Phylogenetic and proteomic analysis of an anaerobic toluene-degrading community

This study intended to unravel the physiological interplay in an anaerobic microbial community that degrades toluene under sulfate-reducing conditions combining proteomic and genetic techniques.

An enriched toluene-degrading community (Zz5-7) growing in batch cultures was investigated by DNA- and protein-based analyses. The affiliation and diversity of the community were analysed using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes as a phylogenetic marker as well as bssA and dsrAB genes as functional markers. Metaproteome analysis was carried out by a global protein extraction and a subsequent protein separation by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). About 85% of the proteins in the spots were identified by nano-liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry (nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. DNA sequencing of bssA and the most abundant dsrAB amplicons revealed high similarities to a member of the Desulfobulbaceae, which was also predominant according to 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Metaproteome analysis provided 202 unambiguous protein identifications derived from 236 unique protein spots. The proteins involved in anaerobic toluene activation, dissimilatory sulfate reduction, hydrogen production/consumption and autotrophic carbon fixation were mainly affiliated to members of the Desulfobulbaceae and several other Deltaproteobacteria.

Phylogenetic and metaproteomic analyses revealed a member of the Desulfobulbaceae as the key player of anaerobic toluene degradation in a sulfate-reducing consortium.

This is the first study that combines genetic and proteomic analyses to indicate the interactions in an anaerobic toluene-degrading microbial consortium.