Publications

4495

Abstract This protocol describes a rapid protein extraction method for the archaeon Candidatus Vulcanisaeta moutnovskia, which can be also implemented for other archaea. The utilization of two different methods for protein extraction constitute the main step of the protocol. Method I involves the extraction with a multi-chaotropic lysis buffer containing a non-denaturing zwitterionic detergent, most efficient for extracting cytosolic proteins. Method II involves a denaturing anionic detergent allowing total disruption of the membranes and capable of extracting both membrane (hydrophobic) and non-membrane (water-soluble, hydrophilic) proteins. The big advantage of the methods is to use general laboratory chemicals to make powerful extraction buffers, resulting in high quality and quantity of proteins. The methods probably are usable for any other archaea or microbial cells, and takes about 14-22 h. Following extraction and further protein digestion, 1D-nano Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometric (LC ESI-MSMS) analysis with Triple TOF 5600 and Orbitrap technologies were used for protein identification and further quantification.

AbstractScientific exploration of phototrophic bacteria over nearly 200 years has revealed large phylogenetic gaps between known phototrophic groups that limit understanding of how phototrophy evolved and diversified. Through Boreal Shield lake water incubations, we cultivated an anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium from a previously unknown order within theChloroflexotaphylum that represents a highly novel transition form in the evolution of photosynthesis. Unlike all other known phototrophs, this bacterium uses a Type I reaction center (RCI) for light energy conversion yet belongs to the same bacterial phylum as organisms that use a Type II reaction center (RCII) for phototrophy. Using physiological, phylogenomic, and environmental metatranscriptomic data, we demonstrate active RCI-utilizing metabolism by the strain alongside usage of chlorosomes and bacteriochlorophylls related to those of RCII-utilizingChloroflexotamembers. Despite using different reaction centers, our phylogenomic data provide strong evidence that RCI- and RCII-utilizingChloroflexiamembers inherited phototrophy from a most recent common phototrophic ancestor that used RCI, RCII, or both reaction center classes, substantially revising our view of the diversity and evolution of phototrophic life. TheChloroflexotaphylum preserves an evolutionary record of interaction between RCI and RCII among anoxygenic phototrophs that gives new context for exploring the origins of phototrophy on Earth.

AbstractThe gram-negative bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) causes potato zebra chip disease and carrot Lso disease, which resembles a physiological disorder, and has raised concern on its impact on carrot production and whether the pathogen can be transmitted via carrot seeds. Here, we evaluated the possibility of carrot seed transmission of the bacterium using grow-out tests and probability analyses. On the basis of the tests, we concluded that transmission is unlikely in practice. Therefore, this finding will help to promote the international trade of carrot seeds.