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Ferreira MR, Morgado L, Salgueiro CA. Periplasmic electron transfer network in Geobacter sulfurreducens revealed by biomolecular interaction studies. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5082. [PMID: 38935664 PMCID: PMC11210610 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Multiheme cytochromes located in different compartments are crucial for extracellular electron transfer in the bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens to drive important environmental processes and biotechnological applications. Recent studies have unveiled that for particular sets of electron terminal acceptors, discrete respiratory pathways selectively recruit specific cytochromes from both the inner and outer membranes. However, such specificity was not observed for the abundant periplasmic cytochromes, namely the triheme cytochrome family PpcA-E. In this work, the distinctive NMR spectroscopic signatures of these proteins in different redox states were explored to monitor pairwise interactions and electron transfer reactions between each pair of cytochromes. The results showed that the five proteins interact transiently and can exchange electrons between each other revealing intra-promiscuity within the members of this family. This discovery is discussed in the light of the establishment of an effective electron transfer network by this pool of cytochromes. This network is advantageous to the bacteria as it enables the maintenance of the functional working potential redox range within the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa R. Ferreira
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and TechnologyUniversidade NOVA de LisboaCaparicaPortugal
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and TechnologyUniversidade NOVA de LisboaCaparicaPortugal
| | - Leonor Morgado
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and TechnologyUniversidade NOVA de LisboaCaparicaPortugal
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and TechnologyUniversidade NOVA de LisboaCaparicaPortugal
| | - Carlos A. Salgueiro
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and TechnologyUniversidade NOVA de LisboaCaparicaPortugal
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and TechnologyUniversidade NOVA de LisboaCaparicaPortugal
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2
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Xie G, Feng G, Li Q, Zhang K, Tang C, Chen H, Cai C, Mao P. Efficient uranium sequestration ability and mechanism of live and inactivated strain of Streptomyces sp. HX-1 isolated from uranium wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124307. [PMID: 38830528 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Prokaryotes are effective biosorbents for the recovery of uranium and other heavy metals. However, the potential mechanism of uranium bioaccumulation by filamentous strain (actinobacteria) remains unclear. This study demonstrates the potential for and mechanism of uranium bioaccumulation by living (L-SS) and inactivated (I-SS) Streptomyces sp. HX-1 isolated from uranium mine waste streams. Uranium accumulation experiments showed that L-SS and I-SS had efficient uranium adsorption potentials, with removal rates of 92.93 and 97.42%, respectively. Kinetic and equilibrium data indicated that the bioaccumulation process was consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic, Langmuir, and Sips isotherm models. FTIR indicated that the main functional groups of L-SS and I-SS binding uranium were uranyl, carboxyl, and phosphate groups. Moreover, the results of XRD, XPS, SEM-EDS, and TEM-EDS analyses revealed for the first time that L-SS has biomineralization and bioreduction capacity against uranium. L-SS mineralize U(VI) into NH4UO2PO4 and [Formula: see text] through the metabolic activity of biological enzymes (phosphatases). In summary, Streptomyces sp. HX-1 is a novel and efficient uranium-fixing biosorbent for the treatment of uranium-contaminated wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Xie
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China
| | - Guangwen Feng
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China.
| | - Qin Li
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China
| | - Keyong Zhang
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China
| | - Chao Tang
- Research Center of Ion Beam Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Xi'an Technological University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Henglei Chen
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China
| | - Changlong Cai
- Research Center of Ion Beam Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Xi'an Technological University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Peihong Mao
- Research Center of Radiation Ecology and Ion Beam Biotechnology, College of Physics Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China
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Xu G, Li X, Liu X, Han J, Shao K, Yang H, Fan F, Zhang X, Dou J. Bibliometric insights into the evolution of uranium contamination reduction research topics: Focus on microbial reduction of uranium. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170397. [PMID: 38307284 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Confronting the threat of environment uranium pollution, decades of research have yielded advanced and significant findings in uranium bioremediation, resulting in the accumulation of tremendous amount of high-quality literature. In this study, we analyzed over 10,000 uranium reduction-related papers published from 1990 to the present in the Web of Science based on bibliometrics, and revealed some critical information on knowledge structure, thematic evolution and additional attention. Methods including contribution comparison, co-occurrence and temporal evolution analysis are applied. The results of the distribution and impact analysis of authors, sources, and journals indicated that the United States is a leader in this field of research and China is on the rise. The top keywords remained stable, primarily focused on chemicals (uranium, iron, plutonium, nitrat, carbon), characters (divers, surfac, speciat), and microbiology (microbial commun, cytochrome, extracellular polymeric subst). Keywords related to new strains, reduction mechanisms and product characteristics demonstrated the strongest uptrend, while some keywords related to mechanism and performance were clearly emerging in the past 5 years. Furthermore, the evolution of the thematic progression can be categorized into three stages, commencing with the discovery of the enzymatic reduction of hexavalent uranium to tetravalent uranium, developing in the groundwater remediation process at uranium-contaminated sites, and delving into the research on microbial reduction mechanisms of uranium. For future research, enhancing the understanding of mechanisms, improving uranium removal performance, and exploring practical applications can be considered. This study provides unique insights into microbial uranium reduction research, providing valuable references for related studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Xindai Li
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Xinyao Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Juncheng Han
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Kexin Shao
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Haotian Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Fuqiang Fan
- Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, PR China.
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Analytical and Testing Center of BNU, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Junfeng Dou
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Groundwater Pollution Control and Remediation, College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China.
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Jaramillo-Rodríguez JB, Vega-Alvarado L, Rodríguez-Torres LM, Huerta-Miranda GA, Hernández-Eligio A, Juarez K. Global transcriptional analysis of Geobacter sulfurreducens gsu1771 mutant biofilm grown on two different support structures. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293359. [PMID: 37878651 PMCID: PMC10599522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroactive biofilms formation by the metal-reducing bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens is a step crucial for bioelectricity generation and bioremediation. The transcriptional regulator GSU1771 controls the expression of essential genes involved in electron transfer and biofilm formation in G. sulfurreducens, with GSU1771-deficient producing thicker and more electroactive biofilms. Here, RNA-seq analyses were conducted to compare the global gene expression patterns of wild-type and Δgsu1771 mutant biofilms grown on non-conductive (glass) and conductive (graphite electrode) materials. The Δgsu1771 biofilm grown on the glass surface exhibited 467 differentially expressed (DE) genes (167 upregulated and 300 downregulated) versus the wild-type biofilm. In contrast, the Δgsu1771 biofilm grown on the graphite electrode exhibited 119 DE genes (79 upregulated and 40 downregulated) versus the wild-type biofilm. Among these DE genes, 67 were also differentially expressed in the Δgsu1771 biofilm grown on glass (56 with the same regulation and 11 exhibiting counter-regulation). Among the upregulated genes in the Δgsu1771 biofilms, we identified potential target genes involved in exopolysaccharide synthesis (gsu1961-63, gsu1959, gsu1972-73, gsu1976-77). RT-qPCR analyses were then conducted to confirm the differential expression of a selection of genes of interest. DNA-protein binding assays demonstrated the direct binding of the GSU1771 regulator to the promoter region of pgcA, pulF, relA, and gsu3356. Furthermore, heme-staining and western blotting revealed an increase in c-type cytochromes including OmcS and OmcZ in Δgsu1771 biofilms. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that GSU1771 is a global regulator that controls extracellular electron transfer and exopolysaccharide synthesis in G. sulfurreducens, which is crucial for electroconductive biofilm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan B. Jaramillo-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Leticia Vega-Alvarado
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luis M. Rodríguez-Torres
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Guillermo A. Huerta-Miranda
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Alberto Hernández-Eligio
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- Investigador por México, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Katy Juarez
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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Zhou H, Xuanyuan X, Lv X, Wang J, Feng K, Chen C, Ma J, Xing D. Mechanisms of magnetic sensing and regulating extracellular electron transfer of electroactive bacteria under magnetic fields. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165104. [PMID: 37356761 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Electroactive bacteria can display notable plasticity in their response to magnetic field (MF), which prompted bioelectrochemical system as promising candidates for magnetic sensor applications. In this study, we explored the sensing and stimulatory effect of MF on current generation by Geobacter sulfurreducens, and elucidated the related molecular mechanism at the transcriptomic level. MF treatment significantly enhanced electricity generation and overall energy efficiency of G. sulfurreducens by 50 % and 22 %, respectively. The response of current to MFs was instantaneous and reversible. Cyclic voltammetry analysis of the anode biofilm revealed that the redox couples changed from -0.31 to -0.39 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), suggesting that MFs could alter electron transfer related components. Differential gene expression analysis further verified this hypothesis, genes associated with electron transfer were upregulated in G. sulfurreducens under MF treatment relative to the control group, specifically, genes encoding periplasmic c-type cytochromes (ppcA and ppcD), outer membrane cytochrome (omcF, omcZ, omcB), pili (pilA-C, pilM, and pilV2), and ribosome. The enhanced bacterial extracellular electron transfer process was also linked to the overexpression of the NADH dehydrogenase I subunit, the ABC transporter, transcriptional regulation, and ATP synthase. Overall, our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of magnetic field stimuli on EAB and provide a theoretical basis for its further application in magnetic sensors and other biological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Xianwen Xuanyuan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Xiaowei Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Kun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Jun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China
| | - Defeng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150090, China.
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6
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Portela PC, Morgado L, Silva MA, Denkhaus L, Einsle O, Salgueiro CA. Exploring oxidative stress pathways in Geobacter sulfurreducens: the redox network between MacA peroxidase and triheme periplasmic cytochromes. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1253114. [PMID: 37860142 PMCID: PMC10582990 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1253114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent reclassification of the strict anaerobe Geobacter sulfurreducens bacterium as aerotolerant brought attention for oxidative stress protection pathways. Although the electron transfer pathways for oxygen detoxification are not well established, evidence was obtained for the formation of a redox complex between the periplasmic triheme cytochrome PpcA and the diheme cytochrome peroxidase MacA. In the latter, the reduction of the high-potential heme triggers a conformational change that displaces the axial histidine of the low-potential heme with peroxidase activity. More recently, a possible involvement of the triheme periplasmic cytochrome family (PpcA-E) in the protection from oxidative stress in G. sulfurreducens was suggested. To evaluate this hypothesis, we investigated the electron transfer reaction and the biomolecular interaction between each PpcA-E cytochrome and MacA. Using a newly developed method that relies on the different NMR spectral signatures of the heme proteins, we directly monitored the electron transfer reaction from reduced PpcA-E cytochromes to oxidized MacA. The results obtained showed a complete electron transfer from the cytochromes to the high-potential heme of MacA. This highlights PpcA-E cytochromes' efficient role in providing the necessary reducing power to mitigate oxidative stress situations, hence contributing to a better knowledge of oxidative stress protection pathways in G. sulfurreducens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar C. Portela
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Leonor Morgado
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Marta A. Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Lukas Denkhaus
- Institut für Biochemie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Einsle
- Institut für Biochemie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carlos A. Salgueiro
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
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Howley E, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Torres CI. Cytochrome gene expression shifts in Geobacter sulfurreducens to maximize energy conservation in response to changes in redox conditions. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 237:115524. [PMID: 37459687 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have identified that Geobacter sulfurreducens has three different electron transfer pathways for respiration, and it switches between these pathways to adapt to the redox potential of its electron acceptor. However, only a small fraction of the electron carriers from each pathway have been identified. In this study, we combined electrochemical and gene expression data to identify electron carriers in the inner membrane, periplasm, outer membrane, and exterior of the cell that may be induced by the use of the three different electron transfer pathways. Cyclic voltammetry was performed on thin biofilms grown on anodes poised at different redox potentials, providing a quantitative assessment of the relative use of three electron-transfer pathways in each condition (catalytic midpoint potentials (EKAs) of -0.227 V [Low], -0.15 V [Medium], -0.1 V [High] vs. SHE). Transcriptomic analyses as a function of electrochemical signals or fumarate utilization showed differential induction in inner membrane (Medium: cbcL), periplasmic (Low: ppcB/ppcE, Medium: ppcA), outer membrane (Low: extA/extC, Medium: extJ/extK, Fumarate: extF/extG), and extracellular (Medium: omcZ, High/Fumarate: omcS/omcT) cytochromes, suggesting the pathway signals are associated with complex transcriptomic responses in genes across the electron transfer pathway. Our method combining electrochemical modeling and transcriptomics could be adapted to better understand electron transport in other electroactive organisms with complex metabolisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Howley
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - César I Torres
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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Abstract
Extracellular electron transfer (EET) is the physiological process that enables the reduction or oxidation of molecules and minerals beyond the surface of a microbial cell. The first bacteria characterized with this capability were Shewanella and Geobacter, both reported to couple their growth to the reduction of iron or manganese oxide minerals located extracellularly. A key difference between EET and nearly every other respiratory activity on Earth is the need to transfer electrons beyond the cell membrane. The past decade has resolved how well-conserved strategies conduct electrons from the inner membrane to the outer surface. However, recent data suggest a much wider and less well understood collection of mechanisms enabling electron transfer to distant acceptors. This review reflects the current state of knowledge from Shewanella and Geobacter, specifically focusing on transfer across the outer membrane and beyond-an activity that enables reduction of highly variable minerals, electrodes, and even other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Gralnick
- BioTechnology Institute and Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; ,
| | - D R Bond
- BioTechnology Institute and Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; ,
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Barreiro DS, Oliveira RN, Pauleta SR. Bacterial peroxidases – Multivalent enzymes that enable the use of hydrogen peroxide for microaerobic and anaerobic proliferation. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
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10
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Lu J, Zhang B, Geng R, Lian G, Dong H. Independent and synergistic bio-reductions of uranium (VI) driven by zerovalent iron in aquifer. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119778. [PMID: 36871383 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Zerovalent iron [Fe(0)] can donate electron for bioprocess, but microbial uranium (VI) [U(VI)] reduction driven by Fe(0) is still poorly understood. In this study, Fe(0) supported U(VI) bio-reduction was steadily achieved in the 160-d continuous-flow biological column. The maximum removal efficiency and capacity of U(VI) were 100% and 46.4 ± 0.52 g/(m3·d) respectively, and the longevity of Fe(0) increased by 3.09 times. U(VI) was reduced to solid UO2, while Fe(0) was finally oxidized to Fe(III). Autotrophic Thiobacillus achieved U(VI) reduction coupled to Fe(0) oxidation, verified by pure culture. H2 produced from Fe(0) corrosion was consumed by autotrophic Clostridium for U(VI) reduction. The detected residual organic intermediates were biosynthesized with energy released from Fe(0) oxidation and utilized by heterotrophic Desulfomicrobium, Bacillus and Pseudomonas to reduce U(VI). Metagenomic analysis found the upregulated genes for U(VI) reduction (e.g., dsrA and dsrB) and Fe(II) oxidation (e.g., CYC1 and mtrA). These functional genes were also transcriptionally expressed. Cytochrome c and glutathione responsible for electron transfer also contributed to U(VI) reduction. This study reveals the independent and synergistic pathways for Fe(0)-dependent U(VI) bio-reduction, providing promising remediation strategy for U(VI)-polluted aquifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Lu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Baogang Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Rongyue Geng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Guoxi Lian
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China; The Fourth Research and Design Engineering Institute of China National Nuclear Corporation, Shijiazhuang 050021, PR China
| | - Hailiang Dong
- Center for Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Research, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, School of Earth Science and Resources, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
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11
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Howley E, Ki D, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Torres CI. Geobacter sulfurreducens' Unique Metabolism Results in Cells with a High Iron and Lipid Content. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0259322. [PMID: 36301091 PMCID: PMC9769739 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02593-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Geobacter sulfurreducens is a ubiquitous iron-reducing bacterium in soils, and in engineered systems, it can respire an electrode to produce measurable electric current. Its unique metabolism, heavily dependent on an extensive network of cytochromes, requires a unique cell composition. In this work, we used metallomics, cell fraction and elemental analyses, and transcriptomics to study and analyze the cell composition of G. sulfurreducens. Elemental composition studies (C, H, O, N, and ash content) showed high C:O and H:O ratios of approximately 1.7:1 and 0.25:1, indicative of more reduced cell composition that is consistent with high lipid content. Our study shows that G. sulfurreducens cells have a large amount of iron (2 ± 0.2 μg/g dry weight) and lipids (32 ± 0.5% dry weight/dry weight) and that this composition does not change whether the cells are grown with a soluble or an insoluble electron acceptor. The high iron concentration, higher than similar microorganisms, is attributed to the production of cytochromes that are abundant in transcriptomic analyses in both solid and soluble electron acceptor growth. The unique cell composition of G. sulfurreducens must be considered when growing this microorganism for lab studies and commercial applications. IMPORTANCE Geobacter sulfurreducens is an electroactive microorganism. In nature, it grows on metallic minerals by transferring electrons to them, effectively "breathing" metals. In a manmade system, it respires an electrode to produce an electric current. It has become a model organism for the study of electroactive organisms. There are potential biotechnological applications of an organism that can bridge the gap between biology and electrical signal and, as a ubiquitous iron reducer in soils around the world, G. sulfurreducens has an impact on the global iron cycle. We measured the concentrations of metals, macromolecules, and basic elements in G. sulfurreducens to define this organism's composition. We also used gene expression data to discuss which proteins those metals could be associated with. We found that G. sulfurreducens has a large amount of lipid and iron compared to other bacteria-these observations are important for future microbiologists and biotechnologists working with the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Howley
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School for Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Dongwon Ki
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Division of Living and the Built Environment Research, Seoul Institute of Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School for Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - César I. Torres
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School for Engineering of Matter Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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12
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Choi S, Chan CH, Bond DR. Lack of Specificity in Geobacter Periplasmic Electron Transfer. J Bacteriol 2022; 204:e0032222. [PMID: 36383007 PMCID: PMC9765071 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00322-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduction of extracellular acceptors requires electron transfer across the periplasm. In Geobacter sulfurreducens, three separate cytoplasmic membrane cytochromes are utilized depending on redox potential, and at least five cytochrome conduits span the outer membrane. Because G. sulfurreducens produces 5 structurally similar triheme periplasmic cytochromes (PpcABCDE) that differ in expression level, midpoint potential, and heme biochemistry, many hypotheses propose distinct periplasmic carriers could be used for specific redox potentials, terminal acceptors, or growth conditions. Using a panel of marker-free single, quadruple, and quintuple mutants, little support for these models could be found. Three quadruple mutants containing only one paralog (PpcA, PpcB, and PpcD) reduced Fe(III) citrate and Fe(III) oxide at the same rate and extent, even though PpcB and PpcD were at much lower periplasmic levels than PpcA. Mutants containing only PpcC and PpcE showed defects, but these cytochromes were nearly undetectable in the periplasm. When expressed sufficiently, PpcC and PpcE supported wild-type Fe(III) reduction. PpcA and PpcE from G. metallireducens similarly restored metal respiration in G. sulfurreducens. PgcA, an unrelated extracellular triheme c-type cytochrome, also participated in periplasmic electron transfer. While triheme cytochromes were important for metal reduction, sextuple ΔppcABCDE ΔpgcA mutants grew near wild-type rates with normal cyclic voltammetry profiles when using anodes as electron acceptors. These results reveal broad promiscuity in the periplasmic electron transfer network of metal-reducing Geobacter and suggest that an as-yet-undiscovered periplasmic mechanism supports electron transfer to electrodes. IMPORTANCE Many inner and outer membrane cytochromes used by Geobacter for electron transfer to extracellular acceptors have specific functions. How these are connected by periplasmic carriers remains poorly understood. G. sulfurreducens contains multiple triheme periplasmic cytochromes with unique biochemical properties and expression profiles. It is hypothesized that each could be involved in a different respiratory pathway, depending on redox potential or energy needs. Here, we show that Geobacter periplasmic cytochromes instead show evidence of being highly promiscuous. Any of 6 triheme cytochromes supported similar growth with soluble or insoluble metals, but none were required when cells utilized electrodes. These findings fail to support many models of Geobacter electron transfer, and question why these organisms produce such an array of periplasmic cytochromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chi Ho Chan
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel R. Bond
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
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13
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Feng H, Xu L, Chen R, Ma X, Qiao H, Zhao N, Ding Y, Wu D. Detoxification mechanisms of electroactive microorganisms under toxicity stress: A review. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1084530. [DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1084530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Remediation of environmental toxic pollutants has attracted extensive attention in recent years. Microbial bioremediation has been an important technology for removing toxic pollutants. However, microbial activity is also susceptible to toxicity stress in the process of intracellular detoxification, which significantly reduces microbial activity. Electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) can detoxify toxic pollutants extracellularly to a certain extent, which is related to their unique extracellular electron transfer (EET) function. In this review, the extracellular and intracellular aspects of the EAMs’ detoxification mechanisms are explored separately. Additionally, various strategies for enhancing the effect of extracellular detoxification are discussed. Finally, future research directions are proposed based on the bottlenecks encountered in the current studies. This review can contribute to the development of toxic pollutants remediation technologies based on EAMs, and provide theoretical and technical support for future practical engineering applications.
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14
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He RL, Wu J, Cheng ZH, Li HH, Liu JQ, Liu DF, Li WW. Biomolecular Insights into Extracellular Pollutant Reduction Pathways of Geobacter sulfurreducens Using a Base Editor System. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:12247-12256. [PMID: 35960254 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Geobacter species are critically involved in elemental biogeochemical cycling and environmental bioremediation processes via extracellular electron transfer (EET), but the underlying biomolecular mechanisms remain elusive due to lack of effective analytical tools to explore into complicated EET networks. Here, a simple and highly efficient cytosine base editor was developed for engineering of the slow-growing Geobacter sulfurreducens (a doubling time of 5 h with acetate as the electron donor and fumarate as the electron acceptor). A single-plasmid cytosine base editor (pYYDT-BE) was constructed in G. sulfurreducens by fusing cytosine deaminase, Cas9 nickase, and a uracil glycosylase inhibitor. This system enabled single-locus editing at 100% efficiency and showed obvious preference at the cytosines in a TC, AC, or CC context than in a GC context. Gene inactivation tests confirmed that it could effectively edit 87.7-93.4% genes of the entire genome in nine model Geobacter species. With the aid of this base editor to construct a series of G. sulfurreducens mutants, we unveiled important roles of both pili and outer membrane c-type cytochromes in long-range EET, thereby providing important evidence to clarify the long-term controversy surrounding their specific roles. Furthermore, we find that pili were also involved in the extracellular reduction of uranium and clarified the key roles of the ExtHIJKL conduit complex and outer membrane c-type cytochromes in the selenite reduction process. This work developed an effective base editor tool for the genetic modification of Geobacter species and provided new insights into the EET network, which lay a basis for a better understanding and engineering of these microbes to favor environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Li He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- University of Science and Technology of China-City University of Hong Kong Joint Advanced Research Center, Suzhou Institute for Advance Research of USTC, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jie Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- University of Science and Technology of China-City University of Hong Kong Joint Advanced Research Center, Suzhou Institute for Advance Research of USTC, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhou-Hua Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Hui-Hui Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jia-Qi Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Dong-Feng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Wen-Wei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- University of Science and Technology of China-City University of Hong Kong Joint Advanced Research Center, Suzhou Institute for Advance Research of USTC, Suzhou 215123, China
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15
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Dou X, Su H, Xu D, Liu C, Meng H, Li H, Zhang J, Dang Y, Feng L, Zhang L, Du Z, Holmes DE. Enhancement effects of dissolved organic matter leached from sewage sludge on microbial reduction and immobilization of Cr(VI) by Geobacter sulfurreducens. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 835:155301. [PMID: 35429569 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sewage sludge has a high concentration of dissolved organic matter (DOM) which contains compounds that can serve as electron donors or shuttles for metal reduction by dissimilatory metal reducing bacteria (DMRB). In this study, Cr(VI) removal by G. sulfurreducens, a common DMRB present in anaerobic soils, was examined in the presence or absence of sludge DOM. Two different types of sludge DOM were tested; composted sludge DOM (C-DOM) and anaerobically digested sludge DOM (A-DOM). Both sludge DOMs enhanced Cr(VI) reduction by G. sulfurreducens, but C-DOM was more effective likely because it had higher concentrations of humic substances that served as electron shuttles. Transcriptomic studies indicated that G. sulfurreducens utilizes several different mechanisms to tolerate chromium including extracellular Cr(VI) reduction and immobilization by outer membrane c-type cytochromes and electrically conductive pili, intracellular Cr(VI) reduction by triheme cytochromes and NAD(P)H FMN reductase proteins, and chromium efflux by several P-type ATPase and RND transporter proteins. Microscopy experiments also showed that Cr(III) crystals formed on the surface of the cells, indicating that extracellular Cr(VI) reduction and adsorption was involved in the chromium removal process. These results help provide insight into the potential use of sewage sludge as an additive to enhance the bioremediation of chromium contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudan Dou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hui Su
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dandan Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chuanqi Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Huan Meng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haoyong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Junhui Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yan Dang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Li Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Liqiu Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ziwen Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control and Eco-remediation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Dawn E Holmes
- Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Western New England University, 1215 Wilbraham Rd, Springfield, MA 01119, USA
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16
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Cryo-EM structure of an extracellular Geobacter OmcE cytochrome filament reveals tetrahaem packing. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:1291-1300. [PMID: 35798889 PMCID: PMC9357133 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01159-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Electrically conductive appendages from the anaerobic bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens were first observed two decades ago, with genetic and biochemical data suggesting that conductive fibres were type IV pili. Recently, an extracellular conductive filament of G. sulfurreducens was found to contain polymerized c-type cytochrome OmcS subunits, not pilin subunits. Here we report that G. sulfurreducens also produces a second, thinner appendage comprised of cytochrome OmcE subunits and solve its structure using cryo-electron microscopy at ~4.3 Å resolution. Although OmcE and OmcS subunits have no overall sequence or structural similarities, upon polymerization both form filaments that share a conserved haem packing arrangement in which haems are coordinated by histidines in adjacent subunits. Unlike OmcS filaments, OmcE filaments are highly glycosylated. In extracellular fractions from G. sulfurreducens, we detected type IV pili comprising PilA-N and -C chains, along with abundant B-DNA. OmcE is the second cytochrome filament to be characterized using structural and biophysical methods. We propose that there is a broad class of conductive bacterial appendages with conserved haem packing (rather than sequence homology) that enable long-distance electron transport to chemicals or other microbial cells.
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17
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Karamash M, Stumpe M, Dengjel J, Salgueiro CA, Giese B, Fromm KM. Reduction Kinetic of Water Soluble Metal Salts by Geobacter sulfurreducens: Fe2+/Hemes Stabilize and Regulate Electron Flux Rates. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:909109. [PMID: 35783399 PMCID: PMC9248073 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.909109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Geobacter sulfurreducens is a widely applied microorganism for the reduction of toxic metal salts, as an electron source for bioelectrochemical devices, and as a reagent for the synthesis of nanoparticles. In order to understand the influence of metal salts, and of electron transporting, multiheme c-cytochromes on the electron flux during respiration of G. sulfurreducens, the reduction kinetic of Fe3+, Co3+, V5+, Cr6+, and Mn7+ containing complexes were measured. Starting from the resting phase, each G. sulfurreducens cell produced an electron flux of 3.7 × 105 electrons per second during the respiration process. Reduction rates were within ± 30% the same for the 6 different metal salts, and reaction kinetics were of zero order. Decrease of c-cytochrome concentrations by downregulation and mutation demonstrated that c-cytochromes stabilized respiration rates by variation of their redox states. Increasing Fe2+/heme levels increased electron flux rates, and induced respiration flexibility. The kinetic effects parallel electrochemical results of G. sulfurreducens biofilms on electrodes, and might help to optimize bioelectrochemical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Karamash
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Michael Stumpe
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jörn Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Carlos A. Salgueiro
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Costa da Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Chemistry Department, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Costa da Caparica, Portugal
| | - Bernd Giese
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Bernd Giese,
| | - Katharina M. Fromm
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Katharina M. Fromm,
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18
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Nayak T, Basak S, Deb A, Dhal PK. A systematic review on groundwater radon distribution with human health consequences and probable mitigation strategy. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 247:106852. [PMID: 35305305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater radon contamination is a serious global concern for its eco-toxicological effects. The major health hazard occurs due to toxic indoor air inhalation and consumption of contaminated drinking water supplied from different distribution systems, especially groundwater. There are fragmented reports on the measurement of radon contamination and their health consequences with physical radon removal strategies as well as characterization of inhabitant microbial communities. As it concerned with human health, collective information is much essential on their groundwater distribution, their physicochemical properties and possible mitigation strategies, not done so far. In such prospect, this review summarizes the physicochemical properties of radon, their sources, global as well as Indian groundwater radon contamination scenario, health effects and inhabitant microbes along with their survival strategies. It also summarizes the physical radon removal techniques and especially emphasizes the microbes based bioremediation process as well as a combination of both as a future effective radon remediation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilak Nayak
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Sohom Basak
- Department of Biotechnology, Bengal Institute of Technology, Kolkata, 700091, India
| | - Argha Deb
- School of Studies in Environmental Radiation and Archaeological Sciences & Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Paltu Kumar Dhal
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India.
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19
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Complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas stutzeri S116 owning bifunctional catalysis provides insights into affecting performance of microbial fuel cells. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:137. [PMID: 35590268 PMCID: PMC9118636 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02552-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pseudomonas stutzeri S116 is a sulfur-oxidizing bacteria isolated from marine sludge. It exhibited excellent electricity generation as bioanode and biocathode applied in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Complete genome sequencing of P. stutzeri and cyclic voltammetry method were performed to reveal its mechanism in microbial fuel cells system. Results This study indicated that the MFCs generated a maximum output voltage of 254.2 mV and 226.0 mV, and maximum power density of 765 mW/m2 and 656.6 mW/m2 respectively. Complete genome sequencing of P. stutzeri S116 was performed to indicate that most function genes showed high similarities with P. stutzeri, and its primary annotations were associated with energy production and conversion (6.84%), amino acid transport and metabolism (6.82%) and inorganic ion transport and metabolism (6.77%). Homology of 36 genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation was detected, which suggests the strain S116 possesses an integrated electron transport chain. Additionally, many genes encoding pilus-assembly proteins and redox mediators (riboflavin and phenazine) were detected in the databases. Thiosulfate oxidization and dissimilatory nitrate reduction were annotated in the sulfur metabolism pathway and nitrogen metabolism pathway, respectively. Gene function analysis and cyclic voltammetry indicated that P. stutzeri probably possesses cellular machinery such as cytochrome c and redox mediators and can perform extracellular electron transfer and produce electricity in MFCs. Conclusion The redox mediators secreted by P. stutzeri S116 were probably responsible for performance of MFCs. The critical genes and metabolic pathways involved in thiosulfate oxide and nitrate reduction were detected, which indicated that the strain can treat wastewater containing sulfide and nitrite efficiently. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-022-02552-8.
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20
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GSU1771 regulates extracellular electron transfer and electroactive biofilm formation in Geobacter sulfurreducens: Genetic and electrochemical characterization. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 145:108101. [PMID: 35334296 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Type IV pili and the >100c-type cytochromes in Geobacter sulfurreducens are essential for extracellular electron transfer (EET) towards metal oxides and electrodes. A previous report about a mutation in the gsu1771 gene indicated an enhanced reduction of insoluble Fe(III) oxides coupled with increased pilA expression. Herein, a marker-free gsu1771-deficient mutant was constructed and characterized to assess the role of this regulator in EET and the formation of electroactive biofilms. Deleting this gene delayed microbial growth in the acetate/fumarate media (electron donor and acceptor, respectively). However, this mutant reduced soluble and insoluble Fe(III) oxides more efficiently. Heme staining, western blot, and RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated that GSU1771 regulates the transcription of several genes (including pilA) and many c-type cytochromes involved in EET, suggesting the broad regulatory role of this protein. DNA-protein binding assays indicated that GSU1771 directly regulates the transcription of pilA, omcE, omcS, and omcZ. Additionally, gsu1771-deficient mutant biofilms are thicker than wild-type strains. Electrochemical studies revealed that the current produced by this biofilm was markedly higher than the wild-type strains (approximately 100-fold). Thus, demonstrating the role of GSU1771 in the EET pathway and establishing a methodology to develop highly electroactive G. sulfurreducens mutants.
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21
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Rogiers T, Van Houdt R, Williamson A, Leys N, Boon N, Mijnendonckx K. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Bacterial Uranium Resistance. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:822197. [PMID: 35359714 PMCID: PMC8963506 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.822197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental uranium pollution due to industries producing naturally occurring radioactive material or nuclear accidents and releases is a global concern. Uranium is hazardous for ecosystems as well as for humans when accumulated through the food chain, through contaminated groundwater and potable water sources, or through inhalation. In particular, uranium pollution pressures microbial communities, which are essential for healthy ecosystems. In turn, microorganisms can influence the mobility and toxicity of uranium through processes like biosorption, bioreduction, biomineralization, and bioaccumulation. These processes were characterized by studying the interaction of different bacteria with uranium. However, most studies unraveling the underlying molecular mechanisms originate from the last decade. Molecular mechanisms help to understand how bacteria interact with radionuclides in the environment. Furthermore, knowledge on these underlying mechanisms could be exploited to improve bioremediation technologies. Here, we review the current knowledge on bacterial uranium resistance and how this could be used for bioremediation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Rogiers
- Microbiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rob Van Houdt
- Microbiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Adam Williamson
- Centre Etudes Nucléaires de Bordeaux Gradignan (CENBG), Bordeaux, France
| | - Natalie Leys
- Microbiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristel Mijnendonckx
- Microbiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Kristel Mijnendonckx,
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22
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Yu Q, Yuan Y, Feng L, Sun W, Lin K, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Wang H, Wang N, Peng Q. Highly efficient immobilization of environmental uranium contamination with Pseudomonas stutzeri by biosorption, biomineralization, and bioreduction. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127758. [PMID: 34801303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Uranium is a heavy metal with both chemotoxicity and radiotoxicity. Due to the increasing consumption of uranium, the remediation of uranium contamination and recovery of uranium from non-conventional approach is highly needed. Microorganism exhibits high potential for immobilization of uranium. This study for the first time isolated a marine Pseudomonas stutzeri strain MRU-UE1 with high uranium immobilization capacity of 308.72 mg/g, which is attributed to the synergetic mechanisms of biosorption, biomineralization, and bioreduction. The uranium is found to be immobilized in forms of tetragonal chernikovite (H2(UO2)2(PO4)2·8H2O) by biomineralization and CaU(PO4)2 by bioreduction under aerobic environment, which is rarely observed and would broaden the application of this strain in aerobic condition. The protein, phosphate group, and carboxyl group are found to be essential for the biosorption of uranium. In response to the stress of uranium, the strain produces inorganic phosphate group, which transformed soluble uranyl ion to insoluble uranium-containing precipitates, and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), which is observed for the first time during the interaction between microorganism and uranium. In summary, P. stutzeri strain MRU-UE1 would be a promising alternative for environmental uranium contamination remediation and uranium extraction from seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Yihui Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China.
| | - Lijuan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Wenyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Ke Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Jiacheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Yibin Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China.
| | - Qin Peng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, PR China.
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From iron to bacterial electroconductive filaments: Exploring cytochrome diversity using Geobacter bacteria. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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24
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Rogiers T, Merroun ML, Williamson A, Leys N, Houdt RV, Boon N, Mijnendonckx K. Cupriavidus metallidurans NA4 actively forms polyhydroxybutyrate-associated uranium-phosphate precipitates. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 421:126737. [PMID: 34388922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cupriavidus metallidurans is a model bacterium to study molecular metal resistance mechanisms and its use for the bioremediation of several metals has been shown. However, its mechanisms for radionuclide resistance are unexplored. We investigated the interaction with uranium and associated cellular response to uranium for Cupriavidus metallidurans NA4. Strain NA4 actively captured 98 ± 1% of the uranium in its biomass after growing 24 h in the presence of 100 µM uranyl nitrate. TEM HAADF-EDX microscopy confirmed intracellular uranium-phosphate precipitates that were mainly associated with polyhydroxybutyrate. Furthermore, whole transcriptome sequencing indicated a complex transcriptional response with upregulation of genes encoding general stress-related proteins and several genes involved in metal resistance. More in particular, gene clusters known to be involved in copper and silver resistance were differentially expressed. This study provides further insights into bacterial interactions with and their response to uranium. Our results could be promising for uranium bioremediation purposes with the multi-metal resistant bacterium C. metallidurans NA4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Rogiers
- Microbiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium; Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), UGent, Ghent, Belgium.
| | | | - Adam Williamson
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), UGent, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Natalie Leys
- Microbiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium.
| | - Rob Van Houdt
- Microbiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium.
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), UGent, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kristel Mijnendonckx
- Microbiology Unit, Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium.
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25
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You W, Peng W, Tian Z, Zheng M. Uranium bioremediation with U(VI)-reducing bacteria. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149107. [PMID: 34325147 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) pollution is an environmental hazard caused by the development of the nuclear industry. Microbial reduction of hexavalent uranium (U(VI)) to tetravalent uranium (U(IV)) reduces U solubility and mobility and has been proposed as an effective method to remediate uranium contamination. In this review, U(VI) remediation with respect to U(VI)-reducing bacteria, mechanisms, influencing factors, products, and reoxidation are systematically summarized. Reportedly, some metal- and sulfate-reducing bacteria possess excellent U(VI) reduction capability through mechanisms involving c-type cytochromes, extracellular pili, electron shuttle, or thioredoxin reduction. In situ remediation has been demonstrated as an ideal strategy for large-scale degradation of uranium contaminants than ex situ. However, U(VI) reduction efficiency can be affected by various factors, including pH, temperature, bicarbonate, electron donors, and coexisting metal ions. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the reduction products could be reoxidized when exposed to oxygen and nitrate, inevitably compromising the remediation effects, especially for non-crystalline U(IV) with weak stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo You
- Key Laboratory of Regional Energy Systems Optimization, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wanting Peng
- Key Laboratory of Regional Energy Systems Optimization, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Zhichao Tian
- Key Laboratory of Regional Energy Systems Optimization, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Maosheng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Regional Energy Systems Optimization, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
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26
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Townsend LT, Kuippers G, Lloyd JR, Natrajan LS, Boothman C, Mosselmans JFW, Shaw S, Morris K. Biogenic Sulfidation of U(VI) and Ferrihydrite Mediated by Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria at Elevated pH. ACS EARTH & SPACE CHEMISTRY 2021; 5:3075-3086. [PMID: 34825123 PMCID: PMC8607498 DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.1c00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Globally, the need for radioactive waste disposal and contaminated land management is clear. Here, gaining an improved understanding of how biogeochemical processes, such as Fe(III) and sulfate reduction, may control the environmental mobility of radionuclides is important. Uranium (U), typically the most abundant radionuclide by mass in radioactive wastes and contaminated land scenarios, may have its environmental mobility impacted by biogeochemical processes within the subsurface. This study investigated the fate of U(VI) in an alkaline (pH ∼9.6) sulfate-reducing enrichment culture obtained from a high-pH environment. To explore the mobility of U(VI) under alkaline conditions where iron minerals are ubiquitous, a range of conditions were tested, including high (30 mM) and low (1 mM) carbonate concentrations and the presence and absence of Fe(III). At high carbonate concentrations, the pH was buffered to approximately pH 9.6, which delayed the onset of sulfate reduction and meant that the reduction of U(VI)(aq) to poorly soluble U(IV)(s) was slowed. Low carbonate conditions allowed microbial sulfate reduction to proceed and caused the pH to fall to ∼7.5. This drop in pH was likely due to the presence of volatile fatty acids from the microbial respiration of gluconate. Here, aqueous sulfide accumulated and U was removed from solution as a mixture of U(IV) and U(VI) phosphate species. In addition, sulfate-reducing bacteria, such as Desulfosporosinus species, were enriched during development of sulfate-reducing conditions. Results highlight the impact of carbonate concentrations on U speciation and solubility in alkaline conditions, informing intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal and radioactively contaminated land management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke T. Townsend
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular
Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,
School of Natural Sciences, The University
of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Gina Kuippers
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular
Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,
School of Natural Sciences, The University
of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Jonathan R. Lloyd
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular
Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,
School of Natural Sciences, The University
of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Louise S. Natrajan
- Centre
for Radiochemistry Research, Department of Chemistry, School of Natural
Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Christopher Boothman
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular
Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,
School of Natural Sciences, The University
of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - J. Frederick W. Mosselmans
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Diamond
House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE, U.K.
| | - Samuel Shaw
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular
Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,
School of Natural Sciences, The University
of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Katherine Morris
- Research
Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular
Environmental Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,
School of Natural Sciences, The University
of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
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27
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Clark MM, Paxhia MD, Young JM, Manzella MP, Reguera G. Adaptive Synthesis of a Rough Lipopolysaccharide in Geobacter sulfurreducens for Metal Reduction and Detoxification. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0096421. [PMID: 34347518 PMCID: PMC8478458 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00964-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of some metal-reducing bacteria to produce a rough (no O-antigen) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could facilitate surface interactions with minerals and metal reduction. Consistent with this, the laboratory model metal reducer Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA produced two rough LPS isoforms (with or without a terminal methyl-quinovosamine sugar) when growing with the soluble electron acceptor fumarate but expressed only the shorter and more hydrophilic variant when reducing iron oxides. We reconstructed from genomic data conserved pathways for the synthesis of the rough LPS and generated heptosyltransferase mutants with partial (ΔrfaQ) or complete (ΔrfaC) truncations in the core oligosaccharide. The stepwise removal of the LPS core sugars reduced the hydrophilicity of the cell and increased outer membrane vesiculation. These changes in surface charge and remodeling did not substantially impact planktonic growth but disrupted the developmental stages and structure of electroactive biofilms. Furthermore, the mutants assembled conductive pili for extracellular mineralization of the toxic uranyl cation but were unable to prevent permeation and mineralization of the radionuclide in the cell envelope. Hence, not only does the rough LPS promote cell-cell and cell-mineral interactions critical to biofilm formation and metal respiration but it also functions as a permeability barrier to toxic metal cations. In doing so, the rough LPS maximizes the extracellular reduction of soluble and insoluble metals and preserves cell envelope functions critical to the environmental survival of Geobacter bacteria in metal-rich environments and their performance in bioremediation and bioenergy applications. IMPORTANCE Some metal-reducing bacteria produce an LPS without the repeating sugars (O-antigen) that decorate the surface of most Gram-negative bacteria, but the biological significance of this adaptive feature was not previously investigated. Using the model representative Geobacter sulfurreducens strain PCA and mutants carrying stepwise truncations in the LPS core sugars, we demonstrate the importance of the rough LPS in the control of cell surface chemistry during the respiration of iron minerals and the formation of electroactive biofilms. Importantly, we describe hitherto overlooked roles for the rough LPS in metal sequestration and outer membrane vesiculation that are critical for the extracellular reduction and detoxification of toxic metals and radionuclides. These results are of interest for the optimization of bioremediation schemes and electricity-harvesting platforms using these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgen M. Clark
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael D. Paxhia
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Jenna M. Young
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael P. Manzella
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Gemma Reguera
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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28
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Joshi K, Chan CH, Bond DR. Geobacter sulfurreducens inner membrane cytochrome CbcBA controls electron transfer and growth yield near the energetic limit of respiration. Mol Microbiol 2021; 116:1124-1139. [PMID: 34423503 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Geobacter sulfurreducens utilizes extracellular electron acceptors such as Mn(IV), Fe(III), syntrophic partners, and electrodes that vary from +0.4 to -0.3 V versus standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), representing a potential energy span that should require a highly branched electron transfer chain. Here we describe CbcBA, a bc-type cytochrome essential near the thermodynamic limit of respiration when acetate is the electron donor. Mutants-lacking cbcBA ceased Fe(III) reduction at -0.21 V versus SHE, could not transfer electrons to electrodes between -0.21 and -0.28 V, and could not reduce the final 10%-35% of Fe(III) minerals. As redox potential decreased during Fe(III) reduction, cbcBA was induced with the aid of the regulator BccR to become one of the most highly expressed genes in G. sulfurreducens. Growth yield (CFU/mM Fe(II)) was 112% of WT in ∆cbcBA, and deletion of cbcL (an unrelated bc-cytochrome essential near -0.15 V) in ΔcbcBA increased yield to 220%. Together with ImcH, which is required at high redox potentials, CbcBA represents a third cytoplasmic membrane oxidoreductase in G. sulfurreducens. This expanding list shows how metal-reducing bacteria may constantly sense redox potential to adjust growth efficiency in changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Joshi
- The BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chi Ho Chan
- The BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel R Bond
- The BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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29
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Rational design of electron/proton transfer mechanisms in the exoelectrogenic bacteria Geobacter sulfurreducens. Biochem J 2021; 478:2871-2887. [PMID: 34190983 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210365] [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: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The redox potential values of cytochromes can be modulated by the protonation/deprotonation of neighbor groups (redox-Bohr effect), a mechanism that permits the proteins to couple electron/proton transfer. In the respiratory chains, this effect is particularly relevant if observed in the physiological pH range, as it may contribute to the electrochemical gradient for ATP synthesis. A constitutively produced family of five triheme cytochromes (PpcA-E) from the bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens plays a crucial role in extracellular electron transfer, a hallmark that permits this bacterium to be explored for several biotechnological applications. Two members of this family (PpcA and PpcD) couple electron/proton transfer in the physiological pH range, a feature not shared with PpcB and PpcE. That ability is crucial for G. sulfurreducens' growth in Fe(III)-reducing habitats since extra contributors to the electrochemical gradient are needed. It was postulated that the redox-Bohr effect is determined by the nature of residue 6, a leucine in PpcA/PpcD and a phenylalanine in PpcB/PpcE. To confirm this hypothesis, Phe6 was replaced by leucine in PpcB and PpcE. The functional properties of these mutants were investigated by NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy to assess their capability to couple electron/proton transfer in the physiological pH range. The results obtained showed that the mutants have an increased redox-Bohr effect and are now capable of coupling electron/proton transfer. This confirms the determinant role of the nature of residue 6 in the modulation of the redox-Bohr effect in this family of cytochromes, opening routes to engineer Geobacter cells with improved biomass production.
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30
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Fernandes TM, Morgado L, Turner DL, Salgueiro CA. Protein Engineering of Electron Transfer Components from Electroactive Geobacter Bacteria. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:844. [PMID: 34070486 PMCID: PMC8227773 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrogenic microorganisms possess unique redox biological features, being capable of transferring electrons to the cell exterior and converting highly toxic compounds into nonhazardous forms. These microorganisms have led to the development of Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs), which include applications in the fields of bioremediation and bioenergy production. The optimization of these technologies involves efforts from several different disciplines, ranging from microbiology to materials science. Geobacter bacteria have served as a model for understanding the mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of extracellular electron transfer, which is highly dependent on a multitude of multiheme cytochromes (MCs). MCs are, therefore, logical targets for rational protein engineering to improve the extracellular electron transfer rates of these bacteria. However, the presence of several heme groups complicates the detailed redox characterization of MCs. In this Review, the main characteristics of electroactive Geobacter bacteria, their potential to develop microbial electrochemical technologies and the main features of MCs are initially highlighted. This is followed by a detailed description of the current methodologies that assist the characterization of the functional redox networks in MCs. Finally, it is discussed how this information can be explored to design optimal Geobacter-mutated strains with improved capabilities in METs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás M. Fernandes
- UCIBIO, Chemistry Department, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (T.M.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Leonor Morgado
- UCIBIO, Chemistry Department, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (T.M.F.); (L.M.)
| | - David L. Turner
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Carlos A. Salgueiro
- UCIBIO, Chemistry Department, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (T.M.F.); (L.M.)
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31
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Cologgi DL, Otwell AE, Speers AM, Rotondo JA, Reguera G. Genetic analysis of electroactive biofilms. Int Microbiol 2021; 24:631-648. [PMID: 33907940 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-021-00176-y] [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: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Geobacter biofilms synthesize an electroactive exopolysaccharide matrix with conductive pili and c-cytochromes that spatially organizes cells optimally for growth and electron transport to iron oxide substrates, soluble metal contaminants, and current-harvesting electrodes. Despite its relevance to bioremediation and bioenergy applications, little is known about the developmental stages leading to the formation of mature (>20 μm thick) electroactive biofilms. Thus, we developed a transposon mutagenesis method and a high-throughput screening assay and identified mutants of Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA interrupted in the initial stages of surface colonization (attachment and monolayer formation) and the vertical growth and maturation of multilayered biofilms. The molecular dissection of biofilm formation demonstrated that cells undergo a regulated developmental program to first colonize the surface to saturation and then synthesize an electroactive matrix to support optimal cell growth within structured communities. Transitioning from a monolayer to a multilayered, mature biofilm required the expression of conductive pili, consistent with the essential role of these extracellular protein appendages as electronic conduits across all layers of the biofilms. The genetic screening also identified cell envelope processes, regulatory pathways, and electron transport components not previously linked to biofilm formation. These genes provide much-needed understanding of the cellular reprogramming needed to build electroactive biofilms. Importantly, they serve as predictive markers of the physiology and reductive capacity of Geobacter biofilms during the bioremediation of toxic metals and radionuclides and current harvesting in bioelectrochemical systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena L Cologgi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Anne E Otwell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,Present address: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Allison M Speers
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - John A Rotondo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Gemma Reguera
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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32
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Abstract
Extracellular electron transfer (EET) is an important biological process in microbial physiology as found in dissimilatory metal oxidation/reduction and interspecies electron transfer in syntrophy in natural environments. EET also plays a critical role in microorganisms relevant to environmental biotechnology in metal-contaminated areas, metal corrosion, bioelectrochemical systems, and anaerobic digesters. Geobacter species exist in a diversity of natural and artificial environments. One of the outstanding features of Geobacter species is the capability of direct EET with solid electron donors and acceptors, including metals, electrodes, and other cells. Therefore, Geobacter species are pivotal in environmental biogeochemical cycles and biotechnology applications. Geobacter sulfurreducens, a representative Geobacter species, has been studied for direct EET as a model microorganism. G. sulfurreducens employs electrically conductive pili (e-pili) and c-type cytochromes for the direct EET. The biological function and electronics applications of the e-pili have been reviewed recently, and this review focuses on the cytochromes. Geobacter species have an unusually large number of cytochromes encoded in their genomes. Unlike most other microorganisms, Geobacter species localize multiple cytochromes in each subcellular fraction, outer membrane, periplasm, and inner membrane, as well as in the extracellular space, and differentially utilize these cytochromes for EET with various electron donors and acceptors. Some of the cytochromes are functionally redundant. Thus, the EET in Geobacter is complicated. Geobacter coordinates the cytochromes with other cellular components in the elaborate EET system to flourish in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Ueki
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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33
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Elmeihy R, Shi XC, Tremblay PL, Zhang T. Fast removal of toxic hexavalent chromium from an aqueous solution by high-density Geobacter sulfurreducens. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128281. [PMID: 33297225 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a carcinogenic compound that can be removed from contaminated sites by the activity of metal-reducing bacteria. The model bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens reduces Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III) and accumulates Cr ions intracellularly. However, this process is usually slow with small concentrations of Cr(VI) removed in a matter of days. Here, high-density G. sulfurreducens cultures were tested for the capacity to remove Cr(VI) readily. With an initial G. sulfurreducens density of 5.8 × 108 cells ml-1, 99.0 ± 0.8% of 100 mg l-1 Cr(VI) was removed after 20 min. With a higher starting Cr(VI) concentration of 200 mg l-1, G. sulfurreducens with a density of 11.4 × 108 cells ml-1 removed 99.0 ± 0.4% Cr(VI) after 2 h. Experiments performed with cell-free spent medium indicate that extracellular proteins are major contributors for the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Furthermore, results show that most Cr(III) ions ultimately end up inside the bacterial cells where they are less susceptible to re-oxidation. The fast Cr(VI) removal rates observed with high-density G. sulfurreducens demonstrate the potential of this bacterium for bioremediation applications such as the cleaning of industrial wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Elmeihy
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, PR China; Agricultural Microbiology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor, Kaluybia, 13736, Egypt
| | - Xiao-Chen Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, PR China; School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Pier-Luc Tremblay
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, PR China; School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, PR China.
| | - Tian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, PR China; School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, PR China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, PR China.
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34
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Ferreira MR, Fernandes TM, Salgueiro CA. Thermodynamic properties of triheme cytochrome PpcF from Geobacter metallireducens reveal unprecedented functional mechanism. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2020; 1861:148271. [PMID: 32692985 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2020.148271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The bacterium Geobacter metallireducens is highly efficient in long-range extracellular electron transfer, a process that relies on an efficient bridging between the cytoplasmic electron donors and the extracellular acceptors. The periplasmic triheme cytochromes are crucial players in these processes and thus the understanding of their functional mechanism is crucial to elucidate the extracellular electron transfer processes in this microorganism. The triheme cytochrome PpcF from G. metallireducens has the lowest amino acid sequence identity with the remaining cytochromes from the PpcA-family of G. sulfurreducens and G. metallireducens, making it an interesting target for structural and functional studies. In this work, we performed a detailed functional and thermodynamic characterization of cytochrome PpcF by the complementary usage of NMR and visible spectroscopic techniques. The results obtained show that the heme reduction potentials are negative, different from each other and are also modulated by the redox and redox-Bohr interactions that assure unprecedented mechanistic features to the protein. The results showed that the order of oxidation of the hemes in cytochrome PpcF is maintained in the entire physiological pH range. The considerable separation of the hemes' redox potential values facilitates a sequential transfer within the chain of redox centers in PpcF, thus assuring electron transfer directionality to the electron acceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa R Ferreira
- UCIBIO-Requimte, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Tomás M Fernandes
- UCIBIO-Requimte, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Salgueiro
- UCIBIO-Requimte, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
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35
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Global transcriptional analysis of Geobacter sulfurreducens under palladium reducing conditions reveals new key cytochromes involved. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:4059-4069. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10502-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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36
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Shukla SK, Hariharan S, Rao TS. Uranium bioremediation by acid phosphatase activity of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms: Can a foe turn a friend? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 384:121316. [PMID: 31607578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, Staphylococcus aureus biofilms, which are considered a foe for being pathogenic, were tested for their uranium bioremediation capacity to find out if they can turn out to be a friend. Acid phosphatase activity, which is speculated to aid in bio-precipitation of U(VI) from uranyl nitrate solution, was assayed in biofilms of seven different S. aureus strains. The presence of acid phosphatase enzyme was detected in the biofilms of all S. aureus strains (in the range of 3.1 ± 0.21 to 26.90 ± 2.32 μi.u./g), and found to be higher when compared to that of their planktonic phenotypes. Among all, S. aureus V329 biofilm showed highest biofilm formation ability along with maximum phosphatase activity (26.9 ± 2.32 μi.u./g of biomass). Addition of phosphate enhanced the U(VI) remediation when treated with uranyl nitrate solution. S. aureus V329 biofilm showed significant U tolerance with only a 3-log reduction when exposed to 10 ppm U(VI) for 1 h. When treated in batch mode, V329 biofilm successfully remediated up to 47% of the 10 ppm U(VI). This new approach using the acid phosphatase from the S. aureus V329 biofilm presents an alternative method for the remediation of uranium contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir K Shukla
- Biofouling & Thermal Ecology Section, Water & Steam Chemistry Division, BARC Facilities, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603102, India
| | - S Hariharan
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Sriperumbudur, Chennai, 602117, India
| | - T Subba Rao
- Biofouling & Thermal Ecology Section, Water & Steam Chemistry Division, BARC Facilities, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, 603102, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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Quantification of microaerobic growth of Geobacter sulfurreducens. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0215341. [PMID: 31945063 PMCID: PMC6964889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Geobacter sulfurreducens was originally considered a strict anaerobe. However, this bacterium was later shown to not only tolerate exposure to oxygen but also to use it as terminal electron acceptor. Research performed has so far only revealed the general ability of G. sulfurreducens to reduce oxygen, but the oxygen uptake rate has not been quantified yet, nor has evidence been provided as to how the bacterium achieves oxygen reduction. Therefore, microaerobic growth of G. sulfurreducens was investigated here with better defined operating conditions as previously performed and a transcriptome analysis was performed to elucidate possible metabolic mechanisms important for oxygen reduction in G. sulfurreducens. The investigations revealed that cell growth with oxygen is possible to the same extent as with fumarate if the maximum specific oxygen uptake rate (sOUR) of 95 mgO2 gCDW-1 h-1 is not surpassed. Hereby, the entire amount of introduced oxygen is reduced. When oxygen concentrations are too high, cell growth is completely inhibited and there is no partial oxygen consumption. Transcriptome analysis suggests a menaquinol oxidase to be the enzyme responsible for oxygen reduction. Transcriptome analysis has further revealed three different survival strategies, depending on the oxygen concentration present. When prompted with small amounts of oxygen, G. sulfurreducens will try to escape the microaerobic area; if oxygen concentrations are higher, cells will focus on rapid and complete oxygen reduction coupled to cell growth; and ultimately cells will form protective layers if a complete reduction becomes impossible. The results presented here have important implications for understanding how G. sulfurreducens survives exposure to oxygen.
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Edwards MJ, Richardson DJ, Paquete CM, Clarke TA. Role of multiheme cytochromes involved in extracellular anaerobic respiration in bacteria. Protein Sci 2019; 29:830-842. [PMID: 31721352 PMCID: PMC7096707 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Heme containing proteins are involved in a broad range of cellular functions, from oxygen sensing and transport to catalyzing oxidoreductive reactions. The two major types of cytochrome (b-type and c-type) only differ in their mechanism of heme attachment, but this has major implications for their cellular roles in both localization and mechanism. The b-type cytochromes are commonly cytoplasmic, or are within the cytoplasmic membrane, while c-type cytochromes are always found outside of the cytoplasm. The mechanism of heme attachment allows for complex c-type multiheme complexes, having the capacity to hold multiple electrons, to be assembled. These are increasingly being identified as secreted into the extracellular environment. For organisms that respire using extracellular substrates, these large multiheme cytochromes allow for electron transfer networks from the cytoplasmic membrane to the cell exterior for the reduction of extracellular electron acceptors. In this review the structures and functions of these networks and the mechanisms by which electrons are transferred to extracellular substrates is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J Edwards
- Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences and School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - David J Richardson
- Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences and School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Catarina M Paquete
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Thomas A Clarke
- Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences and School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Chandwadkar P, Misra HS, Acharya C. Uranium biomineralization induced by a metal tolerant Serratia strain under acid, alkaline and irradiated conditions. Metallomics 2019; 10:1078-1088. [PMID: 29999065 DOI: 10.1039/c8mt00061a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
It has become increasingly apparent that the environmental microorganisms residing in uranium (U) enriched sites offer the possibility of understanding the biological mechanisms catalyzing the processes important for uranium bioremediation. Here, we present the results of uranium biomineralization over a wide pH range by a metal tolerant Serratia sp. strain OT II 7 isolated from the subsurface soil of a U ore deposit at Domiasiat in India. The Serratia cells actively expressed acid and alkaline phosphatase enzymes which hydrolyzed differential amounts of phosphate from an organophosphate substrate in the presence of uranium between pH 5 to 9. These cells precipitated ∼91% uranium from aqueous solutions supplemented with 1 mM uranyl nitrate at pH 5 within 120 h. More rapid precipitation was observed at pH 7 and 9 wherein the cells removed ∼93-94% of uranium from solutions containing 1 mM uranyl carbonate within 24 h. The aqueous uranyl speciation prevalent under the studied pH conditions influenced the localization of crystalline uranyl phosphate precipitates, which in turn, impacted the cell viability to a great extent. Furthermore, the cells tolerated up to ∼1.6 kGy 60Co gamma radiation and their uranium precipitation abilities at pH 5, 7 and 9 were uncompromised even after exposure to a high dose of ionizing radiation. Overall, this study establishes the ecological adaptation of a natural strain like Serratia in a uranium enriched environment and corroborates its contribution towards uranium immobilization in contaminated subsurfaces through the formation of stable uranyl phosphate minerals over a wide pH range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Chandwadkar
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085, India.
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Nóbrega CS, Pauleta SR. Reduction of hydrogen peroxide in gram-negative bacteria - bacterial peroxidases. Adv Microb Physiol 2019; 74:415-464. [PMID: 31126534 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria display an array of enzymes to detoxify reactive oxygen species that cause damage to DNA and to other biomolecules leading to cell death. Hydrogen peroxide is one of these species, with endogenous and exogenous sources, such as lactic acid bacteria, oxidative burst of the immune system or chemical reactions at oxic-anoxic interfaces. The enzymes that detoxify hydrogen peroxide will be the focus of this review, with special emphasis on bacterial peroxidases that reduce hydrogen peroxide to water. Bacterial peroxidases are periplasmic cytochromes with either two or three c-type haems, which have been classified as classical and non-classical bacterial peroxidases, respectively. Most of the studies have been focus on the classical bacterial peroxidases, showing the presence of a reductive activation in the presence of calcium ions. Mutagenesis studies have clarified the catalytic mechanism of this enzyme and were used to propose an intramolecular electron transfer pathway, with far less being known about the intermolecular electron transfer that occurs between reduced electron donors and the enzyme. The physiological function of these enzymes was not very clear until it was shown, for the non-classical bacterial peroxidase, that this enzyme is required for the bacteria to use hydrogen peroxide as terminal electron acceptor under anoxic conditions. These non-classical bacterial peroxidases are quinol peroxidases that do not require reductive activation but need calcium ions to attain maximum activity and share similar catalytic intermediates with the classical bacterial peroxidases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia S Nóbrega
- Microbial Stress Lab, UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Sofia R Pauleta
- Microbial Stress Lab, UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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Abstract
The family Geobacteraceae, with its only valid genus Geobacter, comprises deltaproteobacteria ubiquitous in soil, sediments, and subsurface environments where metal reduction is an active process. Research for almost three decades has provided novel insights into environmental processes and biogeochemical reactions not previously known to be carried out by microorganisms. At the heart of the environmental roles played by Geobacter bacteria is their ability to integrate redox pathways and regulatory checkpoints that maximize growth efficiency with electron donors derived from the decomposition of organic matter while respiring metal oxides, particularly the often abundant oxides of ferric iron. This metabolic specialization is complemented by versatile metabolic reactions, respiratory chains, and sensory networks that allow specific members to adaptively respond to environmental cues to integrate organic and inorganic contaminants in their oxidative and reductive metabolism, respectively. Thus, Geobacteraceae are important members of the microbial communities that degrade hydrocarbon contaminants under iron-reducing conditions and that contribute, directly or indirectly, to the reduction of radionuclides, toxic metals, and oxidized species of nitrogen. Their ability to produce conductive pili as nanowires for discharging respiratory electrons to solid-phase electron acceptors and radionuclides, or for wiring cells in current-harvesting biofilms highlights the unique physiological traits that make these organisms attractive biological platforms for bioremediation, bioenergy, and bioelectronics application. Here we review some of the most notable physiological features described in Geobacter species since the first model representatives were recovered in pure culture. We provide a historical account of the environmental research that has set the foundation for numerous physiological studies and the laboratory tools that had provided novel insights into the role of Geobacter in the functioning of microbial communities from pristine and contaminated environments. We pay particular attention to latest research, both basic and applied, that has served to expand the field into new directions and to advance interdisciplinary knowledge. The electrifying physiology of Geobacter, it seems, is alive and well 30 years on.
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Identification of Different Putative Outer Membrane Electron Conduits Necessary for Fe(III) Citrate, Fe(III) Oxide, Mn(IV) Oxide, or Electrode Reduction by Geobacter sulfurreducens. J Bacteriol 2018; 200:JB.00347-18. [PMID: 30038047 PMCID: PMC6148476 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00347-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative metal-reducing bacteria utilize electron conduits, chains of redox proteins spanning the outer membrane, to transfer electrons to the extracellular surface. Only one pathway for electron transfer across the outer membrane of Geobacter sulfurreducens has been linked to Fe(III) reduction. However, G. sulfurreducens is able to respire a wide array of extracellular substrates. Here we present the first combinatorial genetic analysis of five different electron conduits via creation of new markerless deletion strains and complementation vectors. Multiple conduit gene clusters appear to have overlapping roles, including two that have never been linked to metal reduction. Another recently described cluster (ExtABCD) was the only electron conduit essential during electrode reduction, a substrate of special importance to biotechnological applications of this organism. At least five gene clusters in the Geobacter sulfurreducens genome encode putative “electron conduits” implicated in electron transfer across the outer membrane, each containing a periplasmic multiheme c-type cytochrome, integral outer membrane anchor, and outer membrane redox lipoprotein(s). Markerless single-gene-cluster deletions and all possible multiple-deletion combinations were constructed and grown with soluble Fe(III) citrate, Fe(III) and Mn(IV) oxides, and graphite electrodes poised at +0.24 V and −0.1 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE). Different gene clusters were necessary for reduction of each electron acceptor. During metal oxide reduction, deletion of the previously described omcBC cluster caused defects, but deletion of additional components in an ΔomcBC background, such as extEFG, were needed to produce defects greater than 50% compared to findings with the wild type. Deletion of all five gene clusters abolished all metal reduction. During electrode reduction, only the ΔextABCD mutant had a severe growth defect at both redox potentials, while this mutation did not affect Fe(III) oxide, Mn(IV) oxide, or Fe(III) citrate reduction. Some mutants containing only one cluster were able to reduce particular terminal electron acceptors better than the wild type, suggesting routes for improvement by targeting specific electron transfer pathways. Transcriptomic comparisons between fumarate and electrode-based growth conditions showed all of these ext clusters to be constitutive, and transcriptional analysis of the triple-deletion strain containing only extABCD detected no significant changes in expression of genes encoding known redox proteins or pilus components. These genetic experiments reveal new outer membrane conduit complexes necessary for growth of G. sulfurreducens, depending on the available extracellular electron acceptor. IMPORTANCE Gram-negative metal-reducing bacteria utilize electron conduits, chains of redox proteins spanning the outer membrane, to transfer electrons to the extracellular surface. Only one pathway for electron transfer across the outer membrane of Geobacter sulfurreducens has been linked to Fe(III) reduction. However, G. sulfurreducens is able to respire a wide array of extracellular substrates. Here we present the first combinatorial genetic analysis of five different electron conduits via creation of new markerless deletion strains and complementation vectors. Multiple conduit gene clusters appear to have overlapping roles, including two that have never been linked to metal reduction. Another recently described cluster (ExtABCD) was the only electron conduit essential during electrode reduction, a substrate of special importance to biotechnological applications of this organism.
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Otwell AE, Callister SJ, Sherwood RW, Zhang S, Goldman AR, Smith RD, Richardson RE. Physiological and proteomic analyses of Fe(III)-reducing co-cultures of Desulfotomaculum reducens MI-1 and Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA. GEOBIOLOGY 2018; 16:522-539. [PMID: 29905980 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We established Fe(III)-reducing co-cultures of two species of metal-reducing bacteria, the Gram-positive Desulfotomaculum reducens MI-1 and the Gram-negative Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA. Co-cultures were given pyruvate, a substrate that D. reducens can ferment and use as electron donor for Fe(III) reduction. G. sulfurreducens relied upon products of pyruvate oxidation by D. reducens (acetate, hydrogen) for use as electron donor in the co-culture. Co-cultures reduced Fe(III) to Fe(II) robustly, and Fe(II) was consistently detected earlier in co-cultures than pure cultures. Notably, faster cell growth, and correspondingly faster pyruvate oxidation, was observed by D. reducens in co-cultures. Global comparative proteomic analysis was performed to observe differential protein abundance during co-culture vs. pure culture growth. Proteins previously associated with Fe(III) reduction in G. sulfurreducens, namely c-type cytochromes and type IV pili proteins, were significantly increased in abundance in co-cultures relative to pure cultures. D. reducens ribosomal proteins were significantly increased in co-cultures, likely a reflection of faster growth rates observed for D. reducens cells while in co-culture. Furthermore, we developed multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assays to quantitate specific biomarker peptides. The assays were validated in pure and co-cultures, and protein abundance ratios from targeted MRM and global proteomic analysis correlate significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Otwell
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Robert W Sherwood
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Facility, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Facility, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Abby R Goldman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Ruth E Richardson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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Gong Y, Werth CJ, He Y, Su Y, Zhang Y, Zhou X. Intracellular versus extracellular accumulation of Hexavalent chromium reduction products by Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 240:485-492. [PMID: 29754098 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) reduction by Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA was evaluated in batch experiments, and the form and amounts of intracellular and extra-cellular Cr(VI) reduction products were determined over time. The first-order Cr(VI) reduction rate per unit mass of cells was consistent for different initial cell concentrations, and approximately equal to (2.065 ± 0.389) x 10-9 mL CFU-1 h-1. A portion of the reduced Cr(VI) products precipitated on Geobacter cell walls as Cr(III) and was bound via carboxylate functional groups, a portion accumulated inside Geobacter cells, and another portion existed as soluble Cr(III) or organo-Cr(III) released to solution. A mass balance analysis of total chromium in aqueous media, on cell walls, and inside cells was determined as a function of time, and with different initial cell concentrations. Mass balances were between 92% and 98%, and indicated Cr(VI) reduction products accumulate more on cell walls and inside cells with time and with increasing initial cell concentration, as opposed to particulates in aqueous solution. Reduced Cr(VI) products both in solution and on cell surfaces appear to form organo-Cr(III) complexes, and our results suggest that such complexes are more stable to reoxidation than aqueous Cr(III) or Cr(OH)3. Chromium inside cells is also likely more stable to reoxidation, both because it can form organic complexes, and it is separated by the cell membrane from solution conditions. Hence, Cr(VI) reduction products in groundwater during bioremediation may become more stable against re-oxidation, and may pose a lower risk to human health, over time and with greater initial biomass densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Gong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Charles J Werth
- Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 301 East Dean Keeton St., Stop C1786, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Yaxue He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yiming Su
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yalei Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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45
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Kolhe N, Zinjarde S, Acharya C. Responses exhibited by various microbial groups relevant to uranium exposure. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1828-1846. [PMID: 30017503 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There is a strong interest in knowing how various microbial systems respond to the presence of uranium (U), largely in the context of bioremediation. There is no known biological role for uranium so far. Uranium is naturally present in rocks and minerals. The insoluble nature of the U(IV) minerals keeps uranium firmly bound in the earth's crust minimizing its bioavailability. However, anthropogenic nuclear reaction processes over the last few decades have resulted in introduction of uranium into the environment in soluble and toxic forms. Microbes adsorb, accumulate, reduce, oxidize, possibly respire, mineralize and precipitate uranium. This review focuses on the microbial responses to uranium exposure which allows the alteration of the forms and concentrations of uranium within the cell and in the local environment. Detailed information on the three major bioprocesses namely, biosorption, bioprecipitation and bioreduction exhibited by the microbes belonging to various groups and subgroups of bacteria, fungi and algae is provided in this review elucidating their intrinsic and engineered abilities for uranium removal. The survey also highlights the instances of the field trials undertaken for in situ uranium bioremediation. Advances in genomics and proteomics approaches providing the information on the regulatory and physiologically important determinants in the microbes in response to uranium challenge have been catalogued here. Recent developments in metagenomics and metaproteomics indicating the ecologically relevant traits required for the adaptation and survival of environmental microbes residing in uranium contaminated sites are also included. A comprehensive understanding of the microbial responses to uranium can facilitate the development of in situ U bioremediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Kolhe
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India; Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India
| | - Smita Zinjarde
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India; Department of Microbiology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India.
| | - Celin Acharya
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti Nagar, Trombay, Mumbai 400094, India.
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46
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Marques CR. Extremophilic Microfactories: Applications in Metal and Radionuclide Bioremediation. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1191. [PMID: 29910794 PMCID: PMC5992296 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metals and radionuclides (M&Rs) are a worldwide concern claiming for resilient, efficient, and sustainable clean-up measures aligned with environmental protection goals and global change constraints. The unique defense mechanisms of extremophilic bacteria and archaea have been proving usefulness towards M&Rs bioremediation. Hence, extremophiles can be viewed as microfactories capable of providing specific and controlled services (i.e., genetic/metabolic mechanisms) and/or products (e.g., biomolecules) for that purpose. However, the natural physiological plasticity of such extremophilic microfactories can be further explored to nourish different hallmarks of M&R bioremediation, which are scantly approached in the literature and were never integrated. Therefore, this review not only briefly describes major valuable extremophilic pathways for M&R bioremediation, as it highlights the advances, challenges and gaps from the interplay of ‘omics’ and biological engineering to improve extremophilic microfactories performance for M&R clean-up. Microfactories’ potentialities are also envisaged to close the M&R bioremediation processes and shift the classical idea of never ‘getting rid’ of M&Rs into making them ‘the belle of the ball’ through bio-recycling and bio-recovering techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina R Marques
- Departamento de Biologia and Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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47
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Li A, Zhou C, Liu Z, Xu X, Zhou Y, Zhou D, Tang Y, Ma F, Rittmann BE. Direct solid-state evidence of H 2 -induced partial U(VI) reduction concomitant with adsorption by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Biotechnol Bioeng 2018; 115:1685-1693. [PMID: 29574765 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Adsorption of hexavalent uranium (U(VI)) by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) has been studied, but the possibility of simultaneous U(VI) reduction mediated by EPS has not had experimental confirmation, as the reduction products have not yet been directly proven. Here, we reported the first direct evidence of lower-valent products of U(VI) immobilization by loosely associated EPS (laEPS) isolated from a fermenter strain of Klebsiella sp. J1 when the laEPS was exposed to H2 . During the 120-min tests for similarly 86% adsorption under O2 , N2 , and H2 , 8% more U was immobilized through a non-adsorptive pathway by the EPS for H2 than for N2 and O2 . A set of solid-state characterization tools (FT-IR, XPS, EELS, and TEM-EDX) confirmed partial reduction of U(VI) to lower-valence U, with the main reduced form being uraninite (UIV O2 ) nanoparticles, and the results reinforced the role of the reduction in accelerating U immobilization and shaping the characteristics of immobilized U in terms of valency, size, and crystallization. The laEPS, mostly comprised of carbohydrate and protein, contained non-cytochrome enzymes and electron carriers that could be responsible for electron transfer to U(VI). Taken together, our results directly confirm that EPS was able to mediate partial U(VI) reduction in the presence of H2 through non-cytochrome catalysis and that reduction enhanced overall U immobilization. Our study fills in some gaps of the microbe-mediated U cycle and will be useful to understand and control U removal in engineered reactors and in-situ bioremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Li
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.,State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Zhuolin Liu
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Xiaoyin Xu
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.,State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.,State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Zhou
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Youneng Tang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Fang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Bruce E Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
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48
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Ueki T, DiDonato LN, Lovley DR. Toward establishing minimum requirements for extracellular electron transfer in Geobacter sulfurreducens. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2017; 364:3796320. [PMID: 28472266 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnx093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly redundant pathways for extracellular electron transfer in Geobacter sulfurreducens must be simplified for this microorganism to serve as an effective chassis for applications such as the development of sensors and biocomputing. Five homologs of the periplasmic c-type cytochromes, PpcA-E, offer the possibility of multiple routes of electron transfer across the periplasm. The presence of a large number of outer membrane c-type cytochromes allows G. sulfurreducens to adapt to disruption of an electron transfer pathway in the outer membrane. A strain in which genes for all five periplasmic cytochromes, PpcA-E, were deleted did not reduce Fe(III). Introducing ppcA under the control of an IPTG-inducible system in the quintuple deletion strain yielded a strain that reduced Fe(III) only in the presence of IPTG. A strain lacking known major outer membrane cytochromes, OmcB, OmcE, OmcS and OmcT, and putative functional homologs of OmcB, did not reduce Fe(III). Introduction of omcB in this septuple deletion strain restored the ability to reduce Fe(III). These results demonstrate that it is possible to trim redundancy from the extracellular electron transfer pathways in G. sulfurreducens in order to construct strains with defined extracellular electron transfer routes.
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Ontiveros-Valencia A, Zhou C, Ilhan ZE, de Saint Cyr LC, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Rittmann BE. Total electron acceptor loading and composition affect hexavalent uranium reduction and microbial community structure in a membrane biofilm reactor. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 125:341-349. [PMID: 28881210 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Molecular microbiology tools (i.e., 16S rDNA gene sequencing) were employed to elucidate changes in the microbial community structure according to the total electron acceptor loading (controlled by influent flow rate and/or medium composition) in a H2-based membrane biofilm reactor evaluated for removal of hexavalent uranium. Once nitrate, sulfate, and dissolved oxygen were replaced by U(VI) and bicarbonate and the total acceptor loading was lowered, slow-growing bacteria capable of reducing U(VI) to U(IV) dominated in the biofilm community: Replacing denitrifying bacteria Rhodocyclales and Burkholderiales were spore-producing Clostridiales and Natranaerobiales. Though potentially competing for electrons with U(VI) reducers, homo-acetogens helped attain steady U(VI) reduction, while methanogenesis inhibited U(VI) reduction. U(VI) reduction was reinstated through suppression of methanogenesis by addition of bromoethanesulfonate or by competition from SRB when sulfate was re-introduced. Predictive metagenome analysis further points out community changes in response to alterations in the electron-acceptor loading: Sporulation and homo-acetogenesis were critical factors for strengthening stable microbial U(VI) reduction. This study documents that sporulation was important to long-term U(VI) reduction, whether or not microorganisms that carry out U(VI) reduction mediated by cytochrome c3, such as SRB and ferric-iron-reducers, were inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aura Ontiveros-Valencia
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 South McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, USA; Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, NL 64849, Mexico; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46617, USA
| | - Chen Zhou
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 South McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, USA.
| | - Zehra Esra Ilhan
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 South McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, USA
| | - Louis Cornette de Saint Cyr
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 South McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, USA; Institut Sup'Biotech de Paris, France
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 South McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, USA
| | - Bruce E Rittmann
- Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University, 1001 South McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287-5701, USA
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Huang B, Gao S, Xu Z, He H, Pan X. The Functional Mechanisms and Application of Electron Shuttles in Extracellular Electron Transfer. Curr Microbiol 2017; 75:99-106. [PMID: 29127455 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-017-1386-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Electron shuttles extensively exist in various environments. Some kinds of organic substances can be applied by microorganisms to produce electrons, and then the electrons can be transferred to other substances or microorganisms through electron shuttles, resulting in coexistence and interaction of diverse species of microbes. In this review, the functional mechanisms of extracellular electron transfer mediated by different electron shuttles are described. And different subtypes as well as the application of electron shuttles in microbial degradation of pollutants, microbial electricity, and the promotion of energy generation are also discussed. Summary results show that extracellular electron transfer is based on the electrogenesis microorganism with the structure of cytochromes or pili. Materials were usually used in long-distance electron transfer because of their widespread presence and abundance. Therefore, the review is beneficial to perceive the pathways of extracellular electron transfer mediated by electron shuttles and explore the contribution of different electron shuttles in extracellular electron transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Huang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shumei Gao
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhixiang Xu
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan He
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Pan
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
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