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Self-standing Electrochemical Set-up to Enrich Anode-respiring Bacteria On-site
Published on: July 24, 2018
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Electrochemically active bacteria sense electrode potentials for regulating catabolic pathways.
Atsumi Hirose1, Takuya Kasai1, Motohide Aoki1
1School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan.
Nature Communications
|March 16, 2018
Summary
Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) sense and respond to electrode potentials, utilizing specific metabolic pathways for high growth yields. An Arc regulatory system mediates this response, impacting biotechnological applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bioelectrochemistry
- Metabolic Engineering
Background:
- Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) are crucial for bioelectrochemical systems.
- EAB metabolic activity is influenced by electrode potentials, but sensing mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if EAB can sense and respond to electrode potentials.
- To identify the regulatory mechanisms involved in EAB response to electrode potentials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a model EAB, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.
- Analyzed metabolic pathways under high-potential electrode conditions.
- Investigated the role of the Arc regulatory system in gene expression.
Main Results:
- Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 achieved high growth yield using NADH-dependent and formate-dependent pathways at high electrode potentials.
- The Arc regulatory system was identified as a key component in sensing electrode potentials.
- The Arc system regulates catabolic genes, including NADH dehydrogenase.
Conclusions:
- EAB possess the ability to sense and respond to electrode potentials.
- The Arc regulatory system plays a vital role in mediating this response.
- Findings provide insights for optimizing EAB in biotechnology and understanding their ecological roles.
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