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Related Concept Videos

Diversity of Archaea I01:30

Diversity of Archaea I

Archaea, a domain of single-celled microorganisms, are classified into five major phyla based on genetic and biochemical characteristics: Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, Thaumarchaeota, Korarchaeota, and Nanoarchaeota. Among these, the phylum Euryarchaeota is notable for its remarkable diversity in morphology, metabolism, and ecological adaptations.Morphological and Metabolic DiversityMembers of Euryarchaeota exhibit a variety of cellular shapes, including rods and cocci. Their metabolic pathways...
The Skin Microbiota01:27

The Skin Microbiota

The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...
Diversity of Archaea II01:24

Diversity of Archaea II

Archaea, one of the three domains of life, exhibit remarkable diversity and adaptability, thriving in both extreme and moderate environments. Historically, most identified archaea have been classified into two major phyla: Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. However, recent molecular studies have expanded this classification to include three additional phyla: Thaumarchaeota, Nanoarchaeota, and Korarchaeota, each exhibiting unique characteristics and ecological roles.Thaumarchaeota: Mesophiles...
Diversity of Archaea III01:27

Diversity of Archaea III

Crenarchaeota, a prominent phylum of Archaea, is remarkable for its ability to thrive in extreme environments characterized by high temperatures and acidity. These microorganisms inhabit sulfuric hot springs, volcanic systems, and submarine hydrothermal vents, where temperatures often exceed 100°C. The unique adaptations of Crenarchaeota not only allow survival under such extreme conditions but also provide insights into the mechanisms of life in primordial Earth-like environments.Morphological...
Overview of Archaea01:29

Overview of Archaea

Archaea, named after the Archaean eon, represent a unique domain of life, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, with remarkable traits. Their cellular and molecular features, ecological adaptability, and industrial relevance highlight their importance in understanding life processes and leveraging biotechnology.Cellular and Molecular CharacteristicsA defining feature of archaea is their unique membrane composition. Archaeal membranes contain ether-linked isoprenoid lipids, which confer...
Diversity of Archaea IV01:29

Diversity of Archaea IV

Hyperthermophilic archaea are a group of extremophiles thriving at temperatures above 80°C, often in hydrothermal vents and volcanic soils where conditions surpass the boiling point of water. At such temperatures, proteins, membranes, and DNA in most organisms degrade, but hyperthermophiles have evolved remarkable adaptations to maintain stability and function.Unique Cellular FeaturesHyperthermophilic membranes are composed of a monolayer of biphytanyl tetraether lipids, which resist thermal...

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Generation and Culturing of Primary Human Keratinocytes from Adult Skin
10:42

Generation and Culturing of Primary Human Keratinocytes from Adult Skin

Published on: December 22, 2017

Archaea on human skin.

Alexander J Probst1, Anna K Auerbach, Christine Moissl-Eichinger

  • 1Institute for Microbiology and Archaea Center, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.

Plos One
|June 19, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Archaea are now quantified on human skin, making up to 4.2% of the prokaryotic microbiome. These skin microbes, primarily Thaumarchaeota, show potential for ammonia oxidation, impacting skin

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Human Microbiome Research
  • Environmental Microbiology

Background:

  • The human skin microbiome is extensively studied, primarily focusing on bacteria.
  • Previous DNA sequencing efforts provided limited data on Archaea, the third domain of life.
  • Understanding the full scope of skin microbial communities is crucial for human health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify and visualize Archaea on human skin for the first time.
  • To identify the dominant archaeal groups and their metabolic potential.
  • To investigate the role of Archaea in the human skin ecosystem.

Main Methods:

  • 16S rRNA gene sequencing for archaeal quantification.
  • Detection of functional genes (amoA) for ammonia oxidation potential.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of microbial community composition.

Main Results:

  • Archaea constitute up to 4.2% of the prokaryotic skin microbiome based on 16S rRNA gene copies.
  • Thaumarchaeota were the most abundant archaeal group found on human skin.
  • Detection of thaumarchaeal amoA genes indicates a metabolic potential for ammonia oxidation.

Conclusions:

  • Archaea are a significant component of the human skin microbiome.
  • Skin-associated Archaea, particularly Thaumarchaeota, possess the genetic capability for ammonia turnover.
  • Further research is needed to understand archaeal activity and interactions with human epithelial cells.