Functional Analysis of c-di-GMP Pathway in Biomining Bacteria Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

Abstract:

Bioleaching is the solubilization of metals catalyzed by acidophilic microorganisms. Among these, the Gram negative γ-proteobacteria from the genus Acidithiobacillus play a relevant role. Biofilm formation has an impact on bioleaching performance. In Acidithiobacillus sp. the molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation are still unknown. However, in many Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria, the intracellular levels of the second messenger cyclic diguanilic acid (c-di-GMP) control the regulation of biofilm formation. These levels depend on the balance between the enzymatic activities of diguanylate cyclases (synthesis) and phosphodiesterases (degradation). Previously, functional c-di-GMP pathways have been characterized in At. ferrooxidans and At. caldus. Here, our main goal was to characterize the presence of a functional c-di-GMP pathway in At. thiooxidans. By bioinformatic analysis, several putative-ORFs encoding DGCs, PDEs and effector proteins have been identified in the genome sequence of At. thiooxidans ATCC 19377. RT-PCR experiments revealed that most of these ORFs are transcribed. In addition, the analysis of nucleotide-enriched fraction extracted from At. thiooxidans cells showed that this bacterium is able to produce c-di-GMP. These results strongly indicate that At. thiooxidans has a functional c-di-GMP pathway.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 825)
• Pages: 133-136
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.825.133
• Online since: October 2013
• Authors: Mauricio Diaz, Sylvia Copaja, Nicolas Guiliani
• Keywords: Acidithiobacillus, Biofilm, c-di-GMP

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