Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shoshana C. C. Williams, Dahlia Luongo, Marina Orman, Christina L. L. Vizcarra, Rachel N. N. Austin
Summary: AlkB is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydroxylation of alkanes and is commonly found in organisms that can use alkanes as their sole source of carbon and energy. It is activated by two-electron reduction of its active site and can insert molecular oxygen into an inert C-H bond. A family of AlkBs has been identified with a unique gene fusion of electron transfer partners. This enzyme specifically hydroxylates medium chain alkanes, particularly C10-C12, and requires only NADH for activity. It is present in several human pathogens and may play a role in alkane metabolism and growth in non-host environments.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jincheng Pan, Fengdan Wei, Yani Liu, Yuanyuan Xu, Yanling Ma
Summary: This study investigates the role of the gene alkB(2) in alkane degradation and reveals the significant involvement of GntR in the transcriptional regulation of alkB(2). The findings provide insights into the complex regulatory network involved in alkane degradation, increasing our understanding of this process.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Valeriya Romanova, Maria Markelova, Eugenia Boulygina, Maria Siniagina, Rudolf Mueller, Tatiana Grigoryeva, Alexander Laikov
Summary: The study isolated the Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens PS2 strain from petrochemical sludge and found that it possesses two alkane oxidation systems. The expression of different proteins in the strain was compared during growth on sucrose and hexadecane, revealing that hexadecane induces the expression of alkane monooxygenases and other related proteins. This study sheds light on alkane degradation in other members of the Actinobacteria class.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Wei Xiang, Shan Hong, Yanfen Xue, Yanhe Ma
Summary: Rhodococcus sp. strain CH91 has the ability to use long-chain n-alkanes as its sole carbon source and two new genes (alkB1 and alkB2) encoding AlkB-type alkane hydroxylase were identified. The study found that both alkB1 and alkB2 genes are important for the degradation of C16-C36 n-alkanes, with alkB2 playing a more significant role than alkB1.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xue Guo, Jianxiu Zhang, Lei Han, Juliet Lee, Shoshana C. C. Williams, Allison Forsberg, Yan Xu, Rachel Narehood Austin, Liang Feng
Summary: This study reports the cryo-EM structure of AlkB, which provides insight into its catalytic mechanism and substrate selectivity. Alkanes are the most energy-rich form of carbon and widely dispersed in the environment. AlkB, a membrane-spanning metalloenzyme, plays a critical role in the global carbon cycle and the bioremediation of oil by converting straight chain alkanes to alcohols.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Bobby Chettri, Ningombam A. Singha, Arvind Kumar Singh
Summary: The study investigated the degradation kinetics of Assam crude oil by Pseudomonas aeruginosa AKS1 and Bacillus sp. AKS2 isolated from Assam refinery sediments. The isolates showed significant hydrophobicity, emulsification index, and biosurfactant production, with effective crude oil degradation efficiency observed in both liquid medium and microcosm sediments. This data provides valuable information for predicting hydrocarbon degradation in contaminated environments.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Arslan, Jochen A. Mueller, Mohamed Gamal El-Din
Summary: Biofiltration with petroleum coke as a substratum is being increasingly used for the treatment of oil sands process water. However, anaerobic digestion of dissolved organics in the fixed bed biofilters leads to poor removal of naphthenic acids. In this study, the operation of biofilters was modified by supporting the filtering bed with aerobic naphthenic acid-degrading bacteria to improve the remediation of oil sands process water.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Bo Wu, Jianlong Xiu, Li Yu, Lixin Huang, Lina Yi, Yuandong Ma
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the promotion effect of defined co-culture of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the biodegradation of crude oil. The results showed that after 3 days of defined co-culture, the residual oil and saturated and aromatic fraction in the samples were significantly reduced, and the degradation efficiency of crude oil was improved from 32.61% and 54.35% in individual culture to 63.05%. Furthermore, the defined co-culture system exhibited relatively excellent performance in bacterial growth, cell surface hydrophobicity, and emulsification activity. These findings suggest that the combination of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can effectively promote the degradation and utilization of crude oil.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xuerui Zhou, Dan Lei, Jie Tang, Min Wu, Hong Ye, Qing Zhang
Summary: This study reports the whole genome sequencing of Citrobacter freundii CD-9, a Gram-negative bacteria sourced from factory sludge that can use fenvalerate as its sole carbon source and has a broad degradation spectrum for pyrethroid pesticides. The analysis of the CD-9 genome revealed key genes and degradation mechanisms involved in the metabolism of aromatic compounds and pyrethroid degradation. The results provide scientific evidence to support the potential application of CD-9 in environmental bioremediation.
Article
Immunology
Mai Niikura, Satomi Atobe, Akira Takahashi, Yukiko Kado, Takuya Sugimoto, Hirokazu Tsuji, Kentaro Shimizu, Hiroshi Ogura, Takashi Asahara
Summary: A novel PA quantification system based on RT-qPCR was developed, which quickly and sensitively detected PA in clinical samples, and proved valuable in identifying infection status in ICU patients. Monitoring PA viable counts correlated with inflammatory responses of infected cells and aid in evaluating appropriate antibacterial treatment.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Gao, Mengmeng Cai, Ke Shi, Rui Sun, Suxiang Liu, Qintong Li, Xiaoyan Wang, Wenxin Hua, Yanlu Qiao, Jianliang Xue, Xinfeng Xiao
Summary: Bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ZS1 was employed to enhance the bioremediation of simulated crude oil pollution in the South China Sea. The study investigated the degradation pathways, microbial community response, and biofortification process. Results showed a sharp decrease in microbial abundance and diversity after crude oil contamination. ZS1 achieved a degradation rate of 50.94% in samples from site N3, with complete oxidation of C13 alkanes and about 70% degradation of solid n-alkanes (C18-C20) within 50 days. Whole genome sequencing and metabolite analysis revealed the degradation pathways of n-alkanes and aromatic compounds by ZS1. This study provides valuable data for understanding crude oil biodegradation pathways and developing effective bioremediation strategies.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jia Liu, Bo Zhao, Yazheng Lan, Ting Ma
Summary: Microbial consortia, particularly engineered consortia utilizing Acinetobacter venetianus strain RAG-1 and its mutants, show promising potential in degrading various types of crude oil with enhanced efficiency, suggesting their usefulness in microbial biodegradation applications.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tatianna Marshall, Athanasios Paschos, Alejandro G. Marangoni, Fan Yang, Erica Pensini
Summary: This study proposed injectable polymeric filters to prevent diesel migration during bioremediation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was used to biodegrade diesel and produced biosurfactants for emulsifying diesel in water. The injectable HEC+ filters were developed to protect clean aquifers downstream of diesel spills during P. aeruginosa bioremediation, by reducing diesel droplet mobility through soil columns.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia Coelho, Joana Oliveira, Iva Fernandes, Paula Araujo, Ana Rita Pereira, Paula Gameiro, Lucinda J. Bessa
Summary: Bacterial quorum sensing is a communication system that regulates various bacterial mechanisms, including biofilm formation. Targeting microbial QS is considered as an alternative strategy to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens, with phytochemicals showing potential QS interference activity. An extract and a compound of bioinspired origin were tested for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation and interfere with QS-related gene expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed significant effects on biofilm formation and gene expression in S. aureus strains, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for these anti-QS molecules.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dong Wei, Li Liu, Jiping Shi, Weizhi Yan, Xiaojia Chen, Xiang Li
Summary: This study isolated a novel heterotrophic Pseudomonas strain, PSP1, from biogas slurry and investigated its biodesulfurization ability for H2S removal. The optimal culture conditions were determined as 30 degrees C and 200 rpm. PSP1 was found to convert thiosulfate to sulfane for desulfurization, although the efficiency was relatively weak with a significant amount of thiosulfate converted into soluble tetrathionate.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Chunqiu He, Yanpeng Li, Chao Huang, Fulin Chen, Yanling Ma
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jingling Lu, YanLing Ma, GuanLan Xing, WenLi Li, XiangXue Kong, JinYu Li, LinJing Wang, HongLi Yuan, JinShui Yang
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2019)
Article
Microbiology
Shu-wen Xue, Chao Huang, Yue-xin Tian, Yan-bing Li, Jing Li, Yan-ling Ma
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Junyi Pu, Jianfeng Shen, Zihua Zhong, Ma Yanling, Jie Gao
ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Yanbing Li, Yuexin Tian, Zhidan Hao, Yanling Ma
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jincheng Pan, Fengdan Wei, Yani Liu, Yuanyuan Xu, Yanling Ma
Summary: This study investigates the role of the gene alkB(2) in alkane degradation and reveals the significant involvement of GntR in the transcriptional regulation of alkB(2). The findings provide insights into the complex regulatory network involved in alkane degradation, increasing our understanding of this process.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shu-Wen Xue, Yue-Xin Tian, Jin-Cheng Pan, Ya-Ni Liu, Yan-Ling Ma
Summary: The study investigated the catalytic mechanism of the key enzyme ring-hydroxylating dioxygenase (RHD) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa DN1 for the biodegradation of fluoranthene. It was found that the alpha and beta subunits of RHD play crucial roles in efficiently degrading fluoranthene, with certain amino acid residues identified as key catalytic residues. The results provide a foundation for further enzymatic modification based on the understanding of this binding interaction.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Huanhuan Ning, Xuan Liang, Yanling Xie, Lu Bai, Wei Zhang, Lifei Wang, Jian Kang, Yanzhi Lu, Yanling Ma, Guangchun Bai, Yinlan Bai
Summary: This study investigates the role of c-di-AMP in regulating mycobacterial physiology and immunogenicity. Elevated c-di-AMP levels in Mycobacterium smegmatis were found to result in smaller colonies, shorter bacteria length, impaired growth, and inhibition of potassium transporter. The study also discovered that elevated c-di-AMP levels can inhibit biofilm formation and induce porphyrin accumulation, which may affect drug resistance and virulence of mycobacterium.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fengdan Wei, Rui Xu, Yuanyuan Xu, Tao Cheng, Yanling Ma
Summary: This study investigated the bacterial community profiles of oil shale and sandstone in the Ordos Basin using Illumina Miseq sequencing and culture-based method for the first time. The results revealed discriminatory bacterial community profiles in the samples, with variations in diversity indices and abundance of bacteria at different genus levels. The study also found that both sample sources and culturing methods were the principal factors affecting the variation of the bacterial communities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH PART A-TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yani Liu, Fengdan Wei, Rui Xu, Tao Cheng, Yanling Ma
Summary: This study investigates the binding interaction between the crucial enzyme Catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (C12O) and the substrate catechol in Achromobacter xylosoxidans DN002. The results reveal the mechanism of the degradation pathway of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and provide insights for further modifications and evolution of this enzyme.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Huanhuan Ning, Jian Kang, Yanzhi Lu, Xuan Liang, Jie Zhou, Rui Ren, Shan Zhou, Yong Zhao, Yanling Xie, Lu Bai, Linna Zhang, Yali Kang, Xiaojing Gao, Mingze Xu, Yanling Ma, Fanglin Zhang, Yinlan Bai
Summary: In this study, researchers constructed a recombinant BCG vaccine (rBCG-DisA) with di-adenylate cyclase (DisA) and found that it induced enhanced immune responses in mice, leading to trained immunity and adaptive immunity. Additionally, rBCG-DisA showed promising potential in protecting against M. tuberculosis infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fengdan Wei, Rui Xu, Qingyan Rao, Shuqi Zhang, Zhiwei Ma, Yanling Ma
Summary: An indigenous bacterium, Pseudomonas stutzeri YWX-1, with effective asphaltene-degrading activity was isolated from oil shale. Genome analysis revealed that YWX-1 possessed a series of genes involved in bioremediation and bioemulsifier production, indicating its potential application in the remediation of heavy crude oil.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuanyuan Xu, Tao Cheng, Qingyan Rao, Shuqi Zhang, Yan ling Ma
Summary: The comparative genomic analysis of S. maltophilia isolated from clinical and natural sources revealed its diverse genetic makeup and strong adaptability to different environments. The shared core genes were found to be essential for maintaining the basic characteristics of S. maltophilia strains. Genes associated with fundamental processes were mostly conserved in evolution, while the number of resistance and efflux pump genes was significantly higher in the clinical setting. This study sheds new light on the genomic diversity of S. maltophilia and its evolutionary relationships between clinical and environmental sources.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuan-Yuan Xu, Feng-Dan Wei, Rui Xu, Tao Cheng, Yan-Ling Ma
Summary: Bacterial metabolism plays a crucial role in the formation and utilization of oil shale. In this study, a potential bacterium capable of degrading long-chain alkane and producing biosurfactant was isolated from shale oil. The findings have significance for the development of oil shale.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)