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Growing a Cystic Fibrosis-Relevant Polymicrobial Biofilm to Probe Community Phenotypes
Published on: April 19, 2024
Genomic and transcriptomic insights into Achromobacter-Sphingobium co-colonization within polycyclic aromatic
Mana Sato1, Robert A Kanaly1, Jiro F Mori1
1Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|May 21, 2026
Summary
Achromobacter xylosoxidans grows by relying on Sphingobium barthaii for nutrients during polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) biodegradation. Sphingobium filtrate stimulates Achromobacter biofilm formation, suggesting signaling molecules enhance their co-colonization.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Bacterial genetics
Background:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent, genotoxic pollutants requiring microbial degradation.
- Efficient PAH biodegradation often involves complex interactions between multiple bacterial species.
- The roles of dominant genera like Achromobacter and Sphingobium in PAH-degrading consortia are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic and interactive relationship between Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Sphingobium barthaii during PAH biodegradation.
- To elucidate the mechanisms driving the co-occurrence and abundance of Achromobacter in PAH-exposed environments.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing and functional gene analysis of Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain KK8.
- Cell-free filtrate-exchange experiments between A. xylosoxidans KK8 and Sphingobium barthaii strain KK22.
- Transcriptomic profiling of A. xylosoxidans KK8 exposed to S. barthaii filtrate.
- Biofilm assays to assess bacterial colonization.
Main Results:
- Achromobacter xylosoxidans KK8, unable to degrade PAHs, showed dependence on PAH biodegradation products.
- S. barthaii KK22 filtrate significantly reduced the growth lag phase of A. xylosoxidans KK8.
- Exposure to S. barthaii filtrate upregulated genes in A. xylosoxidans KK8 related to biofilm formation and cell division, confirmed by enhanced biofilm assays.
Conclusions:
- Sphingobium barthaii likely stimulates the growth and colonization of Achromobacter xylosoxidans in PAH-contaminated environments, potentially through secreted signaling molecules.
- This interspecies interaction, involving nutrient provision and enhanced biofilm formation, is crucial for the high abundance of Achromobacter in PAH-degrading consortia.
- Understanding these mechanisms is valuable for developing effective bioremediation strategies using microbial communities.
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