Transcription Dynamics of CBB-Pathway Genes in Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans Growing under Different CO₂ Levels

Abstract:

Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans is one of the most stable components in the consortium of microorganisms inhabiting the copper bioleaching heap of Minera Escondida Limitada. CalvinBenson-Bassham (CBB) is the CO2 fixation pathway most used by aerobic bacteria, and is the exclusive pathway used by A. thiooxidans. In this work, the population dynamics and the transcriptomic dynamics of five key genes involved in the A. thiooxidans CBB pathway were studied in bioleaching column and pure culture tests at different concentrations of CO2 availability. Association between CO2 level, population dynamics and relative expression of CBB-genes was discovered. Differences between CBB pathways from closely related species were reported. The transcription profile modelling could provide useful knowledge for improving industrial bioleaching operations.

• Periodical: Solid State Phenomena (Volume 262)
• Pages: 376-380
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.262.376
• Online since: August 2017
• Authors: Sabrina Marín, Mauricio Acosta, Pedro A. Galleguillos, Yohan Villegas, Dina Cautivo, Víctor J. Zepeda, Cecilia Demergasso*
• Keywords: Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, Bioleaching, CO₂-Fixatiom, Relative Gene Expression

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