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Close Interspecies Interactions between Prokaryotes from Sulfureous Environments.
Johannes Müller1, Jörg Overmann
1Bereich Mikrobiologie, Department Biologie I, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|July 23, 2011
Summary
Green sulfur bacteria form symbiotic phototrophic consortia with Betaproteobacteria, overcoming niche limitations. These associations reveal metabolic coupling and preadaptation for symbiosis in green sulfur bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Symbiotic Interactions
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Green sulfur bacteria are obligate photolithoautotrophs with narrow ecological niches.
- They form symbiotic associations called phototrophic consortia with motile Betaproteobacteria.
- "Chlorochromatium aggregatum" is a model system for studying these symbiotic interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular basis of symbiosis in "Chlorochromatium aggregatum."
- To understand the origin of the stable association between green sulfur bacteria and Betaproteobacteria.
- To compare symbiotic mechanisms in phototrophic consortia with archaeal consortia.
Main Methods:
- Genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses of "C. aggregatum."
- Investigation of metabolic pathways and gene expression during symbiosis.
- Comparative analysis with archaeal consortia (Nanoarchaeum equitans and Ignicoccus hospitalis).
Main Results:
- Numerous central metabolic genes are upregulated in the symbiotic state.
- Limited unique symbiosis genes were identified in the Betaproteobacteria epibiont.
- Metabolic coupling involves amino acids and specialized cell contact structures.
Conclusions:
- Green sulfur bacteria are preadapted for a symbiotic lifestyle.
- The symbiosis relies on metabolic coupling and specific ultrastructures.
- Amino acid transfer is key in phototrophic and archaeal consortia, though contact sites differ.
Keywords:
Chlorochromatium aggregatumIgnicoccus hospitalisNanoarchaeum equitansgreen sulfur bacteriaphototrophic consortiasymbiosisMore Related Videos
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