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Representative Bacillus sp. AM1 from Gut Microbiota Harbor Versatile Molecular Pathways for Bisphenol A
Ana López-Moreno1,2, Alfonso Torres-Sánchez1,2, Inmaculada Acuña2,3
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus of Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Researchers isolated gut bacteria capable of degrading bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor found in plastics. Whole genome sequencing revealed four complete BPA degradation pathways in Bacillus sp. AM1, highlighting its potential for bioremediation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The human gut microbiota possesses enzymatic capabilities influencing health and disease.
- Isolation and characterization of specific microbial species and their functions are underexplored.
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread endocrine disruptor found in food packaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize gut microorganisms capable of tolerating or degrading bisphenol A (BPA).
- To identify the molecular pathways involved in BPA biodegradation.
- To explore the potential of these microorganisms and their products for xenobiotic management.
Main Methods:
- Directed isolation of BPA-tolerant strains from infant fecal microbiota.
- Culturing, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), and phylogenomic identification of isolates.
- Identification of catabolic genes and pathways using WGS and specific gene searches.
- Phenotypic confirmation of biopolymer synthesis (Exopolysaccharides and Polyhydroxyalkanoates) via transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Main Results:
- BPA-tolerant strains were isolated from 30% of analyzed infant fecal samples.
- Most isolates were phylogenetically related to *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens* spp.
- Whole Genome Sequencing of *Bacillus* sp. AM1 revealed four complete molecular pathways for BPA degradation.
- Pathways for Exopolysaccharide (EPS) and Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer synthesis were identified and confirmed, suggesting a role in xenobiotic interaction.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota harbors potent BPA-degrading bacteria, exemplified by *Bacillus* sp. AM1.
- *Bacillus* sp. AM1 possesses a versatile enzymatic machinery for comprehensive BPA biodegradation.
- Synthesized microbial biopolymers (EPS and PHA) may contribute to the sequestration or deposition of xenobiotics like BPA.
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