On the origin of synonymous codon usage divergence between thermophilic and mesophilic prokaryotes

Synonymous codon usage analysis between thermophilic and mesophilic prokaryotes has gained wide attention in recent years. Although it is known that thermophilic and mesophilic prokaryotes use different subset of synonymous codons, no reason for this difference is known so far. In the present communication, by analyzing a large number of thermophilic and mesophilic prokaryotes, we provide evidence that bias in the selection of synonymous codons between thermophilic and mesophilic prokaryotes is related to differential folding pattern of mRNA secondary structures. Moreover, we observe that error-minimizing property has significant influence in differentiating the synonymous codon usage between thermophilic and mesophilic prokaryotes. Biological implications of these results are discussed.     

Respiratory Chains from Aerobic Thermophilic Prokaryotes

Thermophiles are organisms that grow optimally above 50 degrees C and up to approximately 120 degrees C. These extreme conditions must have led to specific characteristics of the cellular components. In this paper we extensively analyze the types of respiratory complexes from thermophilic aerobic prokaryotes. The different membrane-bound complexes so far characterized are described, and the genomic data available for thermophilic archaea and bacteria are analyzed. It is observed that no specific characteristics can be associated to thermophilicity as the different types of complexes I-IV are present randomly in thermophilic aerobic organisms, as well as in mesophiles. Rather, the extensive genomic analyses indicate that the differences concerning the several complexes are related to the organism phylogeny, i.e., to evolution and lateral gene transfer events.     

DNA Transport and Natural Transformation in Mesophilic and Thermophilic Bacteria

Comparative genome analyses revealed a massive DNA exchange between microbes of distant evolutionary lineages. This phenomenon known as horizontal, or lateral, gene transfer has a tremendous impact in the evolution of prokaryotes. Here, the process of DNA transport via genetic transformation is discussed. This review will focus on the process of DNA uptake mediated by type IV pilin-like proteins in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Three tentative models of transformation machineries comprising components similar to proteins of type IV pili and type II secretion are presented. A comparative discussion of the structure of DNA translocators and the underlying mechanism of transfer of free DNA in mesophilic and extremely thermophilic bacteria highlights conserved and distinctive features of the DNA translocators in mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria.     

Alkane inducible proteins in Geobacillus thermoleovorans B23

Background  

Initial step of β-oxidation is catalyzed by acyl-CoA dehydrogenase in prokaryotes and mitochondria, while acyl-CoA oxidase primarily functions in the peroxisomes of eukaryotes. Oxidase reaction accompanies emission of toxic by-product reactive oxygen molecules including superoxide anion, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities are essential to detoxify them in the peroxisomes. Although there is an argument about whether primitive life was born and evolved under high temperature conditions, thermophilic archaea apparently share living systems with both bacteria and eukaryotes. We hypothesized that alkane degradation pathways in thermophilic microorganisms could be premature and useful to understand their evolution.     

Genome-wide patterns of nucleotide substitution reveal stringent functional constraints on the protein sequences of thermophiles

To test the hypothesis that the proteins of thermophilic prokaryotes are subject to unusually stringent functional constraints, we estimated the numbers of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions per site between 17,957 pairs of orthologous genes from 22 pairs of closely related species of Archaea and Bacteria. The average ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions was significantly lower in thermophiles than in nonthermophiles, and this effect was observed in both Archaea and Bacteria. There was no evidence that this difference could be explained by factors such as nucleotide content bias. Rather, the results support the hypothesis that proteins of thermophiles are subject to unusually strong purifying selection, leading to a reduced overall level of amino acid evolution per mutational event. The results show that genome-wide patterns of sequence evolution can be influenced by natural selection exerted by a species' environment and shed light on a previous observation that relatively few of the mutations arising in a thermophilic archaeon were nucleotide substitutions in contrast to indels.     

How hyperthermophiles adapt to change their lives: DNA exchange in extreme conditions

Transfer of DNA has been shown to be involved in genome evolution. In particular with respect to the adaptation of bacterial species to high temperatures, DNA transfer between the domains of bacteria and archaea seems to have played a major role. In addition, DNA exchange between similar species likely plays a role in repair of DNA via homologous recombination, a process that is crucial under DNA damaging conditions such as high temperatures. Several mechanisms for the transfer of DNA have been described in prokaryotes, emphasizing its general importance. However, until recently, not much was known about this process in prokaryotes growing in highly thermophilic environments. This review describes the different mechanisms of DNA transfer in hyperthermophiles, and how this may contribute to the survival and adaptation of hyperthermophilic archaea and bacteria to extreme environments.     

Thermophilic microbial communities of deep-sea hydrothermal environments

The latest publications on the phylogenetic and functional diversity of thermophilic prokaryotes inhabiting thermal deep-sea environments are reviewed. Along with general physicochemical characterization of the biotope studied, certain adaptation mechanisms are discussed that are peculiar to the microorganisms inhabiting it. A separate chapter addresses phylogenetic analysis of deep-sea hydrothermal microbial communities and uncultivated microorganisms recently discovered therein using molecular biological techniques. Physiological groups of thermophilic microorganisms found in deep-sea hydrotherms are considered: methanogens, sulfate-, iron-, and sulfur-reducers, aerobic hydrogen-oxidizing prokaryotes, aerobic and anaerobic organotrophs. In most cases, the isolates represent novel taxa.     

Thermophilic Microbial Communities of Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents

The most recent publications on the phylogenetic and functional diversity of thermophilic prokaryotes inhabiting thermal deep-sea environments are reviewed. Along with a general physicochemical characterization of the biotope studied, certain adaptation mechanisms are discussed that are peculiar to the microorganisms inhabiting it. A separate chapter addresses the phylogenetic analysis of deep-sea hydrothermal microbial communities and uncultivated microorganisms recently discovered therein using molecular biological techniques. Physiological groups of thermophilic microorganisms found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents are considered: methanogens, sulfate-, iron-, and sulfur-reducers, aerobic hydrogen-oxidizing prokaryotes, aerobic and anaerobic organotrophs. In most cases, the isolates represent novel taxons.     

Evolution of temperature optimum in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thermotogaceae</Emphasis> and the prediction of trait values of uncultured organisms

Quantitative characterization of the mode and rate of phenotypic evolution is rarely applied to prokaryotes. Here, we present an analysis of temperature optimum (T _opt) evolution in the thermophilic family Thermotogaceae, which has a large number of cultured representatives. We use log-rate-interval analysis to show that T _opt evolution in Thermotogaceae is consistent with a Brownian motion (BM) evolutionary model. The properties of the BM model are used to a establish confidence intervals on the unknown phenotypic trait value of an uncultured organism, given its distance to a close relative with known trait value. Cross-validation by bootstrapping indicates that the predictions are robust.     

Phylogenetic systematics of microorganisms inhabiting thermal environments

Thermal habitats harbor specialized communities of thermophilic microorganisms, primarily prokaryotes. This review considers modern systematics of prokaryotes and the place of thermophilic archaea and bacteria in it. Among the existing hierarchical classifications of prokaryotes, the bulk of attention is given to the one accepted in the current second edition of "Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology", which is primarily based on 16S rRNA phylogeny and phenotypic properties of the organisms. Analysis of the genomics data shows that they on the whole agree with the 16S rRNA-based system, although revealing the significance of the evolutionary role of lateral transfer, duplication, and loss of genes. According to the classification elaborated in the current edition of "Bergey's Manual", the prokaryotes currently culturable under laboratory conditions are distributed among 26 phyla, two of which belong to the domain Archaea and 24 to the domain Bacteria. Six phyla contain exclusively thermophiles, and eleven phyla contain thermophiles along with mesophiles, thermophiles being usually separated phylogenetically and representing high-level taxa (classes, orders). In light of the data on the topology of the 16S rRNA-based phylogenetic tree and some other data, this review discusses the probable hyperthermophilic nature of the universal common ancestor.     

Diversity of Thermophilic Prokaryotes Inhabiting Russian Natural Hot Springs

Microbiology - In this review, we highlight the key results of studies on the diversity of thermophilic prokaryotes inhabiting the Russian Federation’s hot springs. The main part of the...     

Analysis of covalent flavinylation using thermostable succinate dehydrogenase from Thermus thermophilus and Sulfolobus tokodaii lacking SdhE homologs

Recent studies have indicated that post-translational flavinylation of succinate dehydrogenase subunit A (SdhA) in eukaryotes and bacteria require the chaperone-like proteins Sdh5 and SdhE, respectively. How does covalent flavinylation occur in prokaryotes, which lack SdhE homologs? In this study, I showed that covalent flavinylation in two hyperthermophilic bacteria/archaea lacking SdhE, Thermus thermophilus and Sulfolobus tokodaii, requires heat and dicarboxylic acid. These thermophilic bacteria/archaea inhabit hot environments and are said to be genetically far removed from mesophilic bacteria which possess SdhE. Since mesophilic bacteria have been effective at covalent bonding in temperate environments, they may have caused the evolution of SdhE.     

Laccases and their occurrence in prokaryotes

Laccases are copper-containing proteins that require O(2) to oxidize phenols, polyphenols, aromatic amines, and different non-phenolic substrates by one-electron transfer, resulting in the formation of reactive radicals. Although their specific physiological functions are not completely understood, there are several indications that laccases are involved in the morphogenesis of microorganisms (e.g., fungal spore development, melanization) and in the formation and/or degradation of complex organic substances such as lignin or humic matter. Owing to their high relative non-specific oxidation capacity, laccases are useful biocatalysts for diverse biotechnological applications. To date, laccases have been found only in eukaryotes (fungi, plants); however, databank searches and experimental data now provide evidence for their distribution in prokaryotes. This survey shows that laccase-like enzymes occur in many gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Corresponding genes have been found in prokaryotes that are thought to have branched off early during evolution, e.g., the extremely thermophilic Aquifex aeolicus and the archaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilum. Phylogenetically, the enzymes are members of the multi-copper protein family that have developed from small-sized prokaryotic azurins to eukaryotic plasma proteins.     

Evidence in favor of the symbiotic origin of chloroplasts: primary structure and evolution of tobacco glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases

We report nucleotide sequences of cDNAs for the nuclear genes encoding chloroplast (GapA and GapB) and cytosolic (GapC) glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GAPDH) from N. tabacum. Comparison of nucleotide sequences indicates that the GapA and GapB genes evolved following duplication of an ancestral gene about 450 million years ago. However, the divergence of GapA/B and GapC occurred much earlier in evolution than the divergence of GapC and GAPDH genes of animals and fungi, suggesting that chloroplast and cytosolic GAPDHs evolved from different lineages. Comparison of amino acid sequences shows that the chloroplast GAPDHs are related to GAPDHs found in thermophilic bacteria, while the cytosolic GAPDH is related to the GAPDH found in mesophilic prokaryotes. These results strongly support the symbiotic origin of chloroplasts.     

Thermophilic prokaryotes from deep subterranean habitats

The deep continental biosphere consists of geologically isolated ecosystems differing in their physicochemical, geological, and trophic parameters. Most of the deep ecosystems exist at elevated temperatures (50–120°C), which favor the development of thermophilic microorganisms. In many cases, the indigenous nature of subsurface microorganisms is questionable due to problems of collecting representative and non-contaminated samples. In spite of the numerous studies on the deep biosphere microbial communities, the number of cultivated thermophiles isolated from subsurface environments not associated with petroleum deposits does not exceed 30 species. More than half of the thermophilic species isolated from deep subsurface belong to the Firmicutes. The majority of the underground thermophiles are represented by strict or facultative anaerobes, with capacity for sulfate and iron reduction notably widespread. Most thermophilic subsurface microorganisms are organotrophs, although chemolithoautotrophic thermophiles also have been reported. This review deals with the phylogenetic diversity and physiological properties of the cultivated thermophilic prokaryotes isolated from various deep subterranean habitats.     

Change in Microbial Numbers during Thermophilic Composting of Sewage Sludge with Reference to CO(2) Evolution Rate

Dewatered sewage sludge was composted in a laboratory-scale autothermal reactor in which a constant temperature of 60 degrees C was kept as long as possible by regulating the air feed rate. The change in CO(2) evolution rate was measured continuously from the start up through the cessation of compositing. The succession of mesophilic bacteria, thermophilic bacteria, and thermophilic actinomycetes was also observed during the composting. Specific CO(2) evolution rates of thermophilic bacteria and actinomycetes in the constant-temperature region of 60 degrees C were assessed quantitatively. It was found that the CO(2) evolution rate was attributed to thermophilic bacteria at the initial stage of 60 degrees C and to thermophilic actinomycetes at the later stage of 60 degrees C.     

削偶合今祖法的提出

以低等真核生物的5.8S rRNA为材料进行研究。发现在用今祖法消除了进化速度之差的影响所得到的差异矩阵d＇中,各组理应彼此相等的数值会因核苷酸偶合的影响而成为不等值的。取各组中各自的的最大值作为受偶合的影响最小者,以之对今祖法所得到的分枝型式进行校正,即可得到更为正确的结果。在此基础上提出了对差异矩阵d＇进行最大值成聚以代替原法中的平均值成聚的削偶合今祖法。新法在结果的正确性、稳定性和一致性上都优于原法。     

Change in Microbial Numbers during Thermophilic Composting of Sewage Sludge with Reference to CO2 Evolution Rate

Dewatered sewage sludge was composted in a laboratory-scale autothermal reactor in which a constant temperature of 60°C was kept as long as possible by regulating the air feed rate. The change in CO₂ evolution rate was measured continuously from the start up through the cessation of compositing. The succession of mesophilic bacteria, thermophilic bacteria, and thermophilic actinomycetes was also observed during the composting. Specific CO₂ evolution rates of thermophilic bacteria and actinomycetes in the constant-temperature region of 60°C were assessed quantitatively. It was found that the CO₂ evolution rate was attributed to thermophilic bacteria at the initial stage of 60°C and to thermophilic actinomycetes at the later stage of 60°C.     

A gene from the mesophilic bacterium Dehalococcoides ethenogenes encodes a novel mannosylglycerate synthase

Mannosylglycerate (MG) is a common compatible solute found in thermophilic and hyperthermophilic prokaryotes. In this study we characterized a mesophilic and bifunctional mannosylglycerate synthase (MGSD) encoded in the genome of the bacterium Dehalococcoides ethenogenes. mgsD encodes two domains with extensive homology to mannosyl-3-phosphoglycerate synthase (MPGS, EC 2.4.1.217) and to mannosyl-3-phosphoglycerate phosphatase (MPGP, EC 3.1.3.70), which catalyze the consecutive synthesis and dephosphorylation of mannosyl-3-phosphoglycerate to yield MG in Pyrococcus horikoshii, Thermus thermophilus, and Rhodothermus marinus. The bifunctional MGSD was overproduced in Escherichia coli, and we confirmed the combined MPGS and MPGP activities of the recombinant enzyme. The optimum activity of the enzyme was at 50 degrees C. To examine the properties of each catalytic domain of MGSD, we expressed them separately in E. coli. The monofunctional MPGS was unstable, while the MPGP was stable and was characterized. Dehalococcoides ethenogenes cannot be grown sufficiently to identify intracellular compatible solutes, and E. coli harboring MGSD did not accumulate MG. However, Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing mgsD accumulated MG, confirming that this gene product can synthesize this compatible solute and arguing for a role in osmotic adjustment in the natural host. We did not detect MGSD activity in cell extracts of S. cerevisiae. Here we describe the first gene and enzyme for the synthesis of MG from a mesophilic microorganism and discuss the possible evolution of this bifunctional MGSD by lateral gene transfer from thermophilic and hyperthermophilic organisms.