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Vol 93, No 4 (2024)

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EXPERIMENTAL ARTICLES

Cold adaptation in a psychrotolerant micromycete Mucor flavus

Danilova О.А., Ianutsevich Е.А., Kochkina G.А., Groza N.V., Tereshina V.М.

Abstract

To study the mechanisms of protection of the cell membranes and macromolecules from cold, the composition of osmolytes, membrane lipids, and their fatty acids in a submerged culture of Mucor flavus was analyzed in growth dynamics at 20 and 4°C. This micromycete is psychrotolerant, having a wide growth temperature range (from –2 to 25°C) with an optimum at 20°C. Mucor flavus has a high growth rate (15 mm/day at 20°C, 4 mm/day at 0°C). At both temperatures, phosphatidic acids and phosphatidylethanolamines were predominant in the composition of membrane lipids, while phosphatidylcholines were the minor components. The main difference in the composition of membrane lipids was the threefold lower share of sterols at 4°C. During growth under optimal conditions, the proportion of phosphatidic acids decreased against the background of a slight increase in the levels of sterols, phosphatidylethanolamines, and phosphatidylcholines, while at 4°C the proportion of phosphatidic acids decreased slightly and the proportion of phosphatidylcholines increased. The fatty acids composition of phospholipids during growth at 20°C did not change significantly; linoleic, oleic, linolenic, and palmitic acids were predominant. At 4°C, the proportion of palmitic acid decreased and that of oleic acid increased, while the proportion of γ-linolenic acid decreased by half while that of α-linoleic acid increased. However, these changes did not lead to a significant change in the unsaturation degree of phospholipids, which varied between 1.5 and 1.6. Trehalose and glucose were the predominant osmolytes of the cytosol; glycerol was present in minor amounts only at 4°C. At both temperatures, the amount of osmolytes reached 3% of the dry weight in the course of growth, and the proportion of trehalose reached 70%. At both temperatures, a constant composition of osmolytes and slight changes in the composition of membrane lipids and their degree of unsaturation were observed, which probably contributes to the high growth rate of the fungus over a wide temperature range.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):385-396
pages 385-396 views

Microalgae from eroded soils in the northern Fergana valley, Uzbekistan

Tukhtaboeva Y.А., Krivina Е.S., Red’kina V.V., Temraleeva А.D.

Abstract

For the first time, the cultivated diversity of microalgae in eroded soils in the northern part of the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan has been studied based on both morphological and molecular genetic analysis. Ten strains of green microalgae (Chlorophyta) and one Charophyta strain were revealed. Only seven strains could be identified at the species level: Chlorella vulgaris, Chromochloris zofingiensis, Deuterostichococcus epilithicus, Pseudomuriella schumacherensis, and Pseudostichococcus monallantoides. Another four strains were identified only at the genus level and require further study: Bracteacoccus sp., Chlorosarcinopsis sp., Klebsormidium sp., and Tetratostichococcus sp. The low species diversity in the microalgae is likely due to both the low fertility of the eroded soils on the slopes, and the limitations of the culture-based approach that only reveals a fraction of the overall microbial diversity. Microalgal colonization of eroded soils in the arid foothill zone can be facilitated by various adaptations, such as small cell size and the production of extracellular polysaccharides, mycosporine-like aminoacids, and secondary carotenoids. The present work may contribute to the further development of highly functional microalgae-based consortia, which can lead to improvements and sustainable development of low-productivity, arid, and degraded terrestrial ecosystems.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):397-413
pages 397-413 views

Bioinformatic and functional analysis of the pSID siderophore biosynthesis plasmid of Rhodococcus pyridinivorans 5Ap

Mandryk М.I., Vysotskaya А.А., Yahorava Y.V., Surzhyk D.U., Larchenka А.Y., Vasylenko S.L.

Abstract

Complete genome sequencing of R. pyridinivorans strain 5Ар revealed the pSID plasmid (CP063453.1) 250428 bp in size. The gene responsible for replication of this plasmid is, most probably, dnaB. The genes which may be involved in the replication (dnaB, ssb) and plasmid separation after replication (parA) showed the highest similarity to the determinants located on large (224‒343 kb) plasmids of rhodococci: unnamed1 of R. pyridinivorans YF3, unnamed1 of R. rhodochrous LH-B3, pRJH1 of R. pyridinivorans YC-JH2, pRDE01 of Rhodococcus sp. RDE2, and pRho-VOC14-C342 of R. opacus VOC-14. The pSID plasmid was found to contain two loci responsible for the synthesis of secondary metabolites, one of them determining the synthesis of a polyketide compound (similar sequences have been revealed on plasmids of other rhodococci) and the other one probably determines the synthesis of a siderophore: the genes for biosynthesis of this compound (sid1–5) exhibited the highest similarity (not exceeding 75%) with the sequences from Streptomyces vilmorinianum YP1 (CP040244.1), S. ficellus NRRL 8067 (CP034279.1), Streptomyces sp. NBC00162 (CP102509.1), and some other streptomycetes, while showing no similarity to the known siderophore biosynthesis genes of rhodococci. The locus of the pSID plasmid responsible for the siderophore synthesis had a unique organization, since transcription of the sid5 (iucC) gene occurs in the opposite direction, while in other bacteria it belongs to an operon and is located at one of its termini. Inactivation of the sid1 gene was found to result in decreased antagonistic activity of R. pyridinivorans 5Ар against plant-pathogenic bacteria P. carotovorum 2.18, lower resistance to iron and cadmium ions and arsenate, as well as in emergence of phytotoxic properties against radish, while wild-type bacteria exhibit plant growth-promoting activity.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):414-424
pages 414-424 views

Effect of environmental factors on recombinant activity of root nodule bacteria

Baymiev A.K., Koryakov I.S., Akimova Е.S., Vladimirova А.А., Baymiev A.K.

Abstract

The legume-rhizobia symbiosis is a unique natural phenomenon, which supplies the plant with the necessary mineral nitrogen via fixation of atmospheric dinitrogen. This interaction involves two partners: the legume plant and root nodule bacteria (rhizobia). In the wild, members of the Fabaceae family enter into symbiosis with a polymorphic group of rhizobia specific to them; the mechanism and reasons for the formation of heterogeneity of rhizobia are currently the subject of active research. In the present work, a Rhizobium leguminosarum strain strictly specific to Phaseolus vulgaris L. was used to show that within 30 days upon its introduction into soil, genetic rearrangements occurred in the cells, as was revealed by changes in the pattern of its genetic profile. It was also found that recombination activity of thecells was also affected by the root exudates produced during seed germination, which may indicate involvement of the plant in the formation of polymorphism of its microsymbionts. These findings suggest interpretation of this process not as a spontaneous event, but rather as the event controlled by the plant.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):425-431
pages 425-431 views

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS

Structure of the regulatory region of nitrile hydratase genes in Rhodococcus rhodochrous М8, a biocatalyst for production of acrylic heteropolymers

Grechishnikova Е.G., Shemyakina А.О., Novikov А.D., Kalinina Т.I., Lavrov К.V., Yanenko А.S.

Abstract

Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain М8 is a platform for development of the biotechnologies for biocatalytic production of acrylic monomers, the raw material for synthesis of acrylic heteropolymers. A genetic system for investigation of the cobalt-dependent transcription of nitrile hydratase genes in this strain was constructed, based the reporter gene of the metal-independent acylamidase from Rhodococcus qingshengii TA37. The cobalt-regulated promoter was shown to be located at a significant distance (~0.5 kb) from nitrile hydratase genes. Excision of the region between the promoter and the nitrile hydratase genes decreased significantly both the promoter activity and the degree of regulation by cobalt. Our results improve the possibilities for rational design of regulated expression cassettes using the promoter of nitrile hydratase genes in Rhodococcus, and for further development of biocatalysts based on these bacteria.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):432-437
pages 432-437 views

Phylogenetic analysis of phn transporters of Achromobacter insolitus LCu2

Kryuchkova Y.V., Burygin G.L.

Abstract

Phosphonates are alternative phosphorus sources for bacteria. The genome of Achromobacter insolitus strain LCu2 contains three predicted phn clusters of ABC-type phosphonate transporters into the cell. To understand the functional, evolutionary, and ecological role of the phn clusters, phylogenetic analysis of substrate-binding PhnD proteins from strain LCu2 with their homologs in other Achromobacter species and in closely related genera of the family Alcaligenaceae was carried out. The PhnD transporters formed three separate clusters, which indicated the differences in their structural composition. PhnD1 and PhnD2 were present in the genomes of all Achromobacter species and grouped separately from those of other members of the family Alcaligenaceae, which indicated vertical inheritance of the phnD1 and phnD2 genes and their involvement in the life-supporting processes. PhnD3 was found in the genomes of seven Achromobacter species. The phnD3 gene was probably acquired via horizontal transfer or duplication and is induced during adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Maintenance of three structurally different clusters of the phn transporters is probably ecologically advantageous to A. insolitus LCu2, providing for phosphorus retrieval from synthetic and natural organophosphonates as well as other sources.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):438-443
pages 438-443 views

The genome of a new Halorubrum distributum strain ICIS4 isolated from the culture of a microalga Dunaliella salina

Selivanova Е.А., Balkin А.S., Khlopko Y.А., Kataev V.Y., Plotnikov А.О.

Abstract

The complete genome sequence of a new strain of the haloarchaeaon Halorubrum distributum ICIS4 was revealed and analyzed. The strain was isolated from a culture of a carotenogenic microalga Dunaliella salina maintained in laboratory conditions for a long period of time. The genome (3.32 Mb) contained 3236 protein-coding genes. Of the 2817 groups of homologous genes, 11 were unique to this strain. In the genome, the genes were revealed, which were responsible for utilization of glycerol and starch and for synthesis of vitamins, pigments, and siderophores. These genes may be involved in formation and maintenance of the association with microalgae. A region similar to the HRPV9 virus and another circular contig similar to a phage of the haloarchaean Haloquadratum walsbyi were revealed in the genome assembly.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):444-450
pages 444-450 views

Search for Bacteriophages Specific against Members of the Genus Rhodococcus

Novikov A.D., Tokmakova I.P., Samarin A.A., Lavrov K.V., Yanenko A.S.

Abstract

This is the first report on the isolation of Rhodococcus aetherivorans-specific bacteriophages and of applicability of such invertebrates as Hyalophora cecropia and Eisenia fetida as objects for screening the phage microflora of Rhodococcus species. Some of the isolated phages were capable of growth of R. ruber and R. qingshengii. An efficient procedure for bacteriophage reproduction in the liquid culture of R. aetherivorans was developed. The revealed bacteriophages may be used for development of efficient genetic tools for Rhodococcus strains, including the industrially significant ones.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):451-455
pages 451-455 views

Effect of Electrical Stimulation of the External Circuit of Membraneless Bioelectrochemical Systems on Imidacloprid Degradation and Representation of the mtrB and DyP-Type Peroxidases Genes

Samkov A.A., Samkova S.M., Kruglova M.N.

Abstract

In all variants where carbon felt was present, imidacloprid degradation by the microflora of bottom sediments was many times higher than in the control, reaching 84.0 ± 1.7% under the polar connection of an external voltage source (1.2 V). When Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was introduced, almost complete degradation of the pollutant was observed, while in the control without electrodes, it was 29.7 ± 6.0. The relative representation of the genes of the MtrB transmembrane protein of the respiratory chain, which is associated with exoelectrogenesis, depended on the external chain and had a maximum value when the voltage source was connected polarly, correlating with the pesticide degradation by the autochthonous microflora, similar to the DyP-type peroxidase genes. The introduction of S. oneidensis MR-1 resulted in an almost tenfold increase in the relative representation of DyP-type peroxidase genes. In all experimental variants, the values of the DyP relative representation were significantly higher than in the control without carbon felt, as well as the degree of imidacloprid degradation under these experimental conditions.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):456-461
pages 456-461 views

Connection between Hexuronate Metabolism and the Ability of Escherichia coli to Adhesion and Biofilm Formation

Bessonova T.A., Kuznetsova U.D., Magkaev A.T., Gelfand M.S., Ozoline O.N., Tutukina M.N.

Abstract

The formation of bacterial biofilms is an important factor of the chronic infection development, which requires the search for effective ways to prevent it. Here, it was found that hexuronates did not affect the biofilm formation by the probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and its adhesive properties but reduced the efficiency of biofilm formation by the E. coli K-12 MG1655 strain, enhancing its adhesion to human intestinal carcinoma cells. It was shown that the regulators of hexuronate metabolism, UxuR and YjjM, are involved, along with cAMP-CRP, in the control of motility, adhesion and biofilm formation of E. coli K-12 MG1655. In addition, untranslated RNAs encoded in the uxuR gene play an important role inhibiting the main sigma factor of motility.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):462-467
pages 462-467 views

Bacterial Diversity of Historic Iron-Containing Water Sources of the Kaliningrad Region

Suprunov E.E., Shnurova I.A., Efimenko B.E., Lisun V.V.

Abstract

The Kaliningrad region has a rich historical heritage, including several water sources with high iron content. Known since the end of the 19th century, they are rich in ferrous iron, which is oxidized by bacterial communities. They include many different taxonomic groups of bacteria. In this work, for the first time, profiling of microbial communities of iron-containing sources in the Kaliningrad region was carried out; During the study, 6 samples were taken from four geographical locations. Based on the results of profiling, taxonomic groups were identified belonging to the phyla Acidobacteriota, Desulfobacteriota, Cyanobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Nitrospirota, and among the predominant groups the gammaproteobacterium of the genus Gallionella stands out.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):468-473
pages 468-473 views

New Bacteriophage Pseudomonas Phage Ka1 from a Trivia of Lake Baikal

Fedorova M.S., Gatina A.E., Ilyina V.N., Yadykova L.L., Dryukker V.V., Gorshkova A.S., Kayumov A.R., Trizna E.Y.

Abstract

The bacteriophage Pseudomonas phage Ka1 was isolated from the water of a tributary of Lake Baikal, in the area of discharge of treated wastewater in the city of Slyudyanka. The bacteriophage genome is 46,092 bp in size. and 50% composition of G + C pairs (AN OP455935.1) has 91% identity with the genome of Pseudomonas phage PSA37, belonging to the Bruynoghevirus from the class Caudoviricetes, which characterizes it as a new representative of Luz24-like phages (Bruynoghevirus). The bacteriophage lyses 62% of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is able to increase the effectiveness of gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, imipinem and meropenem by 4–8 times against this bacterium. Integrases, transposases and recombinases are not identified in the genome, which makes Pseudomonas phage Ka1 possible for use in complex therapy of infections caused by P. aeruginosa.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):474-480
pages 474-480 views

Antifungal Activity of Submicrometer Particles of Complex Metal Oxides with Photocatalytic Activity

Shishkin A.Y., Smirnov V.F., Shalaginova I.A., Kornienko P.V., Smirnova O.N., Anikina N.A., Koryagin A.V., Suleimanov E.V.

Abstract

Antifungal activity of newly synthesized submicrometer particles of the CsTeMoO6 complex metal oxide was studied. They were found to inhibit spore germination of active micromycete degraders of industrial materials both in the dark and under illumination. Illumination increased the fungicidal activity of the studied compounds due to their photocatalytic activity. This is the first report on production of micromycete-resistant compositions of a number of polymers containing the complex metal oxides CsTeMoO6 and RbTe1.5W0.5O6. Upon addition of the studied complex oxides into the composition of the previously micromycete-sensitive materials, the latter were found to exhibit micromycete resistance both in the dark and under illumination. Treatment with light resulted in a more pronounced antifungal effect.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):481-486
pages 481-486 views

Effect of Probiotic Lactobacteria on the Intestinal Microbiota and Morphological and Physiological Indicators of Quail

Gavrilova E.A., Karaseva O.S., Monir Y.M., Ezhkova A.M., Ezhkov V.O., Volkov R.A., Senina A.M., Khusnutdinova D.R., Nikitina E.V., Yarullina D.R., Kayumov A.R.

Abstract

The work shows the effect of adding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AG10 biomass to quail feed. Quails that received a probiotic feed additive for seven weeks showed a significant improvement in such economic indicators as the dynamics of live weight, gutted carcass weight and feed consumption per 1 kg of gain. Using the analysis of libraries of 16S rRNA gene sequences sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform, shifts in the microbiota of the cecum were discovered, which can help improve the morphological and physiological parameters of quails.

Microbiology. 2024;93(4):487-496
pages 487-496 views