactive oxygen species detoxification proteins, and cytochrome c oxidase indicating a facultative anaerobic lifestyle of strain G5G6. Correspondingly, we found diffusion through the septa a substantial source of oxygen in the cultures enabling concurrent aerobic and anaerobic toluene degradation by strain G5G6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Atashgahi
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyWageningen University & ResearchWageningen6708 WEThe Netherlands
- Department of Microbiology, IWWRRadboud UniversityHeyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJThe Netherlands
- Soehngen Institute of Anaerobic Microbiology, Heyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJThe Netherlands
| | - Margreet J. Oosterkamp
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyWageningen University & ResearchWageningen6708 WEThe Netherlands
- Sub‐department of Environmental TechnologyWageningen University & Research, Bornse weilanden 9Wageningen6708 DWThe Netherlands
| | - Peng Peng
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyWageningen University & ResearchWageningen6708 WEThe Netherlands
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Michigan, 1351 Beal AvenueAnn ArborMI48109‐2125USA
| | - Jeroen Frank
- Department of Microbiology, IWWRRadboud UniversityHeyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJThe Netherlands
- Soehngen Institute of Anaerobic Microbiology, Heyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJThe Netherlands
| | - Beate Kraft
- Nordic Center for Earth EvolutionUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDK‐5230Denmark
| | - Bastian Hornung
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyWageningen University & ResearchWageningen6708 WEThe Netherlands
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB), CNRS, 163 avenue de Luminy13288 Aix Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - David Schleheck
- Department of BiologyUniversity of KonstanzKonstanz78457Germany
| | - Sebastian Lücker
- Department of Microbiology, IWWRRadboud UniversityHeyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJThe Netherlands
| | - Mike S. M. Jetten
- Department of Microbiology, IWWRRadboud UniversityHeyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJThe Netherlands
- Soehngen Institute of Anaerobic Microbiology, Heyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJThe Netherlands
| | - Alfons J. M. Stams
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyWageningen University & ResearchWageningen6708 WEThe Netherlands
- Soehngen Institute of Anaerobic Microbiology, Heyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJThe Netherlands
- Centre of Biological EngineeringUniversity of Minho, Campus de GualtarBraga4710‐057Portugal
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyWageningen University & ResearchWageningen6708 WEThe Netherlands
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10
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Ranchou-Peyruse M, Guignard M, Casteran F, Abadie M, Defois C, Peyret P, Dequidt D, Caumette G, Chiquet P, Cézac P, Ranchou-Peyruse A. Microbial Diversity Under the Influence of Natural Gas Storage in a Deep Aquifer. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:688929. [PMID: 34721313 PMCID: PMC8549729 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.688929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep aquifers (up to 2km deep) contain massive volumes of water harboring large and diverse microbial communities at high pressure. Aquifers are home to microbial ecosystems that participate in physicochemical balances. These microorganisms can positively or negatively interfere with subsurface (i) energy storage (CH4 and H2), (ii) CO2 sequestration; and (iii) resource (water, rare metals) exploitation. The aquifer studied here (720m deep, 37°C, 88bar) is naturally oligotrophic, with a total organic carbon content of <1mg.L-1 and a phosphate content of 0.02mg.L-1. The influence of natural gas storage locally generates different pressures and formation water displacements, but it also releases organic molecules such as monoaromatic hydrocarbons at the gas/water interface. The hydrocarbon biodegradation ability of the indigenous microbial community was evaluated in this work. The in situ microbial community was dominated by sulfate-reducing (e.g., Sva0485 lineage, Thermodesulfovibriona, Desulfotomaculum, Desulfomonile, and Desulfovibrio), fermentative (e.g., Peptococcaceae SCADC1_2_3, Anaerolineae lineage and Pelotomaculum), and homoacetogenic bacteria ("Candidatus Acetothermia") with a few archaeal representatives (e.g., Methanomassiliicoccaceae, Methanobacteriaceae, and members of the Bathyarcheia class), suggesting a role of H2 in microenvironment functioning. Monoaromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation is carried out by sulfate reducers and favored by concentrated biomass and slightly acidic conditions, which suggests that biodegradation should preferably occur in biofilms present on the surfaces of aquifer rock, rather than by planktonic bacteria. A simplified bacterial community, which was able to degrade monoaromatic hydrocarbons at atmospheric pressure over several months, was selected for incubation experiments at in situ pressure (i.e., 90bar). These showed that the abundance of various bacterial genera was altered, while taxonomic diversity was mostly unchanged. The candidate phylum Acetothermia was characteristic of the community incubated at 90bar. This work suggests that even if pressures on the order of 90bar do not seem to select for obligate piezophilic organisms, modifications of the thermodynamic equilibria could favor different microbial assemblages from those observed at atmospheric pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Ranchou-Peyruse
- IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l’Environnement et les Matériaux, Université de Pau & Pays Adour/E2S-UPPA, Pau, France
- Laboratoire de thermique, énergétique et procédés IPRA, EA1932, Université de Pau & Pays Adour/E2S-UPPA, Pau, France
- Joint Laboratory SEnGA, UPPA-E2S-Teréga, Pau, France
| | - Marion Guignard
- IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l’Environnement et les Matériaux, Université de Pau & Pays Adour/E2S-UPPA, Pau, France
| | - Franck Casteran
- Laboratoire de thermique, énergétique et procédés IPRA, EA1932, Université de Pau & Pays Adour/E2S-UPPA, Pau, France
| | - Maïder Abadie
- IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l’Environnement et les Matériaux, Université de Pau & Pays Adour/E2S-UPPA, Pau, France
| | - Clémence Defois
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 0454 MEDIS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Peyret
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UMR 0454 MEDIS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David Dequidt
- STORENGY – Geosciences Department, Bois-Colombes, France
| | - Guilhem Caumette
- Joint Laboratory SEnGA, UPPA-E2S-Teréga, Pau, France
- Teréga, Pau, France
| | - Pierre Chiquet
- Joint Laboratory SEnGA, UPPA-E2S-Teréga, Pau, France
- Teréga, Pau, France
| | - Pierre Cézac
- Laboratoire de thermique, énergétique et procédés IPRA, EA1932, Université de Pau & Pays Adour/E2S-UPPA, Pau, France
- Joint Laboratory SEnGA, UPPA-E2S-Teréga, Pau, France
| | - Anthony Ranchou-Peyruse
- IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l’Environnement et les Matériaux, Université de Pau & Pays Adour/E2S-UPPA, Pau, France
- Joint Laboratory SEnGA, UPPA-E2S-Teréga, Pau, France
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11
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Wang Y, Nguyen N, Lee SH, Wang Q, May JA, Gonzalez R, Cirino PC. Engineering Escherichia coli for anaerobic alkane activation: Biosynthesis of (1-methylalkyl)succinates. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 119:315-320. [PMID: 34633065 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In anoxic environments, microbial activation of alkanes for subsequent metabolism occurs most commonly through the addition of fumarate to a subterminal carbon, producing an alkylsuccinate. Alkylsuccinate synthases are complex, multi-subunit enzymes that utilize a catalytic glycyl radical and require a partner, activating enzyme for hydrogen abstraction. While many genes encoding putative alkylsuccinate synthases have been identified, primarily from nitrate- and sulfate-reducing bacteria, few have been characterized and none have been reported to be functionally expressed in a heterologous host. Here, we describe the functional expression of the (1-methylalkyl)succinate synthase (Mas) system from Azoarcus sp. strain HxN1 in recombinant Escherichia coli. Mass spectrometry confirms anaerobic biosynthesis of the expected products of fumarate addition to hexane, butane, and propane. Maximum production of (1-methylpentyl)succinate is observed when masC, masD, masE, masB, and masG are all present on the expression plasmid; omitting masC reduces production by 66% while omitting any other gene eliminates production. Meanwhile, deleting iscR (encoding the repressor of the E. coli iron-sulfur cluster operon) improves product titer, as does performing the biotransformation at reduced temperature (18°C), both suggesting alkylsuccinate biosynthesis is largely limited by functional expression of this enzyme system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixi Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nam Nguyen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Seung H Lee
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qinxuan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeremy A May
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ramon Gonzalez
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick C Cirino
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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von Horsten S, Lippert ML, Geisselbrecht Y, Schühle K, Schall I, Essen LO, Heider J. Inactive pseudoenzyme subunits in heterotetrameric BbsCD, a novel short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase involved in anaerobic toluene degradation. FEBS J 2021; 289:1023-1042. [PMID: 34601806 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Anaerobic toluene degradation proceeds by fumarate addition to produce (R)-benzylsuccinate as first intermediate, which is further degraded via β-oxidation by five enzymes encoded in the conserved bbs operon. This study characterizes two enzymes of this pathway, (E)-benzylidenesuccinyl-CoA hydratase (BbsH), and (S,R)-2-(α-hydroxybenzyl)succinyl-CoA dehydrogenase (BbsCD) from Thauera aromatica. BbsH, a member of the enoyl-CoA hydratase family, converts (E)-benzylidenesuccinyl-CoA to 2-(α-hydroxybenzyl)succinyl-CoA and was subsequently used in a coupled enzyme assay with BbsCD, which belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductase (SDR) family. The BbsCD crystal structure shows a C2-symmetric heterotetramer consisting of BbsC2 and BbsD2 dimers. BbsD subunits are catalytically active and capable of binding NAD+ and substrate, whereas BbsC subunits represent built-in pseudoenzyme moieties lacking all motifs of the SDR family required for substrate binding or catalysis. Molecular modeling studies predict that the active site of BbsD is specific for conversion of the (S,R)-diastereomer of 2-(α-hydroxybenzyl)succinyl-CoA to (S)-2-benzoylsuccinyl-CoA by hydride transfer to the re-face of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+ . Furthermore, BbsC subunits are not engaged in substrate binding and merely serve as scaffold for the BbsD dimer. BbsCD represents a novel clade of related enzymes within the SDR family, which adopt a heterotetrameric architecture and catalyze the β-oxidation of aromatic succinate adducts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karola Schühle
- Department of Biology, Philipps-Universität, Marburg, Germany
| | - Iris Schall
- Department of Biology, Philipps-Universität, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Johann Heider
- Department of Biology, Philipps-Universität, Marburg, Germany
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13
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Wang B, Kuang S, Shao H, Wang L, Wang H. Anaerobic-petroleum degrading bacteria: Diversity and biotechnological applications for improving coastal soil. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 224:112646. [PMID: 34399124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the industrial emissions and accidental spills, the critical material for modern industrial society petroleum pollution causes severe ecological damage. The prosperous oil exploitation and transportation causes the recalcitrant, hazardous, and carcinogenic sludge widespread in the coastal wetlands. The costly physicochemical-based remediation remains the secondary and inadequate treatment for the derivatives along with the tailings. Anaerobic microbial petroleum degrading biotechnology has received extensive attention for its cost acceptable, eco-friendly, and fewer health hazards. As a result of the advances in biotechnology and microbiology, the anaerobic oil-degrading bacteria have been well developing to achieve the same remediation effects with lower operating costs. This review summarizes the advantages and potential scenarios of the anaerobic degrading bacteria, such as sulfate-reducing bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, and metal-reducing bacteria in the coastal area decomposing the alkanes, alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic, and related derivatives. In the future, a complete theoretical basis of microbiological biotechnology, molecular biology, and electrochemistry is necessary to make efficient and environmental-friendly use of anaerobic degradation bacteria to mineralize oil sludge organic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingchen Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Shaoping Kuang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China.
| | - Hongbo Shao
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China; Institute of Agriculture Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), Nanjing 210014, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Bioresources of Saline Soils, Jiangsu Synthetic Innovation Center for Coastal Bio-agriculture, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng 224002, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Huihui Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
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14
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Zhang C, Meckenstock RU, Weng S, Wei G, Hubert CRJ, Wang JH, Dong X. Marine sediments harbor diverse archaea and bacteria with the potential for anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation via fumarate addition. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:6171024. [PMID: 33720296 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine sediments can contain large amounts of alkanes and methylated aromatic hydrocarbons that are introduced by natural processes or anthropogenic activities. These compounds can be biodegraded by anaerobic microorganisms via enzymatic addition of fumarate. However, the identity and ecological roles of a significant fraction of hydrocarbon degraders containing fumarate-adding enzymes (FAE) in various marine sediments remains unknown. By combining phylogenetic reconstructions, protein homolog modelling, and functional profiling of publicly available metagenomes and genomes, 61 draft bacterial and archaeal genomes encoding anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation via fumarate addition were obtained. Besides Desulfobacterota (previously known as Deltaproteobacteria) that are well-known to catalyze these reactions, Chloroflexi are dominant FAE-encoding bacteria in hydrocarbon-impacted sediments, potentially coupling sulfate reduction or fermentation to anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation. Among Archaea, besides Archaeoglobi previously shown to have this capability, genomes of Heimdallarchaeota, Lokiarchaeota, Thorarchaeota and Thermoplasmata also suggest fermentative hydrocarbon degradation using archaea-type FAE. These bacterial and archaeal hydrocarbon degraders occur in a wide range of marine sediments, including high abundances of FAE-encoding Asgard archaea associated with natural seeps and subseafloor ecosystems. Our results expand the knowledge of diverse archaeal and bacterial lineages engaged in anaerobic degradation of alkanes and methylated aromatic hydrocarbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuwen Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, 2 Daxue Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Rainer U Meckenstock
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5, Essen 45141, Germany
| | - Shengze Weng
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, 2 Daxue Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Guangshan Wei
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, 2 Daxue Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai 519082, China.,Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, 184 Daxue Road, Siming District, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Casey R J Hubert
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N1N4, Canada
| | - Jiang-Hai Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, 2 Daxue Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Xiyang Dong
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, 2 Daxue Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai 519082, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), 2 Daxue Road, XiangZhou District, Zhuhai 519000, China
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15
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Salii I, Szaleniec M, Zein AA, Seyhan D, Sekuła A, Schühle K, Kaplieva-Dudek I, Linne U, Meckenstock RU, Heider J. Determinants for Substrate Recognition in the Glycyl Radical Enzyme Benzylsuccinate Synthase Revealed by Targeted Mutagenesis. ACS Catal 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c04954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Salii
- Department of Biology, Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Synmikro-Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Maciej Szaleniec
- Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Science, 30-239 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ammar Alhaj Zein
- Department of Biology, Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Synmikro-Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Deniz Seyhan
- Department of Biology, Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Synmikro-Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Sekuła
- Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Science, 30-239 Kraków, Poland
| | - Karola Schühle
- Department of Biology, Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Synmikro-Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Uwe Linne
- Synmikro-Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Johann Heider
- Department of Biology, Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Synmikro-Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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16
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Laczi K, Erdeiné Kis Á, Szilágyi Á, Bounedjoum N, Bodor A, Vincze GE, Kovács T, Rákhely G, Perei K. New Frontiers of Anaerobic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation in the Multi-Omics Era. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:590049. [PMID: 33304336 PMCID: PMC7701123 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.590049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment substantially endangers terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Many microbial strains have been recognized to utilize aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons under aerobic conditions. Nevertheless, most of these pollutants are transferred by natural processes, including rain, into the underground anaerobic zones where their degradation is much more problematic. In oxic zones, anaerobic microenvironments can be formed as a consequence of the intensive respiratory activities of (facultative) aerobic microbes. Even though aerobic bioremediation has been well-characterized over the past few decades, ample research is yet to be done in the field of anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation. With the emergence of high-throughput techniques, known as omics (e.g., genomics and metagenomics), the individual biodegraders, hydrocarbon-degrading microbial communities and metabolic pathways, interactions can be described at a contaminated site. Omics approaches provide the opportunity to examine single microorganisms or microbial communities at the system level and elucidate the metabolic networks, interspecies interactions during hydrocarbon mineralization. Metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics, for example, can shed light on the active genes and proteins and functional importance of the less abundant species. Moreover, novel unculturable hydrocarbon-degrading strains and enzymes can be discovered and fit into the metabolic networks of the community. Our objective is to review the anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation processes, the most important hydrocarbon degraders and their diverse metabolic pathways, including the use of various terminal electron acceptors and various electron transfer processes. The review primarily focuses on the achievements obtained by the current high-throughput (multi-omics) techniques which opened new perspectives in understanding the processes at the system level including the metabolic routes of individual strains, metabolic/electric interaction of the members of microbial communities. Based on the multi-omics techniques, novel metabolic blocks can be designed and used for the construction of microbial strains/consortia for efficient removal of hydrocarbons in anaerobic zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztián Laczi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Erdeiné Kis
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Árpád Szilágyi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Naila Bounedjoum
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Environmental and Technological Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Bodor
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Environmental and Technological Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Tamás Kovács
- Department of Biotechnology, Nanophagetherapy Center, Enviroinvest Corporation, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Rákhely
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Environmental and Technological Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Katalin Perei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute of Environmental and Technological Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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17
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Kharey G, Scheffer G, Gieg LM. Combined Use of Diagnostic Fumarate Addition Metabolites and Genes Provides Evidence for Anaerobic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation in Contaminated Groundwater. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8101532. [PMID: 33036175 PMCID: PMC7599786 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of hydrocarbon-based fuels has led to the contamination of many natural environments due to accidental spills or leaks. While anaerobic microorganisms indigenous to many fuel-contaminated groundwater sites can play a role in site remediation (e.g., monitored natural attenuation, MNA) via hydrocarbon biodegradation, multiple lines of evidence in support of such bioremediation are required. In this study, we investigated two fuel-contaminated groundwater sites for their potential to be managed by MNA. Microbial community composition, biogeochemical indicators, fumarate addition metabolites, and genes diagnostic of both alkane and alkyl-monoaromatic hydrocarbon activation were assessed. Fumarate addition metabolites and catabolic genes were detected for both classes of hydrocarbon biodegradation at both sites, providing strong evidence for in situ anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation. However, relevant metabolites and genes did not consistently co-occur within all groundwater samples. Using newly designed mixtures of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) primers to target diverse assA and bssA genes, we measured assA gene abundances ranging from 105–108 copies/L, and bssA gene abundances ranging from 105–1010 copies/L at the sites. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of investigating fuel-contaminated sites using both metabolites and genes diagnostic of anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation for different classes of hydrocarbons to help assess field sites for management by MNA.
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18
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Liu YF, Chen J, Liu ZL, Shou LB, Lin DD, Zhou L, Yang SZ, Liu JF, Li W, Gu JD, Mu BZ. Anaerobic Degradation of Paraffins by Thermophilic Actinobacteria under Methanogenic Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:10610-10620. [PMID: 32786606 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial anaerobic alkane degradation is a key process in subsurface oil reservoirs and anoxic environments contaminated with petroleum, with a major impact on global carbon cycling. However, the thermophiles capable of water-insoluble paraffins (>C17) degradation under methanogenic conditions has remained understudied. Here, we established thermophilic (55 °C) n-paraffins-degrading (C21-C30) cultures from an oil reservoir. After over 900 days of incubation, the even-numbered n-paraffins were biodegraded to methane. The bacterial communities are dominated by a novel class-level lineage of actinobacteria, 'Candidatus Syntraliphaticia'. These 'Ca. Syntraliphaticia'-like metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) encode a complete alkylsuccinate synthases (ASS) gene operon, as well as hydrogenases and formate dehydrogenase, and several enzymes potentially involved in alkyl-CoA oxidation and the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Metatranscriptomic analysis suggests that n-paraffins are activated via fumarate addition reaction, and oxidized into carbon dioxide, hydrogen/formate and acetate by 'Ca. Syntraliphaticia', that could be further converted to methane by the abundant hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic methanogens. We also found a divergent methyl-CoM reductase-like complex (MCR) and a canonical MCR in two MAGs representing 'Ca. Methanosuratus' (within candidate phylum Verstraetearchaeota), indicating the capability of methane and short-chain alkane metabolism in the oil reservoir. Ultimately, this result offers new insights into the degradability and the mechanisms of n-paraffins under methanogenic conditions at high temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
- Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
- Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Zhong-Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
- Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Li-Bin Shou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
- Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Dan-Dan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
- Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
- Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Shi-Zhong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
- Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
- Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Wei Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Wastewater Treatment, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Dong Gu
- Environmental Engineering, Guangdong Technion Israel Institute of Technology, 241 Daxue Road, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, P.R. China
| | - Bo-Zhong Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
- Engineering Research Center of MEOR, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
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19
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Meyer-Cifuentes I, Gruhl S, Haange SB, Lünsmann V, Jehmlich N, von Bergen M, Heipieper HJ, Müller JA. Benzylsuccinate Synthase is Post-Transcriptionally Regulated in the Toluene-Degrading Denitrifier Magnetospirillum sp. Strain 15-1. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050681. [PMID: 32392861 PMCID: PMC7285207 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The facultative denitrifying alphaproteobacterium Magnetospirillum sp. strain 15-1 had been isolated from the hypoxic rhizosphere of a constructed wetland model fed with toluene. This bacterium can catabolize toluene anaerobically but not aerobically. Here, we used strain 15-1 to investigate regulation of expression of the highly oxygen-sensitive glycyl radical enzyme benzylsuccinate synthase, which catalyzes the first step in anaerobic toluene degradation. In cells growing aerobically with benzoate, the addition of toluene resulted in a ~20-fold increased transcription of bssA, encoding for the catalytically active subunit of the enzyme. Under anoxic conditions, bssA mRNA copy numbers were up to 129-fold higher in cells growing with toluene as compared to cells growing with benzoate. Proteomics showed that abundance of benzylsuccinate synthase increased in cells growing anaerobically with toluene. In contrast, peptides of this enzyme were never detected in oxic conditions. These findings show that synthesis of benzylsuccinate synthase was under stringent post-transcriptional control in the presence of oxygen, which is a novel level of regulation for glycyl radical enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Meyer-Cifuentes
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (I.M.-C.); (S.G.); (J.A.M.)
- Junior Research Group of Microbial Biotechnology, Leibniz Institute DSMZ, German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstr. 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sylvie Gruhl
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (I.M.-C.); (S.G.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Sven-Bastiaan Haange
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (S.-B.H.); (V.L.); (N.J.); (M.v.B.)
| | - Vanessa Lünsmann
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (S.-B.H.); (V.L.); (N.J.); (M.v.B.)
| | - Nico Jehmlich
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (S.-B.H.); (V.L.); (N.J.); (M.v.B.)
| | - Martin von Bergen
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (S.-B.H.); (V.L.); (N.J.); (M.v.B.)
- Group of Functional Proteomics, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Pharmacy and Psychology University of Leipzig, Talstrastr. 33, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hermann J. Heipieper
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (I.M.-C.); (S.G.); (J.A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-341-2351694
| | - Jochen A. Müller
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (I.M.-C.); (S.G.); (J.A.M.)
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20
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Structural and Functional Characterization of an Electron Transfer Flavoprotein Involved in Toluene Degradation in Strictly Anaerobic Bacteria. J Bacteriol 2019; 201:JB.00326-19. [PMID: 31405915 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00326-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
(R)-Benzylsuccinate is the characteristic initial intermediate of anaerobic toluene metabolism, which is formed by a radical-type addition of toluene to fumarate. Its further degradation proceeds by activation to the coenzyme A (CoA)-thioester and β-oxidation involving a specific (R)-2-benzylsuccinyl-CoA dehydrogenase (BbsG) affiliated with the family of acyl-CoA dehydrogenases. In this report, we present the biochemical properties of electron transfer flavoproteins (ETFs) from the strictly anaerobic toluene-degrading species Geobacter metallireducens and Desulfobacula toluolica and the facultatively anaerobic bacterium Aromatoleum aromaticum We determined the X-ray structure of the ETF paralogue involved in toluene metabolism of G. metallireducens, revealing strong overall similarities to previously characterized ETF variants but significantly different structural properties in the hinge regions mediating conformational changes. We also show that all strictly anaerobic toluene degraders utilize one of multiple genome-encoded related ETF paralogues, which constitute a distinct clade of similar sequences in the ETF family, for β-oxidation of benzylsuccinate. In contrast, facultatively anaerobic toluene degraders contain only one ETF species, which is utilized in all β-oxidation pathways. Our phylogenetic analysis of the known sequences of the ETF family suggests that at least 36 different clades can be differentiated, which are defined either by the taxonomic group of the respective host species (e.g., clade P for Proteobacteria) or by functional specialization (e.g., clade T for anaerobic toluene degradation).IMPORTANCE This study documents the involvement of ETF in anaerobic toluene metabolism as the physiological electron acceptor for benzylsuccinyl-CoA dehydrogenase. While toluene-degrading denitrifying proteobacteria use a common ETF species, which is also used for other β-oxidation pathways, obligately anaerobic sulfate- or ferric-iron-reducing bacteria use specialized ETF paralogues for toluene degradation. Based on the structure and sequence conservation of these ETFs, they form a new clade that is only remotely related to the previously characterized members of the ETF family. An exhaustive analysis of the available sequences indicated that the protein family consists of several closely related clades of proven or potential electron-bifurcating ETF species and many deeply branching nonbifurcating clades, which either follow the host phylogeny or are affiliated according to functional criteria.
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21
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Rossmassler K, Snow CD, Taggart D, Brown C, De Long SK. Advancing biomarkers for anaerobic o-xylene biodegradation via metagenomic analysis of a methanogenic consortium. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:4177-4192. [PMID: 30968165 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09762-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Quantifying functional biomarker genes and their transcripts provides critical lines of evidence for contaminant biodegradation; however, accurate quantification depends on qPCR primers that contain no, or minimal, mismatches with the target gene. Developing accurate assays has been particularly challenging for genes encoding fumarate-adding enzymes (FAE) due to the high level of genetic diversity in this gene family. In this study, metagenomics applied to a field-derived, o-xylene-degrading methanogenic consortium revealed genes encoding FAE that would not be accurately quantifiable by any previously available PCR assays. Sequencing indicated that a gene similar to the napthylmethylsuccinate synthase gene (nmsA) was most abundant, although benzylsuccinate synthase genes (bssA) also were present along with genes encoding alkylsuccinate synthase (assA). Upregulation of the nmsA-like gene was observed during o-xylene degradation. Protein homology modeling indicated that mutations in the active site, relative to a BssA that acts on toluene, increase binding site volume and accessibility, potentially to accommodate the relatively larger o-xylene. The new nmsA-like gene was also detected at substantial concentrations at field sites with a history of xylene contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Rossmassler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.,Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christopher D Snow
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Casey Brown
- Microbial Insights, Inc., Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Susan K De Long
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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22
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Ribeiro H, de Sousa T, Santos JP, Sousa AGG, Teixeira C, Monteiro MR, Salgado P, Mucha AP, Almeida CMR, Torgo L, Magalhães C. Potential of dissimilatory nitrate reduction pathways in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 199:54-67. [PMID: 29428516 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the potential of an indigenous estuarine microbial consortium to degrade two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), naphthalene and fluoranthene, under nitrate-reducing conditions. Two physicochemically diverse sediment samples from the Lima Estuary (Portugal) were spiked individually with 25 mg L-1 of each PAH in laboratory designed microcosms. Sediments without PAHs and autoclaved sediments spiked with PAHs were run in parallel. Destructive sampling at the beginning and after 3, 6, 12, 30 and 63 weeks incubation was performed. Naphthalene and fluoranthene levels decreased over time with distinct degradation dynamics varying with sediment type. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 16 S rRNA gene amplicons revealed that the sediment type and incubation time were the main drivers influencing the microbial community structure rather than the impact of PAH amendments. Predicted microbial functional analyses revealed clear shifts and interrelationships between genes involved in anaerobic and aerobic degradation of PAHs and in the dissimilatory nitrate-reducing pathways (denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium - DNRA). These findings reinforced by clear biogeochemical denitrification signals (NO3- consumption, and NH4+ increased during the incubation period), suggest that naphthalene and fluoranthene degradation may be coupled with denitrification and DNRA metabolism. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the dissimilatory nitrate-reducing pathways and help uncover their involvement in degradation of PAHs, which will be crucial for directing remediation strategies of PAH-contaminated anoxic sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Ribeiro
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Trelita de Sousa
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa, 403206, India
| | - João P Santos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - António G G Sousa
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Teixeira
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS-UP), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria R Monteiro
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Paula Salgado
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS-UP), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P Mucha
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - C Marisa R Almeida
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Luís Torgo
- FCUP - Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Catarina Magalhães
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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23
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Blázquez B, Carmona M, Díaz E. Transcriptional Regulation of the Peripheral Pathway for the Anaerobic Catabolism of Toluene and m-Xylene in Azoarcus sp. CIB. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:506. [PMID: 29623071 PMCID: PMC5874301 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkylbenzenes, such as toluene and m-xylene, are an important class of contaminant hydrocarbons that are widespread and tend to accumulate in subsurface anoxic environments. The peripheral pathway for the anaerobic oxidation of toluene in bacteria consists of an initial activation catalyzed by a benzylsuccinate synthase (encoded by bss genes), and a subsequent modified β-oxidation of benzylsuccinate to benzoyl-CoA and succinyl-CoA (encoded by bbs genes). We have shown here that the bss and bbs genes, which are located within an integrative and conjugative element, are essential for anaerobic degradation of toluene but also for m-xylene oxidation in the denitrifying beta-proteobacterium Azoarcus sp. CIB. New insights into the transcriptional organization and regulation of a complete gene cluster for anaerobic catabolism of toluene/m-xylene in a single bacterial strain are presented. The bss and bbs genes are transcriptionally coupled into two large convergent catabolic operons driven by the PbssD and PbbsA promoters, respectively, whose expression is inducible when cells grow anaerobically in toluene or m-xylene. An adjacent tdiSR operon driven by the PtdiS promoter encodes a putative two-component regulatory system. TdiR behaves as a transcriptional activator of the PbssD, PbbsA, and PtdiS promoters, being benzylsuccinate/(3-methyl)benzylsuccinate, rather than toluene/m-xylene, the inducers that may trigger the TdiS-mediated activation of TdiR. In addition to the TdiSR-based specific control, the expression of the bss and bbs genes in Azoarcus sp. CIB is under an overimposed regulation that depends on certain environmental factors, such as the presence/absence of oxygen or the availability of preferred carbon sources (catabolite repression). This work paves the way for future strategies toward the reliable assessment of microbial activity in toluene/m-xylene contaminated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blas Blázquez
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Carmona
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Díaz
- Department of Microbial and Plant Biotechnology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
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24
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Backman LRF, Funk MA, Dawson CD, Drennan CL. New tricks for the glycyl radical enzyme family. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 52:674-695. [PMID: 28901199 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2017.1373741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Glycyl radical enzymes (GREs) are important biological catalysts in both strict and facultative anaerobes, playing key roles both in the human microbiota and in the environment. GREs contain a backbone glycyl radical that is post-translationally installed, enabling radical-based mechanisms. GREs function in several metabolic pathways including mixed acid fermentation, ribonucleotide reduction and the anaerobic breakdown of the nutrient choline and the pollutant toluene. By generating a substrate-based radical species within the active site, GREs enable C-C, C-O and C-N bond breaking and formation steps that are otherwise challenging for nonradical enzymes. Identification of previously unknown family members from genomic data and the determination of structures of well-characterized GREs have expanded the scope of GRE-catalyzed reactions as well as defined key features that enable radical catalysis. Here, we review the structures and mechanisms of characterized GREs, classifying members into five categories. We consider the open questions about each of the five GRE classes and evaluate the tools available to interrogate uncharacterized GREs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey R F Backman
- a Department of Chemistry , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Michael A Funk
- a Department of Chemistry , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , MA , USA.,b Department of Chemistry , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , Urbana , IL , USA
| | - Christopher D Dawson
- c Department of Biology , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Catherine L Drennan
- a Department of Chemistry , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , MA , USA.,c Department of Biology , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , MA , USA.,d Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , MA , USA
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25
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Zamarro MT, Barragán MJL, Carmona M, García JL, Díaz E. Engineering a bzd cassette for the anaerobic bioconversion of aromatic compounds. Microb Biotechnol 2017; 10:1418-1425. [PMID: 28736925 PMCID: PMC5658619 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms able to degrade aromatic contaminants constitute potential valuable biocatalysts to deal with a significant reusable carbon fraction suitable for eco‐efficient valorization processes. Metabolic engineering of anaerobic pathways for degradation and recycling of aromatic compounds is an almost unexplored field. In this work, we present the construction of a functional bzd cassette encoding the benzoyl‐CoA central pathway for the anaerobic degradation of benzoate. The bzd cassette has been used to expand the ability of some denitrifying bacteria to use benzoate as sole carbon source under anaerobic conditions, and it paves the way for future pathway engineering of efficient anaerobic biodegraders of aromatic compounds whose degradation generates benzoyl‐CoA as central intermediate. Moreover, a recombinant Azoarcus sp. CIB strain harbouring the bzd cassette was shown to behave as a valuable biocatalyst for anaerobic toluene valorization towards the synthesis of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable and biocompatible polyester of increasing biotechnological interest as a sustainable alternative to classical oil‐derived polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Zamarro
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - María J L Barragán
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Carmona
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis García
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Díaz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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26
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Ferreri C, Golding BT, Jahn U, Ravanat JL. COST Action CM1201 "Biomimetic Radical Chemistry": free radical chemistry successfully meets many disciplines. Free Radic Res 2016; 50:S112-S128. [PMID: 27750460 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2016.1248961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The COST Action CM1201 "Biomimetic Radical Chemistry" has been active since December 2012 for 4 years, developing research topics organized into four working groups: WG1 - Radical Enzymes, WG2 - Models of DNA damage and consequences, WG3 - Membrane stress, signalling and defenses, and WG4 - Bio-inspired synthetic strategies. International collaborations have been established among the participating 80 research groups with brilliant interdisciplinary achievements. Free radical research with a biomimetic approach has been realized in the COST Action and are summarized in this overview by the four WG leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ferreri
- a ISOF, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, BioFreeRadicals Group , Bologna , Italy
| | - Bernard T Golding
- b School of Chemistry, Bedson Building, Newcastle University , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , UK
| | - Ullrich Jahn
- c Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , Czech Academy of Sciences , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jean-Luc Ravanat
- d INAC-SCIB & CEA, INAC-SyMMES Laboratoire des Lésions des Acides Nucléiques , Université Grenoble Alpes , Grenoble , France
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27
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Laso-Pérez R, Wegener G, Knittel K, Widdel F, Harding KJ, Krukenberg V, Meier DV, Richter M, Tegetmeyer HE, Riedel D, Richnow HH, Adrian L, Reemtsma T, Lechtenfeld OJ, Musat F. Thermophilic archaea activate butane via alkyl-coenzyme M formation. Nature 2016; 539:396-401. [PMID: 27749816 DOI: 10.1038/nature20152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The anaerobic formation and oxidation of methane involve unique enzymatic mechanisms and cofactors, all of which are believed to be specific for C1-compounds. Here we show that an anaerobic thermophilic enrichment culture composed of dense consortia of archaea and bacteria apparently uses partly similar pathways to oxidize the C4 hydrocarbon butane. The archaea, proposed genus 'Candidatus Syntrophoarchaeum', show the characteristic autofluorescence of methanogens, and contain highly expressed genes encoding enzymes similar to methyl-coenzyme M reductase. We detect butyl-coenzyme M, indicating archaeal butane activation analogous to the first step in anaerobic methane oxidation. In addition, Ca. Syntrophoarchaeum expresses the genes encoding β-oxidation enzymes, carbon monoxide dehydrogenase and reversible C1 methanogenesis enzymes. This allows for the complete oxidation of butane. Reducing equivalents are seemingly channelled to HotSeep-1, a thermophilic sulfate-reducing partner bacterium known from the anaerobic oxidation of methane. Genes encoding 16S rRNA and methyl-coenzyme M reductase similar to those identifying Ca. Syntrophoarchaeum were repeatedly retrieved from marine subsurface sediments, suggesting that the presented activation mechanism is naturally widespread in the anaerobic oxidation of short-chain hydrocarbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Laso-Pérez
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359 Bremen, Germany.,Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Gunter Wegener
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359 Bremen, Germany.,Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany.,MARUM, Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Katrin Knittel
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Widdel
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Katie J Harding
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Viola Krukenberg
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359 Bremen, Germany.,Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Dimitri V Meier
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Michael Richter
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Halina E Tegetmeyer
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany.,Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Dietmar Riedel
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Lorenz Adrian
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thorsten Reemtsma
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Florin Musat
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359 Bremen, Germany.,Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
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28
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Vogt C, Dorer C, Musat F, Richnow HH. Multi-element isotope fractionation concepts to characterize the biodegradation of hydrocarbons — from enzymes to the environment. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2016; 41:90-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2016.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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29
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Rabus R, Boll M, Heider J, Meckenstock RU, Buckel W, Einsle O, Ermler U, Golding BT, Gunsalus RP, Kroneck PMH, Krüger M, Lueders T, Martins BM, Musat F, Richnow HH, Schink B, Seifert J, Szaleniec M, Treude T, Ullmann GM, Vogt C, von Bergen M, Wilkes H. Anaerobic Microbial Degradation of Hydrocarbons: From Enzymatic Reactions to the Environment. J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 26:5-28. [PMID: 26960061 DOI: 10.1159/000443997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrocarbons are abundant in anoxic environments and pose biochemical challenges to their anaerobic degradation by microorganisms. Within the framework of the Priority Program 1319, investigations funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft on the anaerobic microbial degradation of hydrocarbons ranged from isolation and enrichment of hitherto unknown hydrocarbon-degrading anaerobic microorganisms, discovery of novel reactions, detailed studies of enzyme mechanisms and structures to process-oriented in situ studies. Selected highlights from this program are collected in this synopsis, with more detailed information provided by theme-focused reviews of the special topic issue on 'Anaerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbons' [this issue, pp. 1-244]. The interdisciplinary character of the program, involving microbiologists, biochemists, organic chemists and environmental scientists, is best exemplified by the studies on alkyl-/arylalkylsuccinate synthases. Here, research topics ranged from in-depth mechanistic studies of archetypical toluene-activating benzylsuccinate synthase, substrate-specific phylogenetic clustering of alkyl-/arylalkylsuccinate synthases (toluene plus xylenes, p-cymene, p-cresol, 2-methylnaphthalene, n-alkanes), stereochemical and co-metabolic insights into n-alkane-activating (methylalkyl)succinate synthases to the discovery of bacterial groups previously unknown to possess alkyl-/arylalkylsuccinate synthases by means of functional gene markers and in situ field studies enabled by state-of-the-art stable isotope probing and fractionation approaches. Other topics are Mo-cofactor-dependent dehydrogenases performing O2-independent hydroxylation of hydrocarbons and alkyl side chains (ethylbenzene, p-cymene, cholesterol, n-hexadecane), degradation of p-alkylated benzoates and toluenes, glycyl radical-bearing 4-hydroxyphenylacetate decarboxylase, novel types of carboxylation reactions (for acetophenone, acetone, and potentially also benzene and naphthalene), W-cofactor-containing enzymes for reductive dearomatization of benzoyl-CoA (class II benzoyl-CoA reductase) in obligate anaerobes and addition of water to acetylene, fermentative formation of cyclohexanecarboxylate from benzoate, and methanogenic degradation of hydrocarbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Rabus
- General and Molecular Microbiology, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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