Cloning of a full-length symbiotic hemoglobin cDNA and in situ localization of the corresponding mRNA in Casuarina glauca root nodule

We have characterized a full-length cDNA ( hb -Cg1F) that represents symbiotic mRNA hemoglobin ( hb ) from Casuarina glauca root nodules. In situ hybridization was used to examine the correlation between hb -Cg1F mRNA and the state of the Frankia infection process. The efficiency of in situ hybridization using DIG-labeled vs [³⁵S]-labeled probes was compared. The expression of hb -Cg1F gene is induced in young infected host cells prior to the detection of Frankia nif H mRNA. Since Frankia does not form vesicles in C. glauca nodules, it is proposed that Hb is necessary to reduce the O₂ concentration in the cytoplasm of the host cells before the nif genes are expressed.     

Oligonucleotide Probes That Hybridize with rRNA as a Tool To Study Frankia Strains in Root Nodules

Oligonucleotide probes that hybridize with specific sequences in variable regions of the 16S rRNA of the nitrogen-fixing actinomycete Frankia were used for the identification of Frankia strains in nodules. Frankia cells were released from plant tissue by grinding glutaraldehyde-fixed root nodules in guanidine hydrochloride solution. rRNA was obtained after sonication, precipitation with ethanol, and purification by phenolchloroform extraction. Degradation of rRNA, evident in Northern blots, did not affect hybridization with the oligonucleotides. Nodules of about 1 mg (fresh weight) provided sufficient rRNA for reliable detection of the Frankia strain. The utility of this rRNA extraction method was tested in a competition experiment between two effective Frankia strains on cloned Alnus glutinosa plants.     

Design and application of an oligonucleotide microarray for the investigation of compost microbial communities

A microarray consisting of oligonucleotide probes targeting variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene was designed and tested for the investigation of microbial communities in compost. Probes were designed for microorganisms that have been previously reported in the composting process and for plant, animal and human pathogens. The oligonucleotide probes were between 17 and 25 bp in length and included mostly species-specific sequences. Validation of probe specificity and optimization of hybridization conditions were conducted using fluorescently labeled 16S rRNA gene PCR products of pure culture strains. A labeling method employing a Cy3 or Cy5-labeled forward primer together with a phosphate-conjugated reverse primer for the production of single stranded DNA after a digestion step was optimised and used to label target DNA. A combination of two different DNA extraction methods using both physical and chemical lysis was found to give the best DNA yields. Increased hybridization signal intensities were obtained for probes modified with a 12 mer T-spacer. The microarray was found to have a detection limit of 10(3) cells, although in compost spiking experiments, the detection limit was reduced to 10(5) cells. The application of the microarray to compost samples indicated the presence of Streptococcus, Acinetobacter lwoffii, and Clostridium tetani in various compost samples. The presence of A. lwoffii in those compost samples was confirmed by PCR using primers specific for the organism. The aim of this study was to develop a molecular tool that would allow screening for the presence or absence of different microorganisms within compost samples.     

The nodular endophytes of Coriaria spp. form a distinct lineage within the genus Frankia

Repeated attempts at isolating the Frankia endophyte of Coriaria spp. have not yielded infective microbial cultures that could fulfil Koch's postulates. In order to circumvent the critical isolation step, nodule endophytes of Coriaria were characterized directly by means of specific amplification of nodule DNA (PCR) followed by sequencing of part of the 16S rDNA gene. Three closely related sequences were obtained from nodules originating from France, Mexico and New Zealand, containing unique sequences different from all other Frankia strains characterized so far. The sequences obtained were closest (with 5 or 6 substitutions) to those of Frankia alni and those of Casuarina-infective Frankia strains, respectively. Two nucleotides unique to the Coriaria endophyte sequences were used to define specific primers, resulting in a hybridization test that could discriminate between Frankia DNAs originating from Coriaria nodules and those recovered from all cultured Frankia strains tested. The endophytes of Coriaria thus appear to form a distinct Frankia lineage.     

Low genetic diversity among Frankia spp. strains nodulating sympatric populations of actinorhizal species of Rosaceae, Ceanothus (Rhamnaceae) and Datisca glomerata (Datiscaceae) west of the Sierra Nevada (California)

Frankia spp. strains typically induce N2-fixing root nodules on actinorhizal plants. The majority of host plant taxa associated with the uncultured Group 1 Frankia strains, i.e., Ceanothus of the Rhamnaceae, Datisca glomerata (Datiscaceae), and all actinorhizal members of the Rosaceae except Dryas, are found in California. A study was conducted to determine the distribution of Frankia strains among root nodules collected from both sympatric and solitary stands of hosts. Three DNA regions were examined, the 5' end of the 16S rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer region between the 16S and 23S rRNA genes, and a portion of the glutamine synthetase gene (glnA). The results suggest that a narrow range of Group 1 Frankia spp. strains dominate in root nodules collected over a large area of California west of the Sierra Nevada crest with no apparent host-specificity. Comparisons with Group 2 Frankia strain diversity from Alnus and Myrica within the study range suggest that the observed low diversity is peculiar to Group 1 Frankia strains only. Factors that may account for the observed lack of genetic variability and host specificity include strain dominance over a large geographical area, current environmental selection, and (or) a past evolutionary bottleneck.     

Polymorphism in Alnus based Frankia of Darjeeling

DNA samples extracted from the root nodules of Alnus nepalensis, collected from 10 different locations of Darjeeling hills, were used to assess the genetic diversity of Frankia. The DNA samples from the nodules of naturally growing plants were used as templates in PCR, targeting different genomic regions of Frankia, namely distal, middle and proximal parts of 16S rRNA gene and nifH-D IGS region with locus specific primers. The PCR products were digested with a number of frequent (4-base) cutter restriction endonucleases. Bands were scored as present (1) or absent (0) and the clustering was done using NTSYSpc. Distinct polymorphism was found among the nodules collected from different parts of the region and those of same geographic area. These results demonstrate that genetic diversity is indeed present among the naturally occurring Frankia of Darjeeling, India.     

Effect of inoculation and leaf litter amendment on establishment of nodule-forming Frankia populations in soil

High-N(2)-fixing activities of Frankia populations in root nodules on Alnus glutinosa improve growth performance of the host plant. Therefore, the establishment of active, nodule-forming populations of Frankia in soil is desirable. In this study, we inoculated Frankia strains of Alnus host infection groups I, IIIa, and IV into soil already harboring indigenous populations of infection groups (IIIa, IIIb, and IV). Then we amended parts of the inoculated soil with leaf litter of A. glutinosa and kept these parts of soil without host plants for several weeks until they were spiked with [(15)N]NO(3) and planted with seedlings of A. glutinosa. After 4 months of growth, we analyzed plants for growth performance, nodule formation, specific Frankia populations in root nodules, and N(2) fixation rates. The results revealed that introduced Frankia strains incubated in soil for several weeks in the absence of plants remained infective and competitive for nodulation with the indigenous Frankia populations of the soil. Inoculation into and incubation in soil without host plants generally supported subsequent plant growth performance and increased the percentage of nitrogen acquired by the host plants through N(2) fixation from 33% on noninoculated, nonamended soils to 78% on inoculated, amended soils. Introduced Frankia strains representing Alnus host infection groups IIIa and IV competed with indigenous Frankia populations, whereas frankiae of group I were not found in any nodules. When grown in noninoculated, nonamended soil, A. glutinosa plants harbored Frankia populations of only group IIIa in root nodules. This group was reduced to 32% +/- 23% (standard deviation) of the Frankia nodule populations when plants were grown in inoculated, nonamended soil. Under these conditions, the introduced Frankia strain of group IV was established in 51% +/- 20% of the nodules. Leaf litter amendment during the initial incubation in soil without plants promoted nodulation by frankiae of group IV in both inoculated and noninoculated treatments. Grown in inoculated, amended soils, plants had significantly lower numbers of nodules infected by group IIIa (8% +/- 6%) than by group IV (81% +/- 11%). On plants grown in noninoculated, amended soil, the original Frankia root nodule population represented by group IIIa of the noninoculated, nonamended soil was entirely exchanged by a Frankia population belonging to group IV. The quantification of N(2) fixation rates by (15)N dilution revealed that both the indigenous and the inoculated Frankia populations of group IV had a higher specific N(2)-fixing capacity than populations belonging to group IIIa under the conditions applied. These results show that through inoculation or leaf litter amendment, Frankia populations with high specific N(2)-fixing capacities can be established in soils. These populations remain infective on their host plants, successfully compete for nodule formation with other indigenous or inoculated Frankia populations, and thereby increase plant growth performance.     

The use of molecular techniques based on ribosomal RNA and DNA for rumen microbial ecosystem studies: a review

This paper analyses the research progress in the use of molecular techniques based on ribosomal RNA and DNA (rRNA/rDNA) for rumen microbial ecosystem since first literature by Stahl et al. (1988). Because rumen microbial populations could be under-estimated by adopting the traditional techniques such as roll-tube technique or most-probable-number estimates, modern molecular techniques based on 16S/18S rRNA/rDNA can be used to more accurately provide molecular characterization, microbe populations and classification scheme than traditional methods. Phylogenetic-group-specific probes can be used to hybridize samples for detecting and quantifying of rumen microbes. But, competitive-PCR and real-time PCR can more sensitively quantify rumen microbes than hybridization. Molecular fingerprinting techniques including both denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) can used to explore diversity of bacteria, protozoa and fungi in the rumen ecosystem. By constructing clone libraries of 16S/18S rRNA/rDNA of rumen microbes, more new microbes can be discovered and identified. For fungi, internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of fungi are better than 18S rRNA/rDNA for discriminating operational taxonomic units. In conclusion, 16S/18S rRNA/rDNA procedures have been used with success in rumen microbes and are quickly gaining acceptance for studying rumen microbial ecosystem, and will become useful methods for rumen ecology research. However, molecular techniques based on 16S/18S rRNA/rDNA don't preclude classical and traditional microbiological techniques. It should used together to acquire accurate and satisfactory results.     

Development of a rapid assay for determining the relative abundance of bacteria

A sandwich hybridization assay for high-throughput, rapid, simple, and inexpensive quantification of specific microbial populations was evaluated. The assay is based on the hybridization of a target rRNA with differentially labeled capture and detector probes. Betaproteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were selected as the target group for the study, since they represent a phylogenetically coherent group of organisms that perform a well-defined geochemical function in natural and engineered environments. Reagent concentrations, probe combinations, and washing, blocking, and hybridization conditions were optimized to improve signal and reduce background. The detection limits for the optimized RNA assay were equivalent to approximately 10(3) to 10(4) and 10(4) to 10(5) bacterial cells, respectively, for E. coli rRNA and RNA extracted from activated sludge, by using probes targeting the majority of bacteria. Furthermore, the RNA assay had good specificity, permitted discrimination of rRNA sequences that differed by a 2-bp mismatch in the probe target region, and could distinguish the sizes of AOB populations in nitrifying and nonnitrifying wastewater treatment plants.     

Quantification of bacterial subgroups in soil: comparison of DNA extracted directly from soil or from cells previously released by density gradient centrifugation

All molecular analyses of soil bacterial diversity are based on the extraction of a representative fraction of cellular DNA. Methods of DNA extraction for this purpose are divided into two categories: those in which cells are lysed within the soil (direct extraction) and those in which cells are first removed from soil (cell extraction) and then lysed. The purpose of this study was to compare a method of direct extraction with a method in which cells were first separated from the soil matrix by Nycodenz gradient centrifugation in order to evaluate the effect of these different approaches on the analysis of the spectrum of diversity in a microbial community. We used a method based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a 16S rRNA gene fragment, followed by hybridization of the amplified fragments to a set of specific probes to assess the phylogenetic diversity of our samples. Control parameters, such as the relationship between amount of DNA template and amount of PCR product and the influence of competing DNA on PCR amplification, were first examined. Comparison between extraction methods showed that less DNA was extracted when cells were first separated from the soil matrix (0.4 µg g⁻¹ dry weight soil versus 38–93 µg g⁻¹ obtained by in situ lysis methods). However, with the exception of the γ-subclass of Proteobacteria, there was no significant difference in the spectrum of diversity resulting from the two extraction strategies.     

Species-Specific Detection of Vibrio anguillarum in Marine Aquaculture Environments by Selective Culture and DNA Hybridization

Methods for specific detection of Vibrio anguillarum in complex microbial communities within diverse marine aquaculture environments were evaluated. A system for the detection of culturable cells based on the combined use of a selective medium and a nonradioactively labeled oligodeoxynucleotide complementary to 16S rRNA was developed. Four hundred fourteen bacterial cultures were evaluated in order to assess the specificity of the method. When both the selective medium and the specific probe gave positive results, the cultures were always identified as V. anguillarum. The selectivity for colony hybridization was 1 V. anguillarum cell in 10,000 total bacterial cells in environmental samples. The utility of the method was also compared with detection by dot blot hybridization of either raw DNA purified from environmental samples or PCR-amplified DNA of 16S rRNA genes, using universal eubacterial primers. The post-PCR hybridization was more sensitive (8 x 10(sup2) cells) than direct hybridization of the whole purified DNA (10(sup6) cells). However, the selective medium-probe combined method was as sensitive as post-PCR hybridization, albeit more specific.     

mRNA-targeted fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of Gram-negative bacteria without template amplification or tyramide signal amplification

Technologies are needed to study gene expression at the level of individual cells within a population or microbial community. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) supplies high-resolution spatial information and has been widely applied to study microbial communities at the rRNA level. While mRNA-targeted FISH has been popular for studying gene expression in eukaryotic cells, very little success has been achieved with prokaryotes. At present, detection of specific mRNAs in individual prokaryotic cells requires the use of in situ RT-PCR or tyramide signal amplification (TSA). In this study we used DNA oligonucleotide probes labeled with a single near-infrared dye in FISH assays to detect multi-copy plasmid-based and endogenous mRNA molecules in Escherichia coli and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. We took advantage of the fact that there is much less background signal produced by biological materials and support matrices in the near-infrared spectrum and thus long camera exposure times could be used. In addition, we demonstrate that a combination of probes targeting both rRNA and mRNA could be successfully employed within the same FISH assay. These results, as well as ongoing R&D improvements in NIR and infrared dyes, indicate that the FISH approach we demonstrated could be applied in certain environmental settings to monitor gene expression in mixed populations.     

Genetic heterogeneity among Frankia isolates from root nodules of individual actinorhizal plants

Abstract Genetic variations among selected Frankia isolates from nitrogen-fixing root nodules harvested from an individual actinorhizal plant ( Elaeagnus angustifolia L. or Shepherdia argentea Nutt.) were estimated by restriction fragment analysis of their total genomic DNA. The presence of plasmids and their restriction enzyme patterns were used as additional criteria. Certain isolates from separate nodules on the same plant were found indistinguishable, being probably clones of the same strain. An endophytic passage of a strain isolated from S. argentea on another host plant, Hippophaë rhamnoides L., did not modify the structural characteristics of the genome in the reisolates obtained. However, in some cases, especially when restriction endonucleases cleaving Frankia DNA into relatively small fragments were used, multiple infection of the actinorhizal plants with different Frankia strains and the presence of more than one strain in a nodule were demonstrated. Some aspects of variability in natural populations of Frankia are discussed.     

Single-cell identification in microbial communities by improved fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques

The ribosomal-RNA (rRNA) approach to microbial evolution and ecology has become an integral part of environmental microbiology. Based on the patchy conservation of rRNA, oligonucleotide probes can be designed with specificities that range from the species level to the level of phyla or even domains. When these probes are labelled with fluorescent dyes or the enzyme horseradish peroxidase, they can be used to identify single microbial cells directly by fluorescence in situ hybridization. In this Review, we provide an update on the recent methodological improvements that have allowed more reliable quantification of microbial populations in situ in complex environmental samples, with a particular focus on the usefulness of group-specific probes in this era of ever-growing rRNA databases.     

The use of fluorescein for labeling genomic probes in the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization method

Molecular methods that permit the simultaneous detection and quantification of a large number of microbial species are currently employed in the evaluation of complex ecosystems. The checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique enables the simultaneous identification of distinct bacterial species in a large number of dental samples. The original technique employed digoxigenin-labeled whole genomic DNA probes which were detected by chemiluminescence. In this study, we present an alternative protocol for labeling and detecting whole genomic DNA probes in the Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization method. Whole genomic DNA was extracted from five bacterial species and labeled with fluorescein. The fluorescein labeled whole genomic DNA probes were hybridized against whole genomic DNA or subgingival plaque samples in a checkerboard hybridization format, followed by chemiluminescent detection. Our results reveal that fluorescein is a viable and adequate alternative labeling reagent to be employed in the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique.     

Profiling of complex microbial populations by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of polymerase chain reaction-amplified genes coding for 16S rRNA.

We describe a new molecular approach to analyzing the genetic diversity of complex microbial populations. This technique is based on the separation of polymerase chain reaction-amplified fragments of genes coding for 16S rRNA, all the same length, by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). DGGE analysis of different microbial communities demonstrated the presence of up to 10 distinguishable bands in the separation pattern, which were most likely derived from as many different species constituting these populations, and thereby generated a DGGE profile of the populations. We showed that it is possible to identify constituents which represent only 1% of the total population. With an oligonucleotide probe specific for the V3 region of 16S rRNA of sulfate-reducing bacteria, particular DNA fragments from some of the microbial populations could be identified by hybridization analysis. Analysis of the genomic DNA from a bacterial biofilm grown under aerobic conditions suggests that sulfate-reducing bacteria, despite their anaerobicity, were present in this environment. The results we obtained demonstrate that this technique will contribute to our understanding of the genetic diversity of uncharacterized microbial populations.     

Development of a Rapid Assay for Determining the Relative Abundance of Bacteria

A sandwich hybridization assay for high-throughput, rapid, simple, and inexpensive quantification of specific microbial populations was evaluated. The assay is based on the hybridization of a target rRNA with differentially labeled capture and detector probes. Betaproteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were selected as the target group for the study, since they represent a phylogenetically coherent group of organisms that perform a well-defined geochemical function in natural and engineered environments. Reagent concentrations, probe combinations, and washing, blocking, and hybridization conditions were optimized to improve signal and reduce background. The detection limits for the optimized RNA assay were equivalent to approximately 10³ to 10⁴ and 10⁴ to 10⁵ bacterial cells, respectively, for E. coli rRNA and RNA extracted from activated sludge, by using probes targeting the majority of bacteria. Furthermore, the RNA assay had good specificity, permitted discrimination of rRNA sequences that differed by a 2-bp mismatch in the probe target region, and could distinguish the sizes of AOB populations in nitrifying and nonnitrifying wastewater treatment plants.     

In situ DNA‐hybridization chain reaction (HCR): a facilitated in situ HCR system for the detection of environmental microorganisms

In situ detection of microorganisms by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful tool for environmental microbiology, but analyses can be hampered by low rRNA content in target organisms, especially in oligotrophic environments. Here, we present a non‐enzymatic, hybridization chain reaction (HCR)‐based signal amplified in situ whole‐cell detection technique (in situ DNA‐HCR). The components of the amplification buffer were optimized to polymerize DNA amplifier probes for in situ DNA‐HCR. In situ hybridization of initiator probes followed by signal amplification via HCR produced bright signals with high specificity and probe permeation into cells. The detection rates for Bacteria in a seawater sample and Archaea in anaerobic sludge samples were comparable with or greater than those obtained by catalyzed reporter deposition (CARD)‐FISH or standard FISH. Detection of multiple organisms (Bacteria, Archaea and Methanosaetaceae) in an anaerobic sludge sample was achieved by simultaneous in situ DNA‐HCR. In summary, in situ DNA‐HCR is a simple and easy technique for detecting single microbial cells and enhancing understanding of the ecology and behaviour of environmental microorganisms in situ.