Identification and Expression Analysis of Chitinase Genes in Pitchers of Nepenthes sp. during Development.

Fifteen chitinases of classes I-V were identified in the transcriptomes of pitchers and adult leaves of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes sp. Ten of these chitinases were identified for the first time, including the chitinases of classes II and V. The expression levels of all found chitinase genes in leaves and at three stages of pitcher development were determined. The maximum level of transcriptional activity in an open pitcher was observed for the genes encoding chitinase NChi4 (class II) and its isoforms. The expression levels of these genes significantly increased as the pitcher developed. In addition, for the first time, transcription of the genes encoding chitinases of all five classes was detected in the leaves of this plant.

Metagenomic analysis of microbial community of a parasitoid wasp Megaphragma amalphitanum.

The vast majority of multicellular organisms coexist with bacterial symbionts that may play various roles during their life cycle. Parasitoid wasp Megaphragma amalphitanum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) belongs to the smallest known insects whose size is comparable with some bacteria. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), we described microbiota diversity for this arthropod and its potential impact on their lifecycle. Metagenomic sequences were deposited to SRA database which is available at NCBI with accession number SRX2363723 and SRX2363724. We found that small body size and limited lifespan do not lead to a significant reduction of bacterial symbionts diversity. At the same time, we show here a specific feature of microbiota composition in M. amalphitanum - the absence of the Rickettsiaceae family representatives that are known to cause sex-ratio distortion in arthropods and well represented in other populations of parasitoid wasps.

[Characterization of the Structure of the Prokaryotic Complex of Antarctic Permafrost by Molecular Genetic Techniques].

A prokaryotic mesophilic organotrophic community responsible for 10% of the total microbial number determined by epifluorescence microscopy was reactivated in the samples ofAntarctic permafrost retrieved from the environment favoring long-term preservation of microbial communities (7500 years). No culturable forms were obtained without resuscitation procedures (CFU = 0). Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were the dominant microbial groups in the complex. Initiation of the reactivated microbial complex by addition of chitin (0.1% wt/vol) resulted in an increased share of metabolically active biomass (up to 50%) due to the functional domination of chitinolytics caused by the target resource. Thus, sequential application of resuscitation procedures and initiation of a specific physiological group (in this case, chitinolytics) to a permafrost-preserved microbial community made it possible to reveal a prokaryotic complex capable of reversion of metabolic activity (FISH data), to determine its phylogenetic structure by metagenomic anal-ysis, and to isolate a pure culture of the dominant microorganism with high chitinolytic activity.

[Nucleotide sequence and structural analysis of cryptic plasmid pBL90 from Brevibacterium lactofermentum].

The nucleotide sequence of cryptic plasmid (designated as pBL90) detected in the cells of Brevibacterium lactofermentum DSM 1412 was determined. The length of plasmid DNA is 67826 bp. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of pBL90 with known plasmid sequences showed no long regions of significant homology. Computer analysis of the plasmid DNA revealed 29 open reading frames (ORFs). The amino acid sequences of 15 ORFs (approximately 25% of plasmid length) have a high (>70%) level of identity to proteins from different plasmids of Corynebacterium representatives, including replicative proteins. Unusual in pBL90 is the presence of replicative genes from two different families and types of replication.

Genomics and Biochemistry of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Wine Yeast Strains.

Saccharomyces yeasts have been used for millennia for the production of beer, wine, bread, and other fermented products. Long-term "unconscious" selection and domestication led to the selection of hundreds of strains with desired production traits having significant phenotypic and genetic differences from their wild ancestors. This review summarizes the results of recent research in deciphering the genomes of wine Saccharomyces strains, the use of comparative genomics methods to study the mechanisms of yeast genome evolution under conditions of artificial selection, and the use of genomic and postgenomic approaches to identify the molecular nature of the important characteristics of commercial wine strains of Saccharomyces. Succinctly, data concerning metagenomics of microbial communities of grapes and wine and the dynamics of yeast and bacterial flora in the course of winemaking is provided. A separate section is devoted to an overview of the physiological, genetic, and biochemical features of sherry yeast strains used to produce biologically aged wines. The goal of the review is to convince the reader of the efficacy of new genomic and postgenomic technologies as tools for developing strategies for targeted selection and creation of new strains using "classical" and modern techniques for improving winemaking technology.

A Novel Uncultured Bacterium of the Family Gallionellaceae: Description and Genome Reconstruction Based on the Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Community in Acid Mine Drainage.

Drainage waters at the metal mining areas often have low pH and high content of dissolved metals due to oxidation of sulfide minerals. Extreme conditions limit microbial diversity in- such ecosystems. A drainage water microbial community (6.5'C, pH 2.65) in an open pit at the Sherlovaya Gora polymetallic open-cast mine (Transbaikal region, Eastern Siberia, Russia) was studied using metagenomic techniques. Metagenome sequencing provided information for taxonomic and functional characterization of the micro- bial community. The majority of microorganisms belonged to a single uncultured lineage representing a new Betaproteobacteria species of the genus Gallionella. While no.acidophiles are known among the cultured members of the family Gallionellaceae, similar 16S rRNA gene sequences were detected in acid mine drain- ages. Bacteria ofthe genera Thiobacillus, Acidobacterium, Acidisphaera, and Acidithiobacillus,-which are com- mon in acid mine drainage environments, were the minor components of the community. Metagenomic data were -used to determine the almost complete (-3.4 Mb) composite genome of the new bacterial. lineage desig- nated Candidatus Gallionella acididurans ShG14-8. Genome analysis revealed that Fe(II) oxidation probably involved the cytochromes localized on the outer membrane of the cell. The electron transport chain included NADH dehydrogenase, a cytochrome bc1 complex, an alternative complex III, and cytochrome oxidases of the bd, cbb3, and bo3 types. Oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds probably involved the Sox system, sul- fide-quinone oxidoreductase, adenyl sulfate reductase, and sulfate adenyltransferase. The genes required for autotrophic carbon assimilation via the Calvin cycle were present, while no pathway for nitrogen fixation was revealed. High numbers of RND metal transporters and P type ATPases were probably responsible for resis- tance to heavy metals. The new microorganism was an aerobic chemolithoautotroph of the group of psychrotolerant iron- and sulfur-oxidizing acidophiles of the family Gallionellaceae, which are common in acid mine drainages.

[Cephalosporin-Acid Synthetase of Escherichia coli Strain VKPM B-10182: Genomic Context, Gene Identification, Producer Strain Production].

An enzyme of cephalosporin-acid synthetase produced by the E. coli strain VKPM B-10182 has specificity for the synthesis of ß-lactam antibiotics of the cephalosporin acids class (cefazolin, cefalotin, cefezole etc.). A comparison of the previously determined genomic sequence of E. coli VKPM B-10182 with a genome of the parent E. coli strain ATCC 9637 was performed. Multiple mutations indicating the long selection history of the strain were detected, including mutations in the genes of RNase and ß-lactamases that could enhance the level of enzyme synthesis and reduce the degree of degradation of the synthesized cephalosporin acids. The CASA gene--a direct homolog of the penicillin G-acylase gene--was identified by bioinformatics methods. The homology of the gene was confirmed by gene cloning and the expression and determination of its enzymatic activity in the reaction of cefazolin synthesis. The CASA gene was isolated and cloned into the original expression vector, resulting in an effective E. coli BL2l(DE3) pMD0107 strain producing CASA.

Diversity of bacteria of the genus Bacillus on board of international space station.

From swabs of surfaces of equipment and air samples of the Russian segment of the International Space Station, nine strains of spore-forming bacteria of the genus Bacillus belonging to the species B. pumilus, B. licheniformis, B. subtilis, B. megaterium, and B. amyloliquefaciens were isolated. The last species of bacilli on the equipment of RS ISS was detected for the first time. For these species of bacilli, there are known strains that can be opportunistic to humans, and their metabolites can cause biodegradation of equipment and materials. B. pumilus found on ISS belongs to the group of bacteria that exhibits a particularly high resistance to adverse environmental conditions, such as dehydration, ultraviolet and gamma radiation, and chemical disinfection.

Nicotinamidase from the thermophilic archaeon Acidilobus saccharovorans: structural and functional characteristics.

Nicotinamidase is involved in the maintenance of NAD+ homeostasis and in the NAD+ salvage pathway of most prokaryotes, and it is considered as a possible drug target. The gene (ASAC_0847) encoding a hypothetical nicotinamidase has been found in the genome of the thermophilic archaeon Acidilobus saccharovorans. The product of this gene, NA_As0847, has been expressed in Escherichia coli, isolated, and characterized as a Fe(2+)-containing nicotinamidase (k(cat)/K(m) = 427 mM(-1)·sec(-1))/pyrazinamidase (k(cat)/K(m) = 331 mM(-1)·sec(-1)). NA_As0847 is a homodimer with molecular mass 46.4 kDa. The enzyme has high thermostability (T(1/2) (60°C) = 180 min, T(1/2) (80°C) = 35 min) and thermophilicity (T(opt) = 90°C, E(a) = 30.2 ± 1.0 kJ/mol) and broad pH interval of activity, with the optimum at pH 7.5. Special features of NA_As0847 are the presence of Fe2+ instead of Zn2+ in the active site of the enzyme and inhibition of the enzyme activity by Zn2+ at micromolar concentrations. Analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed a new motif of the metal-binding site (DXHXXXDXXEXXXWXXH) for homological archaeal nicotinamidases.

[Characteristics of the new plasmid, pMTB1, from the metagenome of the microbial community of underground thermal waters of Western Siberia].

A new circular 4935-bp long plasmid pMTB1 has been identified in sequences of the metagenome. The nucleotide sequence of pMTB1 is highly similar to that of plasmids, pME2001 and pME2200, from the methanogenic archaeon Methanothermobacter marburgensis. One of six putative protein-coding genes encodes a protein containing helix-turn-helix and ATP/GTP-binding motifs and, probably, functioning as a replication initiator protein. Homologs of other genes have been found only in the plasmids of M. marburgensis, but their functions are unknown. Comparison of the complete nucleotide sequences of the plasmids pMTB1, pME2001, and pME2200 has revealed that they have a common origin but differ from each other by the presence of several inserts flanked by nearly perfect direct repeats within regions not essential for replication.

Metagenomic Analysis of the Dynamic Changes in the Gut Microbiome of the Participants of the MARS-500 Experiment, Simulating Long Term Space Flight.

A metagenomic analysis of the dynamic changes of the composition of the intestinal microbiome of five participants of the MARS-500 experiment was performed. DNA samples were isolated from the feces of the participants taken just before the experiment, upon 14, 30, 210, 363 and 510 days of isolation in the experimental module, and two weeks upon completion of the experiment. The taxonomic composition of the microbiome was analyzed by pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments. Both the taxonomic and functional gene content of the microbiome of one participant were analyzed by whole metagenome sequencing using the SOLiD technique. Each participant had a specific microbiome that could be assigned to one of three recognized enterotypes. Two participants had enterotype I microbiomes characterized by the prevalence of Bacteroides, while the microbiomes of two others, assigned to type II, were dominated by Prevotella. One participant had a microbiome of mixed type. It was found that (1) changes in the taxonimic composition of the microbiomes occurred in the course of the experiment, but the enterotypes remained the same; (2) significant changes in the compositions of the microbiomes occurred just 14-30 days after the beginning of the experiment, presumably indicating the influence of stress factors in the first stage of the experiment; (3) a tendency toward a reversion of the microbiomes to their initial composition was observed two weeks after the end of the experiment, but complete recovery was not achieved. The metagenomic analysis of the microbiome of one of the participants showed that in spite of variations in the taxonomic compositions of microbiomes, the "functional" genetic composition was much more stable for most of the functional gene categories. Probably in the course of the experiment the taxonomic composition of the gut microbiome was adaptively changed to reflect the individual response to the experimental conditions. A new, balanced taxonomic composition of the microbiome was formed to ensure a stable gene content of the community as a whole without negative consequences for the health of the participants.

[New low-copy plasmid in cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis].

Complete genome sequencing was performed for Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413 from the collection of the Chair of Genetics, Department of Biology, Moscow State University, Russia. In addition to known plasmids A, B, and C, a new circular low-copy plasmid was detected and named D. It was also sequenced completely and found to have 27051 bp. The plasmid contained the parA and parB genes of the partition system, two genes that encode replication proteins, a gene for site-specific recombinase, atype-I restriction-modification system, and several genes with unknown functions. Analysis by PCR revealed the presence of plasmid D in two epiphytic strains from Vietnam, i.e., Anabaena sp. 182 and Anabaena sp. 281, as well as in Anabaena sp. V5 and A. azollae (Newton's isolate).

Iron-dependent superoxide dismutase from novel thermoacidophilic crenarchaeon Acidilobus saccharovorans: from gene to active enzyme.

A gene encoding superoxide dismutase was revealed in the genome of the thermoacidophilic crenarchaeon Acidilobus saccharovorans. A recombinant expression vector was constructed and transformed into E. coli cells. The novel recombinant superoxide dismutase was purified and characterized. The enzyme was shown to be an iron-dependent superoxide dismutase able to bind various bivalent metals in the active site. According to differential scanning calorimetric data, the denaturation temperature of the enzyme is 107.3°C. The maximal activity of the Fe(II) reconstituted enzyme defined by xanthine oxidase assay is 1700 U/mg protein. Study of the thermal stability of the superoxide dismutase samples with various metal contents by tryptophan fluorescence indicated that the thermal stability and activity of the enzyme directly depend on the nature of the reconstituted metal and the degree of saturation of binding sites.

ATP-dependent DNA ligase from Thermococcus sp. 1519 displays a new arrangement of the OB-fold domain.

DNA ligases join single-strand breaks in double-stranded DNA by catalyzing the formation of a phosphodiester bond between adjacent 5'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxyl termini. Their function is essential for maintaining genome integrity in the replication, recombination and repair of DNA. High flexibility is important for the function of DNA ligase molecules. Two types of overall conformations of archaeal DNA ligase that depend on the relative position of the OB-fold domain have previously been revealed: closed and open extended conformations. The structure of ATP-dependent DNA ligase from Thermococcus sp. 1519 (LigTh1519) in the crystalline state determined at a resolution of 3.02 Šshows a new relative arrangement of the OB-fold domain which is intermediate between the positions of this domain in the closed and the open extended conformations of previously determined archaeal DNA ligases. However, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements indicate that in solution the LigTh1519 molecule adopts either an open extended conformation or both an intermediate and an open extended conformation with the open extended conformation being dominant.

[Isolation and functional characterization of lipase from the thermophilic alkali-tolerant bacterium Thermosyntropha lipolytica].

As a result of sequencing the genome of the termophilic alkali-tolerant lipolytic bacterium Thermosyntropha lipolytica, the gene encoding a lipase secreted into the medium was identified. The recombinant enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli. It was isolated, purified, and functionally characterized. The lipase exhibited hydrolytic activity toward para-nitrophenyl esters of various chain lengths, as well as triglycerides, including vegetable oils. The optimal reaction conditions were achieved at temperatures from 70 to 80 degrees C and pH 8.0. Enzyme saved more than 80% of its activity in the presence of 10% methanol. This new thermostable lipase may be a promising biocatalyst for organic synthesis; it may find application in the food and detergent industry and biodiesel production.

Bacterial chitin utilisation at extremely haloalkaline conditions.

Chitin is produced in large amounts in hypersaline habitats with neutral pH due to the high biomass production of brine shrimp Artemia. Recently, a high abundance of Artemia was also noticed in hypersaline soda lakes in the Kulunda Steppe (Altai, Russia), which prompted us to survey the possibility of microbial chitin utilization at extremely haloalkaline conditions in soda brines. Most active chitin utilisation-supporting microbial growth was found at anaerobic conditions at pH 10 and up to 3.5 M total Na(+). At aerobic conditions, the degradation of chitin was slower, mostly incomplete and active at <2 M total Na(+), although very slow partial degradation was possible up to 4 M Na(+). Anaerobic enrichments at pH 10 yielded two different groups of obligately haloalkaliphilic fermentative anaerobes, exclusively specialized to utilise insoluble chitin as the only growth substrate. One group was represented by a single strain growing at moderate salinity, and another comprised multiple isolates growing up to 3.5 M Na(+). These groups represent two novel bacterial phyla not closely related to any other cultured bacteria. Aerobic enrichments from the lake sediments were dominated by several obligately haloalkaliphilic members of the genus Marinimicrobium in the Gammaproteobacteria. They were less specialised than the anaerobes and grew with chitin and its monomer and oligomers at a pH of 10 up to 2.5 M Na(+). Furthermore, several strains of haloalkaliphilic Gram-positive chitinolytics belonging to bacilli and actinobacteria were isolated from soda lake sediments and surrounding soda soils. In general, the results indicate the presence of an active and diverse haloalkaliphilic chitinolytic microbial community in hypersaline soda habitats.