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Roelants SLKW, Bovijn S, Bytyqi E, de Fooz N, Luyten G, Castelein M, Van de Craen T, Diao Z, Maes K, Delmulle T, De Mol M, De Maeseneire SL, Devreese B, Soetaert WK. Bubbling insights: unveiling the true sophorolipid biosynthetic pathway by Starmerella bombicola. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2024; 17:113. [PMID: 39143561 PMCID: PMC11325757 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02557-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The yeast Starmerella bombicola is renowned for its highly efficient sophorolipid production, reaching titers and productivities of (over) 200 g/L and 2 g/(L h), respectively. This inherent efficiency has led to the commercialization of sophorolipids. While the sophorolipid biosynthetic pathway has been elucidated a few years ago, in this study, it is revisited and true key intermediates are revealed. RESULTS Recently, Starmerella bombicola strains developed and evaluated in the past were reevaluated unveiling unexpected findings. The AT enzyme encoded in the sophorolipid biosynthetic gene cluster is the only described enzyme known to acetylate sophorolipids, while the SBLE enzyme encoded by the SBLE gene is described to catalyze the conversion of (acetylated) acidic sophorolipids into lactonic sophorolipids. A double knockout of both genes was described to result in the generation of bolaform sophorolipids. However, new experiments performed with respective S. bombicola strains Δsble, Δat Δsble, and ∆at revealed inconsistencies with the current understanding of the SL pathway. It was observed that the ∆sble strain produces mainly bolaform sophorolipids with higher acetylation degrees instead of acidic sophorolipids. Furthermore, the ∆at strain produces predominantly bolaform sophorolipids and lactonic sophorolipids with lower acetylation degrees, while the ∆at ∆sble strain predominantly produces bolaform sophorolipids with lower acetylation degrees. These results indicate that the AT enzyme is not the only enzyme responsible for acetylation of sophorolipids, while the SBLE enzyme performs an intramolecular transesterification reaction on bolaform glycolipids instead of an esterification reaction on acidic sophorolipids. These findings, together with recent in vitro data, led us to revise the sophorolipid biosynthetic pathway. CONCLUSIONS Bolaform sophorolipids instead of acidic sophorolipids are the key intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway towards lactonic sophorolipids. Bolaform sophorolipids are found in very small amounts in extracellular S. bombicola wild type broths as they are very efficiently converted into lactonic sophorolipids, while acidic sophorolipids build up as they cannot be converted. Furthermore, acetylation of sophorolipids is not exclusively performed by the AT enzyme encoded in the sophorolipid biosynthetic gene cluster and acetylation of bolaform sophorolipids promotes their transesterification. These findings led to the revision of the industrially relevant sophorolipid biosynthetic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie L K W Roelants
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
- R&D Department, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042, Desteldonk, Belgium.
- R&D Department, AmphiStar, Suzanne Tassierstraat 1, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium.
| | - Stijn Bovijn
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elvira Bytyqi
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nicolas de Fooz
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Goedele Luyten
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martijn Castelein
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thibo Van de Craen
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zhoujian Diao
- Laboratory of Microbiology-Protein Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien Maes
- R&D Department, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042, Desteldonk, Belgium
| | - Tom Delmulle
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maarten De Mol
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie L De Maeseneire
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Devreese
- Laboratory of Microbiology-Protein Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim K Soetaert
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- R&D Department, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042, Desteldonk, Belgium
- R&D Department, AmphiStar, Suzanne Tassierstraat 1, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
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Diao Z, Roelants SLKW, Luyten G, Goeman J, Vandenberghe I, Van Driessche G, De Maeseneire SL, Soetaert WK, Devreese B. Revision of the sophorolipid biosynthetic pathway in Starmerella bombicola based on new insights in the substrate profile of its lactone esterase. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2024; 17:89. [PMID: 38937850 PMCID: PMC11210130 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02533-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sophorolipids (SLs) are a class of natural, biodegradable surfactants that found their way as ingredients for environment friendly cleaning products, cosmetics and nanotechnological applications. Large-scale production relies on fermentations using the yeast Starmerella bombicola that naturally produces high titers of SLs from renewable resources. The resulting product is typically an extracellular mixture of acidic and lactonic congeners. Previously, we identified an esterase, termed Starmerella bombicola lactone esterase (SBLE), believed to act as an extracellular reverse lactonase to directly use acidic SLs as substrate. RESULTS We here show based on newly available pure substrates, HPLC and mass spectrometric analysis, that the actual substrates of SBLE are in fact bola SLs, revealing that SBLE actually catalyzes an intramolecular transesterification reaction. Bola SLs contain a second sophorose attached to the fatty acyl group that acts as a leaving group during lactonization. CONCLUSIONS The biosynthetic function by which the Starmerella bombicola 'lactone esterase' converts acidic SLs into lactonic SLs should be revised to a 'transesterase' where bola SL are the true intermediate. This insights paves the way for alternative engineering strategies to develop designer surfactants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhoujian Diao
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Protein Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie L K W Roelants
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.Be), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Rodenhuizenkaai 1, 9042, Ghent, Belgium
- R&D Department, AmphiStar, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Goedele Luyten
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.Be), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Goeman
- Laboratory for Organic and Bioorganic Synthesis, Department of Organic Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 (S.4), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabel Vandenberghe
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Protein Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gonzalez Van Driessche
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Protein Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie L De Maeseneire
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.Be), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- R&D Department, AmphiStar, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Wim K Soetaert
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.Be), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Rodenhuizenkaai 1, 9042, Ghent, Belgium
- R&D Department, AmphiStar, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Bart Devreese
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Protein Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Castillo DC, Sinpoo C, Phokasem P, Yongsawas R, Sansupa C, Attasopa K, Suwannarach N, Inwongwan S, Noirungsee N, Disayathanoowat T. Distinct fungal microbiomes of two Thai commercial stingless bee species, Lepidotrigona terminata and Tetragonula pagdeni suggest a possible niche separation in a shared habitat. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1367010. [PMID: 38469352 PMCID: PMC10925696 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1367010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Stingless bees, a social corbiculate bee member, play a crucial role in providing pollination services. Despite their importance, the structure of their microbiome, particularly the fungal communities, remains poorly understood. This study presents an initial characterization of the fungal community associated with two Thai commercial stingless bee species, Lepidotrigona terminata (Smith) and Tetragonula pagdeni (Schwarz) from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Utilizing ITS amplicon sequencing, we identified distinct fungal microbiomes in these two species. Notably, fungi from the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mucoromycota, Mortierellomycota, and Rozellomycota were present. The most dominant genera, which varied significantly between species, included Candida and Starmerella. Additionally, several key enzymes associated with energy metabolism, structural strength, and host defense reactions, such as adenosine triphosphatase, alcohol dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, chitinase, and peptidylprolyl isomerase, were predicted. Our findings not only augment the limited knowledge of the fungal microbiome in Thai commercial stingless bees but also provide insights for their sustainable management through understanding their microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C. Castillo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
- Research Center of Deep Technology in Beekeeping and Bee Products for Sustainable Development Goals (SMART BEE SDGs), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chainarong Sinpoo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Research Center of Deep Technology in Beekeeping and Bee Products for Sustainable Development Goals (SMART BEE SDGs), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Patcharin Phokasem
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Research Center of Deep Technology in Beekeeping and Bee Products for Sustainable Development Goals (SMART BEE SDGs), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Rujipas Yongsawas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Research Center of Deep Technology in Beekeeping and Bee Products for Sustainable Development Goals (SMART BEE SDGs), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chakriya Sansupa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Korrawat Attasopa
- Research Center of Deep Technology in Beekeeping and Bee Products for Sustainable Development Goals (SMART BEE SDGs), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Research Center of Deep Technology in Beekeeping and Bee Products for Sustainable Development Goals (SMART BEE SDGs), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sahutchai Inwongwan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Research Center of Deep Technology in Beekeeping and Bee Products for Sustainable Development Goals (SMART BEE SDGs), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nuttapol Noirungsee
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Research Center of Deep Technology in Beekeeping and Bee Products for Sustainable Development Goals (SMART BEE SDGs), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Terd Disayathanoowat
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Research Center of Deep Technology in Beekeeping and Bee Products for Sustainable Development Goals (SMART BEE SDGs), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Pala M, Castelein MG, Dewaele C, Roelants SLKW, Soetaert WK, Stevens CV. Tuning the antimicrobial activity of microbial glycolipid biosurfactants through chemical modification. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1347185. [PMID: 38419728 PMCID: PMC10900251 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1347185] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Sophorolipids, glycolipid biosurfactants derived from microorganisms such as Starmerella bombicola, possess distinctive surface-active and bioactive properties, holding potential applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and bioremediation. However, the limited structural variability in wild-type sophorolipids restricts their properties and applications. To address this, metabolic engineering efforts have allowed to create a portfolio of molecules. In this study, we went one step further by chemically modifying microbially produced sophorosides, produced by an engineered S. bombicola. Twenty-four new sophoroside derivatives were synthesized, including sophoroside amines with varying alkyl chain lengths (ethyl to octadecyl) on the nitrogen atom and their corresponding quaternary ammonium salts. Additionally, six different microbially produced glycolipid biosurfactants were hydrogenated to achieve fully saturated lipid tails. These derivatives, along with microbially produced glycolipids and three benchmark biosurfactants (di-rhamnolipids, alkyl polyglucosides, cocamidopropyl betaine), were assessed for antimicrobial activity against bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and yeast (Candida albicans). Results indicated that microbially produced glycolipids, such as bola sophorosides, acidic sophorolipids and acidic glucolipids exhibit selective antimicrobial activity against the test organisms. Conversely, lactonic sophorolipids, sophoroside amines and quaternary ammonium salts display a broad antimicrobial activity. N-octyl, N-dodecyl and N-octadecyl derivatives exhibit the lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations, ranging from 0.014 to 20.0 mg mL-1. This study demonstrates the potential synergy of thoughtful biotechnology and targeted chemistry to precisely tailor glycolipid biosurfactants to meet specific requirements across applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melike Pala
- SynBioC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martijn G. Castelein
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Camille Dewaele
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie L. K. W. Roelants
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim K. Soetaert
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian V. Stevens
- SynBioC, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Hettiarachchi A, Cnockaert M, Joossens M, Gekière A, Meeus I, Vereecken NJ, Michez D, Smagghe G, Vandamme P. The wild solitary bees Andrena vaga, Anthophora plumipes, Colletes cunicularius, and Osmia cornuta microbiota are host specific and dominated by endosymbionts and environmental microorganisms. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:3013-3026. [PMID: 37794084 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02304-9] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
We characterized the microbial communities of the crop, midgut, hindgut, and ovaries of the wild solitary bees Andrena vaga, Anthophora plumipes, Colletes cunicularius, and Osmia cornuta through 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 amplicon sequencing and a large-scale isolation campaign. The bacterial communities of these bees were dominated by endosymbionts of the genera Wolbachia and Spiroplasma. Bacterial and yeast genera representing the remaining predominant taxa were linked to an environmental origin. While only a single sampling site was examined for Andrena vaga, Anthophora plumipes, and Colletes cunicularius, and two sampling sites for Osmia cornuta, the microbiota appeared to be host specific: bacterial, but not fungal, communities generally differed between the analyzed bee species, gut compartments and ovaries. This may suggest a selective process determined by floral and host traits. Many of the gut symbionts identified in the present study are characterized by metabolic versatility. Whether they exert similar functionalities within the bee gut and thus functional redundancy remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Hettiarachchi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Margo Cnockaert
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marie Joossens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antoine Gekière
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Ivan Meeus
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants of Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Nicolas J Vereecken
- Agroecology Lab, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe CP 264/02, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Denis Michez
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants of Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Peter Vandamme
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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6
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Tuerlings T, Hettiarachchi A, Joossens M, Geslin B, Vereecken NJ, Michez D, Smagghe G, Vandamme P. Microbiota and pathogens in an invasive bee: Megachile sculpturalis from native and invaded regions. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 32:544-557. [PMID: 37191302 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12849] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to characterise the bacterial, fungal and parasite gut community of the invasive bee Megachile sculpturalis sampled from native (Japan) and invaded (USA and France) regions via 16S rRNA and ITS2 amplicon sequencing and PCR detection of bee microparasites. The bacterial and fungal gut microbiota communities in bees from invaded regions were highly similar and differed strongly from those obtained in Japan. Core amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) within each population represented environmental micro-organisms commonly present in bee-associated niches that likely provide beneficial functions to their host. Although the overall bacterial and fungal communities of the invasive M. sculpturalis in France and the co-foraging native bees Anthidium florentinum and Halictus scabiosae, were significantly different, five out of eight core ASVs were shared suggesting common environmental sources and potential transmission. None of the 46 M. sculpturalis bees analysed harboured known bee pathogens, while microparasite infections were common in A. florentinum, and rare in H. scabiosae. A common shift in the gut microbiota of M. sculpturalis in invaded regions as a response to changed environmental conditions, or a founder effect coupled to population re-establishment in the invaded regions may explain the observed microbial community profiles and the absence of parasites. While the role of pathogen pressure in shaping biological invasions is still debated, the absence of natural enemies may contribute to the invasion success of M. sculpturalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Tuerlings
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amanda Hettiarachchi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marie Joossens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Benoît Geslin
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France
- Université de Rennes (UNIR), UMR 6553 ECOBIO, CNRS, Rennes, France
| | | | - Denis Michez
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Vandamme
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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7
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Rutkowski D, Weston M, Vannette RL. Bees just wanna have fungi: a review of bee associations with nonpathogenic fungi. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2023; 99:fiad077. [PMID: 37422442 PMCID: PMC10370288 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiad077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee-fungus associations are common, and while most studies focus on entomopathogens, emerging evidence suggests that bees associate with a variety of symbiotic fungi that can influence bee behavior and health. Here, we review nonpathogenic fungal taxa associated with different bee species and bee-related habitats. We synthesize results of studies examining fungal effects on bee behavior, development, survival, and fitness. We find that fungal communities differ across habitats, with some groups restricted mostly to flowers (Metschnikowia), while others are present almost exclusively in stored provisions (Zygosaccharomyces). Starmerella yeasts are found in multiple habitats in association with many bee species. Bee species differ widely in the abundance and identity of fungi hosted. Functional studies suggest that yeasts affect bee foraging, development, and pathogen interactions, though few bee and fungal taxa have been examined in this context. Rarely, fungi are obligately beneficial symbionts of bees, whereas most are facultative bee associates with unknown or ecologically contextual effects. Fungicides can reduce fungal abundance and alter fungal communities associated with bees, potentially disrupting bee-fungi associations. We recommend that future study focus on fungi associated with non-honeybee species and examine multiple bee life stages to document fungal composition, abundance, and mechanistic effects on bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Rutkowski
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Makena Weston
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Rachel L Vannette
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
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Dierickx S, Souvereyns M, Roelants SLKW, De Graeve M, Van Meulebroek L, De Maeseneire SL, Soetaert WKG, Vanhaecke L. Comprehensive metabolomics reveals correlation between sophorolipid biosynthesis and autophagy. N Biotechnol 2023; 75:1-12. [PMID: 36805132 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Sophorolipids are biobased and biodegradable glycolipid surface-active agents contributing to the shift from petroleum to biobased surfactants, associated with clear environmental benefits. However, their production cost is currently too high to allow commercialisation. Therefore, a continuous sophorolipid production process was evaluated, i.e., a retentostat with an external filtration unit. Despite an initial increase in volumetric productivity, productivity eventually declined to almost 0 g L-1 h-1. Following comprehensive metabolomics on supernatant obtained from a standardised retentostat, we hypothesised exhaustion of the N-starvation-induced autophagy as the main mechanism responsible for the decline in bolaform sophorolipid productivity. Thirty-six metabolites that correlate with RNA/protein autophagy and high sophorolipid productivity were putatively identified. In conclusion, our results unveil a plausible cause of this bola sophorolipid productivity decline in an industrially relevant bioreactor set-up, which may thus impact majorly on future yeast biosurfactant regulation studies and the finetuning of bola sophorolipid production processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Dierickx
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics (LIMET), Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Maximilien Souvereyns
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie L K W Roelants
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marilyn De Graeve
- Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics (LIMET), Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lieven Van Meulebroek
- Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics (LIMET), Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sofie L De Maeseneire
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim K G Soetaert
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lynn Vanhaecke
- Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics (LIMET), Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN, United Kingdom.
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9
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Salvador López JM, Vandeputte M, Van Bogaert INA. Oleaginous yeasts: Time to rethink the definition? Yeast 2022; 39:553-606. [PMID: 36366783 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oleaginous yeasts are typically defined as those able to accumulate more than 20% of their cell dry weight as lipids or triacylglycerides. Research on these yeasts has increased lately fuelled by an interest to use biotechnology to produce lipids and oleochemicals that can substitute those coming from fossil fuels or offer sustainable alternatives to traditional extractions (e.g., palm oil). Some oleaginous yeasts are attracting attention both in research and industry, with Yarrowia lipolytica one of the best-known and studied ones. Oleaginous yeasts can be found across several clades and different metabolic adaptations have been found, affecting not only fatty acid and neutral lipid synthesis, but also lipid particle stability and degradation. Recently, many novel oleaginous yeasts are being discovered, including oleaginous strains of the traditionally considered non-oleaginous Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the face of this boom, a closer analysis of the definition of "oleaginous yeast" reveals that this term has instrumental value for biotechnology, while it does not give information about distinct types of yeasts. Having this perspective in mind, we propose to expand the term "oleaginous yeast" to those able to produce either intracellular or extracellular lipids, not limited to triacylglycerides, in at least one growth condition (including ex novo lipid synthesis). Finally, a critical look at Y. lipolytica as a model for oleaginous yeasts shows that the term "oleaginous" should be reserved only for strains and not species and that in the case of Y. lipolytica, it is necessary to distinguish clearly between the lipophilic and oleaginous phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Salvador López
- BioPort Group, Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Meriam Vandeputte
- BioPort Group, Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inge N A Van Bogaert
- BioPort Group, Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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10
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Saci F, Roelants SLKW, Soetaert W, Baccile N, Davidson P. Lyotropic Liquid-Crystalline Phases of Sophorolipid Biosurfactants. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:8564-8574. [PMID: 35793459 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biological amphiphiles derived from natural resources are presently being investigated in the hope that they will someday replace current synthetic surfactants, which are known pollutants of soils and water resources. Sophorolipids constitute one of the main classes of glycosylated biosurfactants that have attracted interest because they are synthesized by non-pathogenic yeasts from glucose and vegetable oils at high titers. In this work, the self-assembly properties of several sophorolipids in water at high concentrations (20-80 wt %), a range so far mostly uncharted, have been investigated by polarized-light microscopy and X-ray scattering. Some of these compounds were found to show lyotropic liquid-crystalline behavior as they display lamellar or hexagonal columnar mesophases. X-ray scattering data shows that the structure of the lamellar phase is almost fully interdigitated, which is likely due to the packing difference between the bulky hydrophilic tails and the more compact aliphatic chains. A tentative representation of the molecular organization of the columnar phase is also given. Moreover, some of these compounds display thermotropic liquid-crystalline behavior, either pure or in aqueous mixtures. In addition, small domains of the lamellar phase can easily be aligned by applying onto them a moderate a.c. electric field, which is a rather unusual feature for lyotropic liquid crystals. Altogether, our work explored the self-assembly liquid-crystalline behavior of sophorolipids at high concentration, which could shed light on the conditions of their potential industrial applications as well as on their biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fella Saci
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, LCMCP, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Sophie L K W Roelants
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Rodenhuizenkaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Soetaert
- Centre for Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis (InBio.be), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Rodenhuizenkaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niki Baccile
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, LCMCP, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Patrick Davidson
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 91405 Orsay, France
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11
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From bumblebee to bioeconomy: Recent developments and perspectives for sophorolipid biosynthesis. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 54:107788. [PMID: 34166752 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sophorolipids are biobased compounds produced by the genera Starmerella and Pseudohyphozyma that gain exponential interest from academic and industrial stakeholders due to their mild and environmental friendly characteristics. Currently, industrially relevant sophorolipid volumetric productivities are reached up to 3.7 g∙L-1∙h-1 and sophorolipids are used in the personal care and cleaning industry at small scale. Moreover, applications in crop protection, food, biohydrometallurgy and medical fields are being extensively researched. The research and development of sophorolipids is at a crucial stage. Therefore, this work presents an overview of the state-of-the-art on sophorolipid research and their applications, while providing a critical assessment of scientific techniques and standardisation in reporting. In this review, the genuine sophorolipid producing organisms and the natural role of sophorolipids are discussed. Subsequently, an evaluation is made of innovations in production processes and the relevance of in-situ product recovery for process performance is discussed. Furthermore, a critical assessment of application research and its future perspectives are portrayed with a focus on the self-assembly of sophorolipid molecules. Following, genetic engineering strategies that affect the sophorolipid physiochemical properties are summarised. Finally, the impact of sophorolipids on the bioeconomy are uncovered, along with relevant future perspectives.
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