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Simultaneous DNA-RNA Extraction from Coastal Sediments and Quantification of 16S rRNA Genes and Transcripts by Real-time PCR
Published on: June 11, 2016
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Transcriptomic evidence for an energetically advantageous relationship between Syntrophomonas wolfei and Methanothrix
Maaike S Besteman1, Anna Doloman1, Diana Z Sousa1,2
1Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Environmental Microbiology Reports
|May 11, 2024
Summary
Syntrophic interactions in anaerobic digestion are crucial for methane production. Adding acetate scavengers like Methanothrix soehngenii can alter gene expression in syntrophic fatty acid degraders, potentially improving energy metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Syntrophic interactions are vital for anaerobic digestion and methane production.
- Acetogenic bacteria convert fatty acids, relying on hydrogen consumption by methanogens.
- Acetate cross-feeding dynamics in anaerobic systems are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of an acetate scavenger on butyrate oxidation by Syntrophomonas wolfei and Methanospirillum hungatei.
- To analyze growth and gene expression changes in response to acetate scavenging.
Main Methods:
- Co-culturing Syntrophomonas wolfei with Methanospirillum hungatei, with and without Methanothrix soehngenii.
- Monitoring growth and quantifying gene expression of key metabolic pathways.
- Analyzing changes in butyrate degradation and reverse electron transport gene expression.
Main Results:
- Butyrate consumption rates were unaffected by the presence of Methanothrix soehngenii.
- Genes involved in butyrate degradation and reverse electron transport in Syntrophomonas wolfei showed lower expression when Methanothrix soehngenii was present.
- Increased expression of a type IV-pili operon in Syntrophomonas wolfei suggests potential direct interspecies electron transfer.
Conclusions:
- Methanothrix soehngenii positively influences the energy metabolism of Syntrophomonas wolfei.
- Including acetate scavengers is relevant for studying syntrophic fatty acid degradation.
- Direct interspecies electron transfer may occur between Syntrophomonas wolfei and Methanothrix soehngenii.
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