Insight into the evolution of microbial metabolism from the deep-branching bacterium, Thermovibrio ammonificans

Giovannelli, D; Sievert, SM; Hügler, M; Markert, S; Becher, D; Schweder, T; Vetriani, C

HERO ID

4132311

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2017

Language

English

PMID

28436819

HERO ID 4132311
In Press No
Year 2017
Title Insight into the evolution of microbial metabolism from the deep-branching bacterium, Thermovibrio ammonificans
Authors Giovannelli, D; Sievert, SM; Hügler, M; Markert, S; Becher, D; Schweder, T; Vetriani, C
Journal eLife
Volume 6
Abstract Anaerobic thermophiles inhabit relic environments that resemble the early Earth. However, the lineage of these modern organisms co-evolved with our planet. Hence, these organisms carry both ancestral and acquired genes and serve as models to reconstruct early metabolism. Based on comparative genomic and proteomic analyses, we identified two distinct groups of genes in Thermovibrio ammonificans: the first codes for enzymes that do not require oxygen and use substrates of geothermal origin; the second appears to be a more recent acquisition, and may reflect adaptations to cope with the rise of oxygen on Earth. We propose that the ancestor of the Aquificae was originally a hydrogen oxidizing, sulfur reducing bacterium that used a hybrid pathway for CO2 fixation. With the gradual rise of oxygen in the atmosphere, more efficient terminal electron acceptors became available and this lineage acquired genes that increased its metabolic flexibility while retaining ancestral metabolic traits.
Doi 10.7554/eLife.18990
Pmid 28436819
Wosid WOS:000401793500001
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English