1
|
Incomplete denitrification phenotypes in diverse Thermus species from diverse geothermal spring sediments and adjacent soils in southwest China. Extremophiles 2022; 26:23. [PMID: 35802188 PMCID: PMC9270275 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-022-01272-1] [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: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A few members of the bacterial genus Thermus have been shown to be incomplete denitrifiers, terminating with nitrite (NO2−) or nitrous oxide (N2O). However, the denitrification abilities of the genus as a whole remain poorly characterized. Here, we describe diverse denitrification phenotypes and genotypes of a collection of 24 strains representing ten species, all isolated from a variety of geothermal systems in China. Confirmed terminal products of nitrate reduction were nitrite or N2O, while nitric oxide (NO) was inferred as the terminal product in some strains. Most strains produced N2O; complete denitrification was not observed. Denitrification phenotypes were largely consistent with the presence of denitrification genes, and strains of the same species often had the same denitrification phenotypes and largely syntenous denitrification gene clusters. Genes for nirS and nirK coexisted in three Thermus brockianus and three Thermus oshimai genomes, which is a unique hallmark of some denitrifying Thermus strains and may be ecologically important. These results show that incomplete denitrification phenotypes are prominent, but variable, within and between Thermus species. The incomplete denitrification phenotypes described here suggest Thermus species may play important roles in consortial denitrification in high-temperature terrestrial biotopes where sufficient supply of oxidized inorganic nitrogen exists.
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiao J, Lian Z, Li M, Salam N, Zhou E, Liu L, Ming H, Nie G, Shu W, Zhao G, Hedlund BP, Li W. Comparative genomic analysis of Thermus provides insights into the evolutionary history of an incomplete denitrification pathway. MLIFE 2022; 1:198-209. [PMID: 38817678 PMCID: PMC10989939 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Biological denitrification is a crucial process in the nitrogen biogeochemical cycle, and Thermus has been reported to be a significant heterotrophic denitrifier in terrestrial geothermal environments. However, neither the denitrification potential nor the evolutionary history of denitrification genes in the genus Thermus or phylum Deinococcota is well understood. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of 23 Thermus genomes and identified denitrification genes in 15 Thermus strains. We confirmed that Thermus harbors an incomplete denitrification pathway as none of the strains contain the nosZ gene. Ancestral character state reconstructions and phylogenetic analyses showed that narG, nirS, and norB genes were acquired by the last common ancestor of Thermales and were inherited vertically. In contrast, nirK of Thermales was acquired via two distinct horizontal gene transfers from Proteobacteria to the genus Caldithermus and from an unknown donor to the common ancestor of all known Thermus species except Thermus filiformis. This study expands our understanding of the genomic potential for incomplete denitrification in Thermus, revealing a largely vertical evolutionary history of the denitrification pathway in the Thermaceae, and supporting the important role for Thermus as an important heterotrophic denitrifier in geothermal environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian‐Yu Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zheng‐Han Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Meng‐Meng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Nimaichand Salam
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - En‐Min Zhou
- International Joint Research Center for Karstology, School of Earth SciencesYunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Lan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hong Ming
- Synthetic Biology Engineering Laboratory of Henan Province, College of Life Sciences and TechnologyXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Guoxing Nie
- College of FisheriesHenan Normal UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Wensheng Shu
- Institute of Ecological Science, School of Life ScienceSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Guoping Zhao
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Brian P. Hedlund
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NevadaLas VegasNevadaUSA
- Nevada Institute of Personalized MedicineUniversity of NevadaLas VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Wen‐Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis EcologyXinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of SciencesUrumqiChina.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Martínez-Espinosa RM. Microorganisms and Their Metabolic Capabilities in the Context of the Biogeochemical Nitrogen Cycle at Extreme Environments. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124228. [PMID: 32545812 PMCID: PMC7349289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extreme microorganisms (extremophile) are organisms that inhabit environments characterized by inhospitable parameters for most live beings (extreme temperatures and pH values, high or low ionic strength, pressure, or scarcity of nutrients). To grow optimally under these conditions, extremophiles have evolved molecular adaptations affecting their physiology, metabolism, cell signaling, etc. Due to their peculiarities in terms of physiology and metabolism, they have become good models for (i) understanding the limits of life on Earth, (ii) exploring the possible existence of extraterrestrial life (Astrobiology), or (iii) to look for potential applications in biotechnology. Recent research has revealed that extremophilic microbes play key roles in all biogeochemical cycles on Earth. Nitrogen cycle (N-cycle) is one of the most important biogeochemical cycles in nature; thanks to it, nitrogen is converted into multiple chemical forms, which circulate among atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This review summarizes recent knowledge on the role of extreme microorganisms in the N-cycle in extremophilic ecosystems, with special emphasis on members of the Archaea domain. Potential implications of these microbes in global warming and nitrogen balance, as well as their biotechnological applications are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Division, Agrochemistry and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Ap. 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain; ; Tel.: +34-965903400 (ext. 1258)
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies “Ramón Margalef”, University of Alicante, Ap. 99, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Physiological and genomic properties of Thermus tenuipuniceus sp. nov., a novel slight reddish color member isolated from a terrestrial geothermal spring. Syst Appl Microbiol 2018; 41:611-618. [PMID: 30217696 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Two closely related, thermophilic bacteria, designated strains YIM 76954T and YIM 76947, were isolated from the Rehai Geothermal Field, Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. Polyphasic approach and whole genome sequencing were used to determine the taxonomy status and genomic profiles of the novel strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two isolates were closely related to Thermus scotoductus SE-1T (97.1% sequence similarity), and T. amyloliquefaciens YIM 77409T (96.6%). The strains could be differentiated from most recognized Thermus species by their whitish to slight reddish colony color, distinct DNA fingerprinting profiles and low ANI values. Cells stained Gram-negative, rod-shaped of diameter 0.2-0.5μm and length 1.5-5.0μm. Growth occurred at 50-75°C, pH 6.0-9.0 and in the presence of up to 1.0% (w/v) NaCl concentration. Thiosulfate was found to enhance cell growth, besides improving the intensity of its colony color. Oxygen, nitrate, sulfur, and Fe(III) could be used as terminal electron acceptors for growth. MK-8 was the major respiratory menaquinone. Major fatty acids were iso-C17:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, and anteiso-C15:0. The genome size was 2.26Mbp with 65.5% average GC content. A total of 2374 genes was predicted, comprising 2322 protein-coding and 52 RNA genes. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence presented, it is proposed that strain YIM 76954T represents a novel species of the genus Thermus, for which the name Thermus tenuipuniceus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 76954T (=JCM 30350T=KCTC 4677T).
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou EM, Xian WD, Mefferd CC, Thomas SC, Adegboruwa AL, Williams N, Murugapiran SK, Dodsworth JA, Ganji R, Li MM, Ding YP, Liu L, Woyke T, Li WJ, Hedlund BP. Thermus sediminis sp. nov., a thiosulfate-oxidizing and arsenate-reducing organism isolated from Little Hot Creek in the Long Valley Caldera, California. Extremophiles 2018; 22:983-991. [PMID: 30219948 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-018-1055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Thermus species are widespread in natural and artificial thermal environments. Two new yellow-pigmented strains, L198T and L423, isolated from Little Hot Creek, a geothermal spring in eastern California, were identified as novel organisms belonging to the genus Thermus. Cells are Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and non-motile. Growth was observed at temperatures from 45 to 75 °C and at salinities of 0-2.0% added NaCl. Both strains grow heterotrophically or chemolithotrophically by oxidation of thiosulfate to sulfate. L198T and L423 grow by aerobic respiration or anaerobic respiration with arsenate as the terminal electron acceptor. Values for 16S rRNA gene identity (≤ 97.01%), digital DNA-DNA hybridization (≤ 32.7%), OrthoANI (≤ 87.5%), and genome-to-genome distance (0.13) values to all Thermus genomes were less than established criteria for microbial species. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-8 and the major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 and anteiso-C15:0. One unidentified phospholipid (PL1) and one unidentified glycolipid (GL1) dominated the polar lipid pattern. The new strains could be differentiated from related taxa by β-galactosidase and β-glucosidase activity and the presence of hydroxy fatty acids. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic evidence, the novel species Thermus sediminis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain L198T (= CGMCC 1.13590T = KCTC XXX).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- En-Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
| | - Wen-Dong Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Scott C Thomas
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
| | - Arinola L Adegboruwa
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
| | - Nathan Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
- Las Vegas High School PAL Program, Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
| | | | - Jeremy A Dodsworth
- Department of Biology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Rakesh Ganji
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA
| | - Meng-Meng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ping Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Tanja Woyke
- Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, USA
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Wen-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Brian P Hedlund
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA.
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tripathi C, Mishra H, Khurana H, Dwivedi V, Kamra K, Negi RK, Lal R. Complete Genome Analysis of Thermus parvatiensis and Comparative Genomics of Thermus spp. Provide Insights into Genetic Variability and Evolution of Natural Competence as Strategic Survival Attributes. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1410. [PMID: 28798737 PMCID: PMC5529391 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermophilic environments represent an interesting niche. Among thermophiles, the genus Thermus is among the most studied genera. In this study, we have sequenced the genome of Thermus parvatiensis strain RL, a thermophile isolated from Himalayan hot water springs (temperature >96°C) using PacBio RSII SMRT technique. The small genome (2.01 Mbp) comprises a chromosome (1.87 Mbp) and a plasmid (143 Kbp), designated in this study as pTP143. Annotation revealed a high number of repair genes, a squeezed genome but containing highly plastic plasmid with transposases, integrases, mobile elements and hypothetical proteins (44%). We performed a comparative genomic study of the group Thermus with an aim of analysing the phylogenetic relatedness as well as niche specific attributes prevalent among the group. We compared the reference genome RL with 16 Thermus genomes to assess their phylogenetic relationships based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, average nucleotide identity (ANI), conserved marker genes (31 and 400), pan genome and tetranucleotide frequency. The core genome of the analyzed genomes contained 1,177 core genes and many singleton genes were detected in individual genomes, reflecting a conserved core but adaptive pan repertoire. We demonstrated the presence of metagenomic islands (chromosome:5, plasmid:5) by recruiting raw metagenomic data (from the same niche) against the genomic replicons of T. parvatiensis. We also dissected the CRISPR loci wide all genomes and found widespread presence of this system across Thermus genomes. Additionally, we performed a comparative analysis of competence loci wide Thermus genomes and found evidence for recent horizontal acquisition of the locus and continued dispersal among members reflecting that natural competence is a beneficial survival trait among Thermus members and its acquisition depicts unending evolution in order to accomplish optimal fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charu Tripathi
- Department of Zoology, University of DelhiNew Delhi, India
| | | | - Himani Khurana
- Department of Zoology, University of DelhiNew Delhi, India
| | | | - Komal Kamra
- Ciliate Biology Laboratory, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Khalsa College, University of DelhiNew Delhi, India
| | - Ram K Negi
- Department of Zoology, University of DelhiNew Delhi, India
| | - Rup Lal
- Department of Zoology, University of DelhiNew Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|