Journal of Microbiology

Review

Progress and challenges in CRISPR/Cas applications in microalgae: Quynh-Giao Tran, Trang Thi Le, Dong-Yun Choi, Dae-Hyun Cho, Jin-Ho Yun, Hong Il Choi, Hee-Sik Kim, Yong Jae Lee; J. Microbiol. 2025;63(3):e2501028. Published online March 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2501028

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Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technologies have emerged as powerful tools for precise genome editing, leading to a revolution in genetic research and biotechnology across diverse organisms including microalgae. Since the 1950s, microalgal production has evolved from initial cultivation under controlled conditions to advanced metabolic engineering to meet industrial demands. However, effective genetic modification in microalgae has faced significant challenges, including issues with transformation efficiency, limited target selection, and genetic differences between species, as interspecies genetic variation limits the use of genetic tools from one species to another. This review summarized recent advancements in CRISPR systems applied to microalgae, with a focus on improving gene editing precision and efficiency, while addressing organism-specific challenges. We also discuss notable successes in utilizing the class 2 CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, including Cas9 and Cas12a, as well as emerging CRISPR-based approaches tailored to overcome microalgal cellular barriers. Additionally, we propose future perspectives for utilizing CRISPR/Cas strategies in microalgal biotechnology.

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Advancing microbial engineering through synthetic biology
Ki Jun Jeong
Journal of Microbiology.2025; 63(3): e2503100. CrossRef

Research Article

Virgibacillus saliphilus sp. nov. and Virgibacillus salidurans sp. nov., isolated from kimchi: Young Joon Oh, Joon Yong Kim, Min-Sung Kwon, Sulhee Lee, Sang-Pil Choi, Hak-Jong Choi; J. Microbiol. 2025;63(1):e.2501001. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2501001

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: This study aimed to provide a taxonomic description of two bacterial strains, NKC19-3^T and NKC19-16^T, isolated from commercially produced kimchi obtained from various regions within the Republic of Korea. Both strains were rod-shaped, gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, and displayed positive reactions for oxidase and catalase. Additionally, these bacteria were motile, halophilic (salt-tolerant), and proliferated under alkaline conditions. Genetically, both strains showed 98.0% similarity in their 16S rRNA gene sequences and were most closely related to Virgibacillus natechei FarD^T, with 96.5 and 96.8% sequence similarity, respectively. ANI values indicated that the two novel strains were distinct from V. natechei FarD^T, as they were below the species demarcation threshold. The ANI value between strains NKC19-3ᵀ and NKC19-16ᵀ was 84.64–84.75%, and the values between these strains and other related strains did not exceed 80.0%, further supporting their classification as novel species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strains NKC19-3^T and NKC19-16^T formed a distinct branch within the genus Virgibacillus, clearly distinguishing them from other species in the same genus. Regarding genomic characteristics, the GC content was 38.9% for strain NKC19-3^T and 39.5% for strain NKC19-16^T. The genome of strain NKC19-3^T had a size of approximately 4.1 Mb and contained 3,785 protein-coding genes (CDSs). Strain NKC19-16^T had a slightly smaller genome, approximately 3.9 Mb in size and harbored 3,726 CDSs. The polar lipid profiles of strains NKC19-3ᵀ and NKC19-16ᵀ included diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), glycolipids (GL), and an unidentified lipid (L). The predominant fatty acids of both strains were anteiso-C_15:0 and anteiso-C_17:0. Considering the comprehensive analysis encompassing phenotypic, genomic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic data, strains NKC19-3^T and NKC19-16^T are proposed to represent two novel species within the genus Virgibacillus. The suggested names for these species are Virgibacillus saliphilus sp. nov. (type strain NKC19-3^T, also referred to as KACC 22326^T and DSM 112707^T) and Virgibacillus salidurans sp. nov. (type strain NKC19-16^T, also referred to as KACC 22327^T and DSM 112708^T).

Minireview

Advances in functional analysis of the microbiome: Integrating metabolic modeling, metabolite prediction, and pathway inference with Next-Generation Sequencing data: Sungwon Jung; J. Microbiol. 2025;63(1):e.2411006. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2411006

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Abstract PDF: This review explores current advancements in microbiome functional analysis enabled by next-generation sequencing technologies, which have transformed our understanding of microbial communities from mere taxonomic composition to their functional potential. We examine approaches that move beyond species identification to characterize microbial activities, interactions, and their roles in host health and disease. Genome-scale metabolic models allow for in-depth simulations of metabolic networks, enabling researchers to predict microbial metabolism, growth, and interspecies interactions in diverse environments. Additionally, computational methods for predicting metabolite profiles offer indirect insights into microbial metabolic outputs, which is crucial for identifying biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Functional pathway analysis tools further reveal microbial contributions to metabolic pathways, highlighting alterations in response to environmental changes and disease states. Together, these methods offer a powerful framework for understanding the complex metabolic interactions within microbial communities and their impact on host physiology. While significant progress has been made, challenges remain in the accuracy of predictive models and the completeness of reference databases, which limit the applicability of these methods in under-characterized ecosystems. The integration of these computational tools with multi-omic data holds promise for personalized approaches in precision medicine, allowing for targeted interventions that modulate the microbiome to improve health outcomes. This review highlights recent advances in microbiome functional analysis, providing a roadmap for future research and translational applications in human health and environmental microbiology.

Research Article

PneusPage: A WEB-BASED TOOL for the analysis of Whole-Genome Sequencing Data of Streptococcus pneumonia: Eunju Hong, Youngjin Shin, Hyunseong Kim, Woo Young Cho, Woo-Hyun Song, Seung-Hyun Jung, Minho Lee; J. Microbiol. 2025;63(1):e.2409020. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2409020

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: With the advent of whole-genome sequencing, opportunities to investigate the population structure, transmission patterns, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and virulence determinants of Streptococcus pneumoniae at high resolution have been increasingly expanding. Consequently, a user-friendly bioinformatics tool is needed to automate the analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae whole-genome sequencing data, summarize clinically relevant genomic features, and further guide treatment options. Here, we developed PneusPage, a web-based tool that integrates functions for species prediction, molecular typing, drug resistance determination, and data visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae. To evaluate the performance of PneusPage, we analyzed 80 pneumococcal genomes with different serotypes from the Global Pneumococcal Sequencing Project and compared the results with those from another platform, PathogenWatch. We observed a high concordance between the two platforms in terms of serotypes (100% concordance rate), multilocus sequence typing (100% concordance rate), penicillin-binding protein typing (88.8% concordance rate), and the Global Pneumococcal Sequencing Clusters (98.8% concordance rate). In addition, PneusPage offers integrated analysis functions for the detection of virulence and mobile genetic elements that are not provided by previous platforms. By automating the analysis pipeline, PneusPage makes whole-genome sequencing data more accessible to non-specialist users, including microbiologists, epidemiologists, and clinicians, thereby enhancing the utility of whole-genome sequencing in both research and clinical settings. PneusPage is available at https://pneuspage.minholee.net/.

Journal Articles

Thalassotalea aquiviva sp. nov., and Thalassotalea maritima sp. nov., Isolated from Seawater of the Coast in South Korea: Jina Lee, Seung-Hui Song, Kira Moon, Nakyeong Lee, Sangdon Ryu, Hye Seon Song, Sung Moon Lee, Yun Ji Kim, Se Won Chun, Kyung-Min Choi, Aslan Hwanhwi Lee; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(12):1099-1111. Published online December 10, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00191-4

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Abstract: Two novel bacterial strains, 273M-4^T and Sam97^T, were isolated from seawater in the Yellow Sea, Muan-gun, South Korea, and identified as members of the genus Thalassotalea. Both strains were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-flagellated, and oxidase- and catalase-positive. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains 273M-4^T and Sam97^T were most closely related to Thalassotalea ponticola KCTC 42155^T, with sequence similarities of 97.5% and 98.3%, respectively. Optimal growth for strain 273M-4^T occurred at 25-30 °C, pH 7.0, and 2% NaCl, while strain Sam97^T grew optimally at 30 °C, pH 8.0, and 2% NaCl. Genome sizes of strains 273M-4^T and Sam97^T were 3.37 and 3.31 Mb, with DNA G + C contents of 41.0 mol% and 42.9 mol%, respectively. The orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the two strains were 71.6% and 24.4%, respectively, indicating that they are distinct species. Further genomic analyses of these two strains revealed OrthoANI values of < 73.5% and dDDH values of < 26.7% within the genus Thalassotalea, suggesting their distinctiveness from other Thalassotalea species. The predominate fatty acids of strains 273M-4^T and Sam97^T were summed feature 3 (consisting of C_16:1 ω7c/C_16:1 ω6c) and C_16:0. All strains contained phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol as the major polar lipids and ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the primary respiratory quinone. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic, genotypic, and chemotaxonomic data, strains 273M-4^T (= KCTC 8644^T = LMG 33695^T) and Sam97^T (= KCTC 8645^T = LMG 33694^T) represent novel species of the genus Thalassotalea, named Thalassotalea aquiviva sp. nov. and Thalassotalea maritima sp. nov..

Characterization and Comparative Genomic Analysis of vB_BceM_CEP1: A Novel Temperate Bacteriophage Infecting Burkholderia cepacia Complex: Momen Askoura, Eslam K Fahmy, Safya E Esmaeel, Wael A H Hegazy, Aliaa Abdelghafar; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(11):1035-1055. Published online November 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00185-2

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Abstract: The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria imminently threatens public health and jeopardizes nearly all aspects of modern medicine. The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) comprises Burkholderia cepacia and the related species of Gram-negative bacteria. Members of the Bcc group are opportunistic pathogens responsible for various chronic illnesses, including cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous disease. Phage therapy is emerging as a potential solution to combat the antimicrobial resistance crisis. In this study, a temperate phage vB_BceM_CEP1 was isolated from sewage and fully characterized. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that vB_BceM_CEP1 belongs to the family Peduoviridae. The isolated phage demonstrated enhanced environmental stability and antibiofilm potential. One-step growth analysis revealed a latent period of 30 min and an average burst size of 139 plaque-forming units per cell. The genome of vB_BceM_CEP1 consists of 32,486 bp with a GC content of 62.05%. A total of 40 open reading frames were annotated in the phage genome, and none of the predicted genes was annotated as tRNA. Notably, genes associated with antibiotic resistance, host virulence factors, and toxins were absent from the vB_BceM_CEP1 genome. Based on its unique phenotype and phylogeny, the isolated phage vB_BceM_CEP1 is classified as a new temperate phage with lytic activity. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the diversity of Bcc phages.

Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Salmonella Typhimurium ST34 and ST19 Lineages: Zhen-Xu Zhuo, Yu-Lian Feng, Xi-Wei Zhang, Hao Liu, Fang-Yin Zeng, Xiao-Yan Li; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(10):859-870. Published online November 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00170-9

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Abstract: Salmonella Typhimurium is an invasive gastrointestinal pathogen for both humans and animals. To investigate the genetic framework and diversity of S. Typhimurium, a total of 194 S. Typhimurium isolates were collected from patients in a tertiary hospital between 2020 and 2021. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was used to confirm the resistance phenotype. Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to determine the sequence type, phylogenetic relationships, resistance gene profiles, Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI) and the diversity of the core and pan genome. The result showed that 57.22% of S. Typhimurium isolates were multidrug resistant and resistance of total isolates to the first-line drug ciprofloxacin was identified in 60.82%. The population structure of S. Typhimurium was categorized into three lineages: ST19 (20.10%, 39/194), ST34-1 (47.42%, 92/194) and ST34-2 (40.65%, 63/194), with the population size exhibiting increasing trends. All lineages harbored variety of fimbrial operons, prophages, SPIs and effectors that contributed to the virulence and long-term infections of S. Typhimurium. Importantly, ST34-1 lineage might potentially be more invasive due to the possession of SPI1-effector gene sopE which was essential for the proliferation, internalization and intracellular presence of S. Typhimurium in hosts. Multiple antimicrobial resistance genes were characteristically distributed across three lineages, especially carbapenem genes only detected in ST34-1&2 lineages. The distinct functional categories of pan genome among three lineages were observed in metabolism, signaling and gene information processing. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the evolved adaptation and genetic diversity of S. Typhimurium ST19 and ST34, among which ST34 lineages with multidrug resistance and potential hypervirulence need to pay more attention to epidemiological surveillance.

Review

Extensive Genomic Rearrangement of Catalase-Less Cyanobloom-Forming Microcystis aeruginosa in Freshwater Ecosystems: Minkyung Kim, Jaejoon Jung, Wonjae Kim, Yerim Park, Che Ok Jeon, Woojun Park; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(11):933-950. Published online October 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00172-7

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Abstract: Many of the world's freshwater ecosystems suffer from cyanobacteria-mediated blooms and their toxins. However, a mechanistic understanding of why and how Microcystis aeruginosa dominates over other freshwater cyanobacteria during warmer summers is lacking. This paper utilizes comparative genomics with other cyanobacteria and literature reviews to predict the gene functions and genomic architectures of M. aeruginosa based on complete genomes. The primary aim is to understand this species' survival and competitive strategies in warmer freshwater environments. M. aeruginosa strains exhibiting a high proportion of insertion sequences (~ 11%) possess genomic structures with low synteny across different strains. This indicates the occurrence of extensive genomic rearrangements and the presence of many possible diverse genotypes that result in greater population heterogeneities than those in other cyanobacteria in order to increase survivability during rapidly changing and threatening environmental challenges. Catalase-less M. aeruginosa strains are even vulnerable to low light intensity in freshwater environments with strong ultraviolet radiation. However, they can continuously grow with the help of various defense genes (e.g., egtBD, cruA, and mysABCD) and associated bacteria. The strong defense strategies against biological threats (e.g., antagonistic bacteria, protozoa, and cyanophages) are attributed to dense exopolysaccharide (EPS)-mediated aggregate formation with efficient buoyancy and the secondary metabolites of M. aeruginosa cells. Our review with extensive genome analysis suggests that the ecological vulnerability of M. aeruginosa cells can be overcome by diverse genotypes, secondary defense metabolites, reinforced EPS, and associated bacteria.

Journal Article

Delineating the Acquired Genetic Diversity and Multidrug Resistance in Alcaligenes from Poultry Farms and Nearby Soil: Abhilash Bhattacharjee, Anil Kumar Singh; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(7):511-523. Published online June 21, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00129-w

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Abstract: Alcaligenes faecalis is one of the most important and clinically significant environmental pathogens, increasing in importance due to its isolation from soil and nosocomial environments. The Gram-negative soil bacterium is associated with skin endocarditis, bacteremia, dysentery, meningitis, endophthalmitis, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia in patients. With emerging antibiotic resistance in A. faecalis, it has become crucial to understand the origin of such resistance genes within this clinically significant environmental and gut bacterium. In this research, we studied the impact of antibiotic overuse in poultry and its effect on developing resistance in A. faecalis. We sampled soil and faecal materials from five poultry farms, performed whole genome sequencing & analysis and identified four strains of A. faecalis. Furthermore, we characterized the genes in the genomic islands of A. faecalis isolates. We found four multidrug-resistant A. faecalis strains that showed resistance against vancomycin (MIC >1000 μg/ml), ceftazidime (50 μg/ml), colistin (50 μg/ml) and ciprofloxacin (50 μg/ml). From whole genome comparative analysis, we found more than 180 resistance genes compared to the reference sequence. Parts of our assembled contigs were found to be similar to different bacteria which included pbp1A and pbp2 imparting resistance to amoxicillin originally a part of Helicobacter and Bordetella pertussis. We also found the Mycobacterial insertion element IS6110 in the genomic islands of all four genomes. This prominent insertion element can be transferred and induce resistance to other bacterial genomes. The results thus are crucial in understanding the transfer of resistance genes in the environment and can help in developing regimes for antibiotic use in the food and poultry industry.

Review

Genomic Evolution and Recombination Dynamics of Human Adenovirus D Species: Insights from Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis: Anyeseu Park, Chanhee Lee, Jeong Yoon Lee; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(5):393-407. Published online March 7, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00112-5

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Abstract

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) can infect various epithelial mucosal cells, ultimately causing different symptoms in infected organ systems. With more than 110 types classified into seven species (A-G), HAdV-D species possess the highest number of viruses and are the fastest proliferating. The emergence of new adenovirus types and increased diversity are driven by homologous recombination (HR) between viral genes, primarily in structural elements such as the penton base, hexon and fiber proteins, and the E1 and E3 regions. A comprehensive analysis of the HAdV genome provides valuable insights into the evolution of human adenoviruses and identifies genes that display high variation across the entire genome to determine recombination patterns. Hypervariable regions within genetic sequences correlate with functional characteristics, thus allowing for adaptation to new environments and hosts. Proteotyping of newly emerging and already established adenoviruses allows for prediction of the characteristics of novel viruses. HAdV-D species evolved in a direction that increased diversity through gene recombination. Bioinformatics analysis across the genome, particularly in highly variable regions, allows for the verification or re-evaluation of recombination patterns in both newly introduced and pre-existing viruses, ultimately aiding in tracing various biological traits such as virus tropism and pathogenesis. Our research does not only assist in predicting the emergence of new adenoviruses but also offers critical guidance in regard to identifying potential regulatory factors of homologous recombination hotspots.

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In Silico Intensive Analysis for the E4 Gene Evolution of Human Adenovirus Species D
Chanhee Lee, Anyeseu Park, Jeong Yoon Lee
Journal of Microbiology.2024; 62(5): 409. CrossRef

Journal Articles

miR-135b Aggravates Fusobacterium nucleatum-Induced Cisplatin Resistance in Colorectal Cancer by Targeting KLF13: Wei Zeng , Jia Pan , Guannan Ye; J. Microbiol. 2024;62(2):63-73. Published online February 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00100-1

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Abstract

Cisplatin resistance is the main cause of colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment failure, and the cause has been reported to be related to Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) infection. In this study, we explored the role of Fn in regulating cisplatin resistance of CRC cells and its underlying mechanism involved. The mRNA and protein expressions were examined by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell proliferation and cell apoptosis were assessed using CCK8 and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was adopted to analyze the molecular interactions. Herein, our results revealed that Fn abundance and miR-135b expression were markedly elevated in CRC tissues, with a favorable association between the two. Moreover, Fn infection could increase miR-135b expression via a concentration-dependent manner, and it also enhanced cell proliferation but reduced apoptosis and cisplatin sensitivity by upregulating miR-135b. Moreover, KLF13 was proved as a downstream target of miR-135b, of which overexpression greatly diminished the promoting effect of miR-135b or Fn-mediated cisplatin resistance in CRC cells. In addition, it was observed that upstream 2.5 kb fragment of miR-135b promoter could be interacted by β-catenin/TCF4 complex, which was proved as an effector signaling of Fn. LF3, a blocker of β-catenin/TCF4 complex, was confirmed to diminish the promoting role of Fn on miR-135b expression. Thus, it could be concluded that Fn activated miR-135b expression through TCF4/β-catenin complex, thereby inhibiting KLF13 expression and promoting cisplatin resistance in CRC.

Citations

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miR-135b: A Key Role in Cancer Biology and Therapeutic Targets
Yingchun Shao, Shuangshuang Zhang, Yuxin Pan, Zhan Peng, Yinying Dong
Non-coding RNA Research.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Emerging roles of intratumor microbiota in cancer: tumorigenesis and management strategies
Zhuangzhuang Shi, Zhaoming Li, Mingzhi Zhang
Journal of Translational Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Fusobacterium nucleatum: a novel regulator of antitumor immune checkpoint blockade therapy in colorectal cancer
Mengjie Luo
American Journal of Cancer Research.2024; 14(8): 3962. CrossRef
Antioxidant Role of Probiotics in Inflammation-Induced Colorectal Cancer
Sevag Hamamah, Andrei Lobiuc, Mihai Covasa
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2024; 25(16): 9026. CrossRef
Identification of Penexanthone A as a Novel Chemosensitizer to Induce Ferroptosis by Targeting Nrf2 in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
Genshi Zhao, Yanying Liu, Xia Wei, Chunxia Yang, Junfei Lu, Shihuan Yan, Xiaolin Ma, Xue Cheng, Zhengliang You, Yue Ding, Hongwei Guo, Zhiheng Su, Shangping Xing, Dan Zhu
Marine Drugs.2024; 22(8): 357. CrossRef

Prevalence of Indigenous Antibiotic‑Resistant Salmonella Isolates and Their Application to Explore a Lytic Phage vB_SalS_KFSSM with an Intra‑Broad Specificity: Jaein Choe , Su-Hyeon Kim , Ji Min Han , Jong-Hoon Kim , Mi-Sun Kwak , Do-Won Jeong , Mi-Kyung Park; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(12):1063-1073. Published online January 2, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00098-6

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Abstract: The consumption of fresh produce has led to increase in antibiotic-resistant (AR) Salmonella outbreaks. In this study, indigenous Salmonella was isolated from a total of two hundred-two samples including fresh produce and agricultural environmental samples in Korea. After biochemical confirmation using the Indole, Methyl Red, Voges-Proskauer, Citrate tests, presumable Salmonella isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Identified Salmonella isolates were evaluated for antibiotic susceptibility against twenty-two antibiotics. The specificity and the efficiency of plating (EOP) of vB_SalS_KFSSM were evaluated against fifty-three bacterial strains. Twenty-five suspected Salmonella were isolated and confirmed by the positive
result
for methyl red and citrate, of which ten were identified as Salmonella spp. through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Eight Salmonella isolates (4.0%, n = 8/202) were resistant to at least one antibiotic, among which five were multi-drug resistant. As a lytic phage against Salmonella spp. CMGS-1, vB_SalS_KFSSM was isolated from cow manure. The phage was observed as a tailed phage belonging to the class Caudoviricetes. It exhibited an intra-broad specificity against four indigenous AR Salmonella isolates, two indigenous Salmonella isolates, and five other Salmonella serotypes with great efficiencies (EOP ≥ 0.75). Thus, this study suggested the potential of vB_SalS_KFSSM to combat indigenous AR Salmonella.

Genetic and Functional Characterization of a Salicylate 1‑monooxygenase Located on an Integrative and Conjugative Element (ICE) in Pseudomonas stutzeri AJR13: Igor Ivanovski , Gerben J. Zylstra; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(12):1025-1032. Published online December 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00093-x

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Abstract: Pseudomonas stutzeri strain AJR13 was isolated for growth on the related compounds biphenyl (BPH) and diphenylmethane (DPM). The BPH and DPM degradative pathway genes are present on an integrative and conjugative element (ICE) in the chromosome. Examination of the genome sequence of AJR13 revealed a gene encoding a salicylate 1-monooxygenase (salA) associated with the ICE even though AJR13 did not grow on salicylate. Transfer of the ICE to the well-studied Pseudomonas putida KT2440 resulted in a KT2440 strain that could grow on salicylate. Knockout mutagenesis of the salA gene on the ICE in KT2440 eliminated the ability to grow on salicylate. Complementation of the knockout with the cloned salA gene restored growth on salicylate. Transfer of the cloned salA gene under control of the lac promoter to KT2440 resulted in a strain that could grow on salicylate. Heterologous expression of the salA gene in E. coli BL21 DE3 resulted in the production of catechol from salicylate, confirming that it is indeed a salicylate 1-monooxygenase. Interestingly, transfer of the cloned salA gene under control of the lac promoter to AJR13 resulted in a strain that could now grow on salicylate, suggesting that gene expression for the downstream catechol pathway is intact.

The β‑Lactamase Activity at the Community Level Confers β‑Lactam Resistance to Bloom‑Forming Microcystis aeruginosa Ce: Yerim Park , Wonjae Kim , Minkyung Kim , Woojun Park; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(9):807-820. Published online October 18, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00082-0

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Abstract

Many freshwater cyanobacteria, including Microcystis aeruginosa, lack several known antibiotic resistance genes; however, both axenic and xenic M. aeruginosa strains exhibited high antibiotic resistance against many antibiotics under our tested concentrations, including colistin, trimethoprim, and kanamycin. Interestingly, axenic PCC7806, although not the xenic NIBR18 and NIBR452 strains, displayed susceptibility to ampicillin and amoxicillin, indicating that the associated bacteria in the phycosphere could confer such antibiotic resistance to xenic strains. Fluorescence and scanning electron microscopic observations revealed their tight association, leading to possible community-level β-lactamase activity. Combinatory treatment of ampicillin with a β-lactamase inhibitor, sulbactam, abolished the ampicillin resistance in the xenic stains. The nitrocefin-based assay confirmed the presence of significant community-level β-lactamase activity. Our tested low ampicillin concentration and high β-lactamase activity could potentially balance the competitive advantage of these dominant species and provide opportunities for the less competitive species, thereby resulting in higher bacterial diversity under ampicillin treatment conditions. Non-PCR-based metagenome data from xenic NIBR18 cultures revealed the dominance of blaOXArelated antibiotic resistance genes followed by other class A β-lactamase genes (AST-1 and FAR-1). Alleviation of ampicillin toxicity could be observed only in axenic PCC7806, which had been cocultured with β-lactamase from other freshwater bacteria. Our study suggested M. aeruginosa develops resistance to old-class β-lactam antibiotics through altruism, where associated bacteria protect axenic M. aeruginosa cells.

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Sustainable control of Microcystis aeruginosa, a harmful cyanobacterium, using Selaginella tamariscina extracts
Wonjae Kim, Yerim Park, Minkyung Kim, Yeji Cha, Jaejoon Jung, Che Ok Jeon, Woojun Park
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.2024; 277: 116375. CrossRef
Microcystis abundance is predictable through ambient bacterial communities: A data-oriented approach
Mingyeong Kang, Dong-Kyun Kim, Ve Van Le, So-Ra Ko, Jay Jung Lee, In-Chan Choi, Yuna Shin, Kyunghyun Kim, Chi-Yong Ahn
Journal of Environmental Management.2024; 368: 122128. CrossRef
Enhanced mechanical properties of living and regenerative building materials by filamentous Leptolyngbya boryana
Yongjun Son, Jihyeon Min, Indong Jang, Jiyoon Park, Chongku Yi, Woojun Park
Cell Reports Physical Science.2024; 5(8): 102098. CrossRef
Food Webs and Feedbacks: The Untold Ecological Relevance of Antimicrobial Resistance as Seen in Harmful Algal Blooms
Aabir Banerji, Nichole E. Brinkman, Benjamin Davis, Alison Franklin, Michael Jahne, Scott P. Keely
Microorganisms.2024; 12(11): 2121. CrossRef
Extensive Genomic Rearrangement of Catalase-Less Cyanobloom-Forming Microcystis aeruginosa in Freshwater Ecosystems
Minkyung Kim, Jaejoon Jung, Wonjae Kim, Yerim Park, Che Ok Jeon, Woojun Park
Journal of Microbiology.2024; 62(11): 933. CrossRef
Biological and Chemical Approaches for Controlling Harmful Microcystis Blooms
Wonjae Kim, Yerim Park, Jaejoon Jung, Che Ok Jeon, Masanori Toyofuku, Jiyoung Lee, Woojun Park
Journal of Microbiology.2024; 62(3): 249. CrossRef
Alleviation of H2O2 toxicity by extracellular catalases in the phycosphere of Microcystis aeruginosa
Yerim Park, Wonjae Kim, Yeji Cha, Minkyung Kim, Woojun Park
Harmful Algae.2024; 137: 102680. CrossRef

Description of Luteibacter aegosomatis sp. nov., Luteibacter aegosomaticola sp. nov., and Luteibacter aegosomatissinici sp. nov. isolated from the Intestines of Aegosoma sinicum Larvae: Hae-In Joe , Jee-Won Choi , June-Young Lee , Hojun Sung , Su-Won Jeong , Yun-Seok Jeong , Jae-Yun Lee , Jin-Woo Bae; J. Microbiol. 2023;61(6):603-613. Published online May 5, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00051-7

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Abstract

Three novel bacterial strains, 321T, 335T, and 353T, were isolated from the intestines of Aegosoma sinicum larvae collected from Paju-Si, South Korea. The strains were Gram-negative, obligate aerobe and had rod-shaped cells with a single flagellum. The three strains belonged to the genus Luteibacter in the family Rhodanobacteraceae and shared < 99.2% similarity in their 16S rRNA gene sequence and < 83.56% similarity in thier whole genome sequence. Strains 321T, 335T, and 353T formed a monophyletic clade with Luteibacter yeojuensis KACC 11405T, L. anthropi KACC 17855T, and L. rhizovicinus KACC 12830T, with sequence similarities of 98.77–98.91%, 98.44–98.58%, and 97.88–98.02%, respectively. Further genomic analyses, including the construction of the Up-to-date Bacterial Core Gene (UBCG) tree and assessment of other genome-related indices, indicated that these strains were novel species belonging to the genus Luteibacter. All three strains contained ubiquinone Q8 as their major isoprenoid quinone and iso-C15:0 and summed feature 9 ( C16:0 10-methyl and/or iso-C17:1 ω9c) as their major cellular fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol were the major polar lipids in all the strains. The genomic DNA G + C contents of strains 321T, 335T, and 353T were 66.0, 64.5, and 64.5 mol%, respectively. Based on multiphasic classification, strains 321T, 335T, and 353T were classified into the genus Luteibacter as the type strains of novel species, for which the names Luteibacter aegosomatis sp. nov., Luteibacter aegosomaticola sp. nov., and Luteibacter aegosomatissinici sp. nov. are proposed, respectively.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Luteibacter sahnii sp. nov., A Novel Yellow-Colored Xanthomonadin Pigment Producing Probiotic Bacterium from Healthy Rice Seed Microbiome
Gagandeep Jaiswal, Rekha Rana, Praveen Kumar Nayak, Rekha Chouhan, Sumit G. Gandhi, Hitendra K. Patel, Prabhu B. Patil
Current Microbiology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Validation List no. 215. Valid publication of new names and new combinations effectively published outside the IJSEM
Aharon Oren, Markus Göker
International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology .2024;[Epub] CrossRef

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