1
|
Kostešić E, Mitrović M, Kajan K, Marković T, Hausmann B, Orlić S, Pjevac P. Microbial Diversity and Activity of Biofilms from Geothermal Springs in Croatia. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:2305-2319. [PMID: 37209180 PMCID: PMC10640420 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02239-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Hot spring biofilms are stable, highly complex microbial structures. They form at dynamic redox and light gradients and are composed of microorganisms adapted to the extreme temperatures and fluctuating geochemical conditions of geothermal environments. In Croatia, a large number of poorly investigated geothermal springs host biofilm communities. Here, we investigated the microbial community composition of biofilms collected over several seasons at 12 geothermal springs and wells. We found biofilm microbial communities to be temporally stable and highly dominated by Cyanobacteria in all but one high-temperature sampling site (Bizovac well). Of the physiochemical parameters recorded, temperature had the strongest influence on biofilm microbial community composition. Besides Cyanobacteria, the biofilms were mainly inhabited by Chloroflexota, Gammaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidota. In a series of incubations with Cyanobacteria-dominated biofilms from Tuhelj spring and Chloroflexota- and Pseudomonadota-dominated biofilms from Bizovac well, we stimulated either chemoorganotrophic or chemolithotrophic community members, to determine the fraction of microorganisms dependent on organic carbon (in situ predominantly produced via photosynthesis) versus energy derived from geochemical redox gradients (here simulated by addition of thiosulfate). We found surprisingly similar levels of activity in response to all substrates in these two distinct biofilm communities, and observed microbial community composition and hot spring geochemistry to be poor predictors of microbial activity in the study systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ema Kostešić
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Mitrović
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Katarina Kajan
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region (STIM), Split, Croatia
| | | | - Bela Hausmann
- Joint Microbiome Facility of the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandi Orlić
- Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region (STIM), Split, Croatia
| | - Petra Pjevac
- Joint Microbiome Facility of the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nguyen STT, Vardeh DP, Nelson TM, Pearson LA, Kinsela AS, Neilan BA. Bacterial community structure and metabolic potential in microbialite-forming mats from South Australian saline lakes. GEOBIOLOGY 2022; 20:546-559. [PMID: 35312212 PMCID: PMC9311741 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbialites are sedimentary rocks created in association with benthic microorganisms. While they harbour complex microbial communities, Cyanobacteria perform critical roles in sediment stabilisation and accretion. Microbialites have been described from permanent and ephemeral saline lakes in South Australia; however, the microbial communities that generate and inhabit these biogeological structures have not been studied in detail. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the composition, diversity and metabolic potential of bacterial communities from different microbialite-forming mats and surrounding sediments in five South Australian saline coastal lakes using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and predictive metagenome analyses. While Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla recovered from the mats and sediments, Cyanobacteria were significantly more abundant in the mat samples. Interestingly, at lower taxonomic levels, the mat communities were vastly different across the five lakes. Comparative analysis of putative mat and sediment metagenomes via PICRUSt2 revealed important metabolic pathways driving the process of carbonate precipitation, including cyanobacterial oxygenic photosynthesis, ureolysis and nitrogen fixation. These pathways were highly conserved across the five examined lakes, although they appeared to be performed by distinct groups of bacterial taxa found in each lake. Stress response, quorum sensing and circadian clock were other important pathways predicted by the in silico metagenome analysis. The enrichment of CRISPR/Cas and phage shock associated genes in these cyanobacteria-rich communities suggests that they may be under selective pressure from viral infection. Together, these results highlight that a very stable ecosystem function is maintained by distinctly different communities in microbialite-forming mats in the five South Australian lakes and reinforce the concept that 'who' is in the community is not as critical as their net metabolic capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suong T. T. Nguyen
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David P. Vardeh
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tiffanie M. Nelson
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Leanne A. Pearson
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Andrew S. Kinsela
- School of Civil and Environmental EngineeringThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Brett A. Neilan
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu M, Zheng J, Xie J, Zhao D, Qiao ZW, Huang D, Luo HB. Effects of environmental factors on the microbial community changes during medium-high temperature Daqu manufacturing. Food Res Int 2022; 153:110955. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.110955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
4
|
Mueller RC, Peach JT, Skorupa DJ, Copié V, Bothner B, Peyton BM. An emerging view of the diversity, ecology and function of Archaea in alkaline hydrothermal environments. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:6021323. [PMID: 33501490 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiaa246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The described diversity within the domain Archaea has recently expanded due to advances in sequencing technologies, but many habitats that likely harbor novel lineages of archaea remain understudied. Knowledge of archaea within natural and engineered hydrothermal systems, such as hot springs and engineered subsurface habitats, has been steadily increasing, but the majority of the work has focused on archaea living in acidic or circumneutral environments. The environmental pressures exerted by the combination of high temperatures and high pH likely select for divergent communities and distinct metabolic pathways from those observed in acidic or circumneutral systems. In this review, we examine what is currently known about the archaea found in thermoalkaline environments, focusing on the detection of novel lineages and knowledge of the ecology, metabolic pathways and functions of these populations and communities. We also discuss the potential of emerging multi-omics approaches, including proteomics and metabolomics, to enhance our understanding of archaea within extreme thermoalkaline systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Mueller
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University,Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173920, USA.,Thermal Biology Institute, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173142, USA
| | - Jesse T Peach
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173400, USA
| | - Dana J Skorupa
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University,Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173920, USA.,Thermal Biology Institute, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173142, USA
| | - Valerie Copié
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173400, USA.,Thermal Biology Institute, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173142, USA
| | - Brian Bothner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173400, USA.,Thermal Biology Institute, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173142, USA
| | - Brent M Peyton
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University,Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173920, USA.,Thermal Biology Institute, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, PO Box 173142, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu YC, Huang RM, Bao J, Wu KY, Wu HY, Gao XY, Zhang XY. The unexpected diversity of microbial communities associated with black corals revealed by high-throughput Illumina sequencing. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2019; 365:5047306. [PMID: 29982506 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fny167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbes associated with black corals remain poorly studied. The present study is the first attempt to investigate microbial community structure in the black corals Antipathes ceylonensis and A. dichotoma from the South China Sea by using high-throughput Illumina sequencing. A total of 52 bacterial and 3 archaeal phyla were recovered in this study, suggesting the black corals harboured highly diverse microbial communities. Among the 55 microbial phyla, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria dominated in the two black corals from the South China Sea. Although most of the microbial phyla recovered from the two black corals have been reported in previous studies on coral-associated microbes, eight bacterial phyla including Synergistetes, Thermi, AncK6, GNO2, NKB19, NC10, WWE1 and GAL15, and the archaeal phylum Parvarchaeota are reported for the first time from corals in this study, which expands our knowledge about the diversity of coral-associated microbes. The comparison of microbial communities in the different black coral species indicated that A. ceylonensis harboured few abundant bacterial genera such as Citrobacter and Pseudomonas, whereas a high diversity of rare bacterial genera (<1% abundance), such as Winogradskyella and Rubricoccus, was detected only in A. dichotoma. These results suggested that the microbial community in black corals exhibited species-specific variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Chun Liu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ri-Ming Huang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jie Bao
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, 336 West Road of Nan Xinzhuang, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Ke-Yue Wu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Heng-Yu Wu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Gao
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Methods for extracting 'omes from microbialites. J Microbiol Methods 2019; 160:1-10. [PMID: 30877015 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Microbialites are organo-sedimentary structures formed by complex microbial communities that interact with abiotic factors to form carbonate rich fabrics. Extraction of DNA or total RNA from microbialites can be difficult because of the high carbonate mineral concentration and exopolymeric substances. The methods employed until now include substances such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, sodium dodecyl sulfate, xanthogenate, lysozyme and proteinase K, as well as mechanical disruption. Additionally, several commercial kits have been used to improve DNA and total RNA extraction. This minireview presents different methods applied for DNA and RNA extraction from microbialites and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, extraction of all 'omes (DNA, RNA, Protein, Lipids, polar metabolites) using multiomic extraction methods (MPlex), as well as the state of art for extraction of viruses from microbialites, are also discussed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang B, Xu X, Zhu L. Activated sludge bacterial communities of typical wastewater treatment plants: distinct genera identification and metabolic potential differential analysis. AMB Express 2018; 8:184. [PMID: 30430271 PMCID: PMC6236004 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-018-0714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the differences in activated sludge microbial communities of different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and understand their metabolic potentials, we sampled sludge from every biological treatment unit of 5 full-scale waste water treatment systems in 3 typical Chinese municipal WWTPs. The microbial communities and overall metabolic patterns were not only affected by influent characteristics but also varied between different biological treatment units. Distinct genera in different wastewater treatment systems were identified. The important microorganisms in domestic sewage treatment systems were unclassified SHA-20, Caldilinea, Dechloromonas, and unclassified genera from Rhodospirilaceae and Caldilineaceae. The important microorganisms in dyeing wastewater treatment systems were Nitrospira, Sphingobacteriales, Thiobacillus, Sinobacteraceae and Comamonadaceae. Compared with the obvious differences in microbial community composition, the metabolic potential showed no significant differences.
Collapse
|
8
|
Liang X, Whitham JM, Holwerda EK, Shao X, Tian L, Wu YW, Lombard V, Henrissat B, Klingeman DM, Yang ZK, Podar M, Richard TL, Elkins JG, Brown SD, Lynd LR. Development and characterization of stable anaerobic thermophilic methanogenic microbiomes fermenting switchgrass at decreasing residence times. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2018; 11:243. [PMID: 30202438 PMCID: PMC6126044 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-018-1238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaerobic fermentation of lignocellulose occurs in both natural and managed environments, and is an essential part of the carbon cycle as well as a promising route to sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. Lignocellulose solubilization by mixed microbiomes is important in these contexts. RESULTS Here, we report the development of stable switchgrass-fermenting enrichment cultures maintained at various residence times and moderately high (55 °C) temperatures. Anaerobic microbiomes derived from a digester inoculum were incubated at 55 °C and fed semi-continuously with medium containing 30 g/L mid-season harvested switchgrass to achieve residence times (RT) of 20, 10, 5, and 3.3 days. Stable, time-invariant cellulolytic methanogenic cultures with minimal accumulation of organic acids were achieved for all RTs. Fractional carbohydrate solubilization was 0.711, 0.654, 0.581 and 0.538 at RT = 20, 10, 5 and 3.3 days, respectively, and glucan solubilization was proportional to xylan solubilization at all RTs. The rate of solubilization was described well by the equation r = k(C - C0fr), where C represents the concentration of unutilized carbohydrate, C0 is the concentration of carbohydrate (cellulose and hemicellulose) entering the bioreactor and fr is the extrapolated fraction of entering carbohydrate that is recalcitrant at infinite residence time. The 3.3 day RT is among the shortest RT reported for stable thermophilic, methanogenic digestion of a lignocellulosic feedstock. 16S rDNA phylotyping and metagenomic analyses were conducted to characterize the effect of RT on community dynamics and to infer functional roles in the switchgrass to biogas conversion to the various microbial taxa. Firmicutes were the dominant phylum, increasing in relative abundance from 54 to 96% as RT decreased. A Clostridium clariflavum strain with genetic markers for xylose metabolism was the most abundant lignocellulose-solubilizing bacterium. A Thermotogae (Defluviitoga tunisiensis) was the most abundant bacterium in switchgrass digesters at RT = 20 days but decreased in abundance at lower RTs as did multiple Chloroflexi. Synergistetes and Euryarchaeota were present at roughly constant levels over the range of RTs examined. CONCLUSIONS A system was developed in which stable methanogenic steady-states were readily obtained with a particulate biomass feedstock, mid-season switchgrass, at laboratory (1 L) scale. Characterization of the extent and rate of carbohydrate solubilization in combination with 16S rDNA and metagenomic sequencing provides a multi-dimensional view of performance, species composition, glycoside hydrolases, and metabolic function with varying residence time. These results provide a point of reference and guidance for future studies and organism development efforts involving defined cultures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Liang
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
- BioEnergy Sciences Center, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
| | - Jason M. Whitham
- BioEnergy Sciences Center, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
| | - Evert K. Holwerda
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
- BioEnergy Sciences Center, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
| | - Xiongjun Shao
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
- BioEnergy Sciences Center, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
| | - Liang Tian
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
- BioEnergy Sciences Center, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
| | - Yu-Wei Wu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 106 Taiwan
| | - Vincent Lombard
- CNRS, UMR 7257, Aix-Marseille University, 13288 Marseille, France
- INRA, USC 1408 AFMB, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Henrissat
- CNRS, UMR 7257, Aix-Marseille University, 13288 Marseille, France
- INRA, USC 1408 AFMB, 13288 Marseille, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dawn M. Klingeman
- BioEnergy Sciences Center, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
| | - Zamin K. Yang
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
| | - Mircea Podar
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
| | - Tom L. Richard
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA 16802 USA
| | - James G. Elkins
- BioEnergy Sciences Center, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
| | - Steven D. Brown
- BioEnergy Sciences Center, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
- Present Address: LanzaTech, Inc., Skokie, IL 60077 USA
| | - Lee R. Lynd
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
- BioEnergy Sciences Center, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Thiel V, Tank M, Bryant DA. Diversity of Chlorophototrophic Bacteria Revealed in the Omics Era. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 69:21-49. [PMID: 29505738 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-042817-040500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Because of recent advances in omics methodologies, knowledge of chlorophototrophy (i.e., chlorophyll-based phototrophy) in bacteria has rapidly increased. Chlorophototrophs currently are known to occur in seven bacterial phyla: Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chlorobi, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, and Gemmatimonadetes. Other organisms that can produce chlorophylls and photochemical reaction centers may still be undiscovered. Here we summarize the current status of the taxonomy and phylogeny of chlorophototrophic bacteria as revealed by genomic methods. In specific cases, we briefly describe important ecophysiological and metabolic insights that have been gained from the application of genomic methods to these bacteria. In the 20 years since the completion of the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 genome in 1996, approximately 1,100 genomes have been sequenced, which represents nearly the complete diversity of known chlorophototrophic bacteria. These data are leading to new insights into many important processes, including photosynthesis, nitrogen and carbon fixation, cellular differentiation and development, symbiosis, and ecosystem functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Thiel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan; ,
| | - Marcus Tank
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan; ,
| | - Donald A Bryant
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA;
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Valdespino-Castillo PM, Hu P, Merino-Ibarra M, López-Gómez LM, Cerqueda-García D, González-De Zayas R, Pi-Puig T, Lestayo JA, Holman HY, Falcón LI. Exploring Biogeochemistry and Microbial Diversity of Extant Microbialites in Mexico and Cuba. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:510. [PMID: 29666607 PMCID: PMC5891642 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbialites are modern analogs of ancient microbial consortia that date as far back as the Archaean Eon. Microbialites have contributed to the geochemical history of our planet through their diverse metabolic capacities that mediate mineral precipitation. These mineral-forming microbial assemblages accumulate major ions, trace elements and biomass from their ambient aquatic environments; their role in the resulting chemical structure of these lithifications needs clarification. We studied the biogeochemistry and microbial structure of microbialites collected from diverse locations in Mexico and in a previously undescribed microbialite in Cuba. We examined their structure, chemistry and mineralogy at different scales using an array of nested methods including 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing, elemental analysis, X-Ray fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Synchrotron Radiation-based Fourier Transformed Infrared (SR-FTIR) spectromicroscopy. The resulting data revealed high biological and chemical diversity among microbialites and specific microbe to chemical correlations. Regardless of the sampling site, Proteobacteria had the most significant correlations with biogeochemical parameters such as organic carbon (Corg), nitrogen and Corg:Ca ratio. Biogeochemically relevant bacterial groups (dominant phototrophs and heterotrophs) showed significant correlations with major ion composition, mineral type and transition element content, such as cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper and nickel. Microbial-chemical relationships were discussed in reference to microbialite formation, microbial metabolic capacities and the role of transition elements as enzyme cofactors. This paper provides an analytical baseline to drive our understanding of the links between microbial diversity with the chemistry of their lithified precipitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Valdespino-Castillo
- Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Ping Hu
- Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Martín Merino-Ibarra
- Unidad Académica de Ecología y Biodiversidad Acuática, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luz M López-Gómez
- Unidad Académica de Ecología y Biodiversidad Acuática, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Cerqueda-García
- Laboratorio de Ecología Bacteriana, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Teresa Pi-Puig
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio Nacional de Geoquímica y Mineralogía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julio A Lestayo
- Centro de Investigaciones de Ecosistemas Costeros, Cayo Coco, Cuba
| | - Hoi-Ying Holman
- Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States.,Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Luisa I Falcón
- Laboratorio de Ecología Bacteriana, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Louyakis AS, Gourlé H, Casaburi G, Bonjawo RME, Duscher AA, Foster JS. A year in the life of a thrombolite: comparative metatranscriptomics reveals dynamic metabolic changes over diel and seasonal cycles. Environ Microbiol 2017; 20:842-861. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Artemis S. Louyakis
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science; University of Florida, Space Life Sciences Lab; Merritt Island FL USA
| | - Hadrien Gourlé
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science; University of Florida, Space Life Sciences Lab; Merritt Island FL USA
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics; Global Bioinformatics Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Uppsala Sweden
| | - Giorgio Casaburi
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science; University of Florida, Space Life Sciences Lab; Merritt Island FL USA
| | - Rachelle M. E. Bonjawo
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science; University of Florida, Space Life Sciences Lab; Merritt Island FL USA
| | - Alexandrea A. Duscher
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science; University of Florida, Space Life Sciences Lab; Merritt Island FL USA
| | - Jamie S. Foster
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science; University of Florida, Space Life Sciences Lab; Merritt Island FL USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Proemse BC, Eberhard RS, Sharples C, Bowman JP, Richards K, Comfort M, Barmuta LA. Stromatolites on the rise in peat-bound karstic wetlands. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15384. [PMID: 29133809 PMCID: PMC5684344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15507-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromatolites are the oldest evidence for life on Earth, but modern living examples are rare and predominantly occur in shallow marine or (hyper-) saline lacustrine environments, subject to exotic physico-chemical conditions. Here we report the discovery of living freshwater stromatolites in cool-temperate karstic wetlands in the Giblin River catchment of the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Australia. These stromatolites colonize the slopes of karstic spring mounds which create mildly alkaline (pH of 7.0-7.9) enclaves within an otherwise uniformly acidic organosol terrain. The freshwater emerging from the springs is Ca-HCO3 dominated and water temperatures show no evidence of geothermal heating. Using 16 S rRNA gene clone library analysis we revealed that the bacterial community is dominated by Cyanobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and an unusually high proportion of Chloroflexi, followed by Armatimonadetes and Planctomycetes, and is therefore unique compared to other living examples. Macroinvertebrates are sparse and snails in particular are disadvantaged by the development of debilitating accumulations of carbonate on their shells, corroborating evidence that stromatolites flourish under conditions where predation by metazoans is suppressed. Our findings constitute a novel habitat for stromatolites because cool-temperate freshwater wetlands are not a conventional stromatolite niche, suggesting that stromatolites may be more common than previously thought.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette C Proemse
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Rolan S Eberhard
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.
| | - Chris Sharples
- Geography and Spatial Science, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 76, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - John P Bowman
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 98, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Karen Richards
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Michael Comfort
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Differences in Temperature and Water Chemistry Shape Distinct Diversity Patterns in Thermophilic Microbial Communities. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.01363-17. [PMID: 28821552 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01363-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This report describes the biodiversity and ecology of microbial mats developed in thermal gradients (20 to 65°C) in the surroundings of three drillings (Chiraleu [CH], Ciocaia [CI], and Mihai Bravu [MB]) tapping a hyperthermal aquifer in Romania. Using a metabarcoding approach, 16S rRNA genes were sequenced from both DNA and RNA transcripts (cDNA) and compared. The relationships between the microbial diversity and the physicochemical factors were explored. Additionally, the cDNA data were used for in silico functionality predictions, bringing new insights into the functional potential and dynamics of these communities. The results showed that each hot spring determined the formation of distinct microbial communities. In the CH mats (40 to 53°C), the abundance of Cyanobacteria decreased with temperature, opposite to those of Chloroflexi and ProteobacteriaEctothiorhodospira, Oscillatoria, and methanogenic archaea dominated the CI communities (20 to 65°C), while the MB microbial mats (53 to 65°C) were mainly composed of Chloroflexi, Hydrogenophilus, Thermi, and Aquificae Alpha-diversity was negatively correlated with the increase in water temperature, while beta-diversity was shaped in each hot spring by the unique combination of physicochemical parameters, regardless of the type of nucleic acid analyzed (DNA versus cDNA). The rank correlation analysis revealed a unique model that associated environmental data with community composition, consisting in the combined effect of Na+, K+, HCO3-, and PO43- concentrations, together with temperature and electrical conductivity. These factors seem to determine the grouping of samples according to location, rather than with the similarities in thermal regimes, showing that other parameters beside temperature are significant drivers of biodiversity.IMPORTANCE Hot spring microbial mats represent a remarkable manifestation of life on Earth and have been intensively studied for decades. Moreover, as hot spring areas are isolated and have a limited exchange of organisms, nutrients, and energy with the surrounding environments, hot spring microbial communities can be used in model studies to elucidate the colonizing potential within extreme settings. Thus, they are of great importance in evolutionary biology, microbial ecology, and exobiology. In spite of all the efforts that have been made, the current understanding of the influence of temperature and water chemistry on the microbial community composition, diversity, and abundance in microbial mats is limited. In this study, the composition and diversity of microbial communities developed in thermal gradients in the vicinity of three hot springs from Romania were investigated, each having particular physicochemical characteristics. Our results expose new factors that could determine the formation of these ecosystems, expanding the current knowledge in this regard.
Collapse
|
14
|
Sources of antibiotics: Hot springs. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 134:35-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
15
|
Rempfert KR, Miller HM, Bompard N, Nothaft D, Matter JM, Kelemen P, Fierer N, Templeton AS. Geological and Geochemical Controls on Subsurface Microbial Life in the Samail Ophiolite, Oman. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:56. [PMID: 28223966 PMCID: PMC5293757 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial abundance and diversity in deep subsurface environments is dependent upon the availability of energy and carbon. However, supplies of oxidants and reductants capable of sustaining life within mafic and ultramafic continental aquifers undergoing low-temperature water-rock reaction are relatively unknown. We conducted an extensive analysis of the geochemistry and microbial communities recovered from fluids sampled from boreholes hosted in peridotite and gabbro in the Tayin block of the Samail Ophiolite in the Sultanate of Oman. The geochemical compositions of subsurface fluids in the ophiolite are highly variable, reflecting differences in host rock composition and the extent of fluid-rock interaction. Principal component analysis of fluid geochemistry and geologic context indicate the presence of at least four fluid types in the Samail Ophiolite (“gabbro,” “alkaline peridotite,” “hyperalkaline peridotite,” and “gabbro/peridotite contact”) that vary strongly in pH and the concentrations of H2, CH4, Ca2+, Mg2+, NO3-, SO42-, trace metals, and DIC. Geochemistry of fluids is strongly correlated with microbial community composition; similar microbial assemblages group according to fluid type. Hyperalkaline fluids exhibit low diversity and are dominated by taxa related to the Deinococcus-Thermus genus Meiothermus, candidate phyla OP1, and the family Thermodesulfovibrionaceae. Gabbro- and alkaline peridotite- aquifers harbor more diverse communities and contain abundant microbial taxa affiliated with Nitrospira, Nitrosospharaceae, OP3, Parvarcheota, and OP1 order Acetothermales. Wells that sit at the contact between gabbro and peridotite host microbial communities distinct from all other fluid types, with an enrichment in betaproteobacterial taxa. Together the taxonomic information and geochemical data suggest that several metabolisms may be operative in subsurface fluids, including methanogenesis, acetogenesis, and fermentation, as well as the oxidation of methane, hydrogen and small molecular weight organic acids utilizing nitrate and sulfate as electron acceptors. Dynamic nitrogen cycling may be especially prevalent in gabbro and alkaline peridotite fluids. These data suggest water-rock reaction, as controlled by lithology and hydrogeology, constrains the distribution of life in terrestrial ophiolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R Rempfert
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Hannah M Miller
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Nicolas Bompard
- National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton Southampton, UK
| | - Daniel Nothaft
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Juerg M Matter
- National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton Southampton, UK
| | - Peter Kelemen
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University Palisades, NY, USA
| | - Noah Fierer
- Cooperate Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of ColoradoBoulder, CO, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of ColoradoBoulder, CO, USA
| | - Alexis S Templeton
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Reversed Crystal Growth of Calcite in Naturally Occurring Travertine Crust. CRYSTALS 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst7020036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
17
|
Li P, Lin W, Liu X, Wang X, Luo L. Environmental Factors Affecting Microbiota Dynamics during Traditional Solid-state Fermentation of Chinese Daqu Starter. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1237. [PMID: 27540378 PMCID: PMC4972817 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the microbiota dynamics during two industrial-scale traditional solid-state fermentation (SSF) processes of Daqu starters. Similar evolution profiles of environmental parameters, enzymatic activities, microbial amounts, and communities were observed during the medium temperature SSF (MTSSF) and low temperature SSF (LTSSF) processes. Orders of Rickettsiales and Streptophyta only dominated the initial 2 days, and Eurotiales only predominated from days 10 to 24, however, phylotypes of Enterobacteriales, Lactobacillales, Bacillales, Saccharomycetales, and Mucorales both prevailed throughout the MTSSF and LTSSF processes. Nevertheless, the pH in MTSSF process on day 5 were 5.28, while in LTSSF process (4.87) significantly lower (P < 0.05). The glucoamylase activities in MTSSF process dropped from 902.71 to 394.33 mg glucose g(-1) h(-1) on days 5 to 24, while significantly lower (P < 0.05) in LTSSF process and decreased from 512.25 to 268.69 mg glucose g(-1) h(-1). The relative abundance of Enterobacteriales and Lactobacillales in MTSSF process constituted from 10.30 to 71.73% and 2.34 to 16.68%, while in LTSSF process ranged from 3.16 to 41.06% and 8.43 to 57.39%, respectively. The relative abundance of Eurotiales in MTSSF process on days 10 to 24 decreased from 36.10 to 28.63%, while obviously higher in LTSSF process and increased from 52.00 to 72.97%. Furthermore, lower bacterial richness but higher fungal richness were displayed, markedly differences in bacterial communities but highly similarities in fungal communities were exhibited, during MTSSF process comparatively to the LTSSF process. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed microbial structure transition happened at thermophilic stages under environmental stress of moisture, pH, acidity, and pile temperature. These profound understanding might help to effectively control the traditional Daqu SSF process by adjusting relevant environmental parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology Guangzhou, China
| | - Weifeng Lin
- College of Light Industry and Food Sciences, South China University of Technology Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiong Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixin Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|