Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1038/s41598-018-22617-x
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) A benzene-degrading nitrate-reducing microbial consortium displays aerobic and anaerobic benzene degradation pathways
Author Atashgahi, S.; Hornung, B.; van der Waals, M.J.; Nunes da Rocha, U.; Hugenholtz, F.; Nijsse, B.; Molenaar, D.; van Spanning, R.; Stams, A.J.M.; Gerritse, J.; Smidt, H.
Source Titel Scientific Reports
Year 2018
Department UMB
Volume 8
Page From art. 4490
Language englisch
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UFZ wide themes RU3;
Abstract In this study, we report transcription of genes involved in aerobic and anaerobic benzene degradation pathways in a benzene-degrading denitrifying continuous culture. Transcripts associated with the family Peptococcaceae dominated all samples (21–36% relative abundance) indicating their key role in the community. We found a highly transcribed gene cluster encoding a presumed anaerobic benzene carboxylase (AbcA and AbcD) and a benzoate-coenzyme A ligase (BzlA). Predicted gene products showed >96% amino acid identity and similar gene order to the corresponding benzene degradation gene cluster described previously, providing further evidence for anaerobic benzene activation via carboxylation. For subsequent benzoyl-CoA dearomatization, bam-like genes analogous to the ones found in other strict anaerobes were transcribed, whereas gene transcripts involved in downstream benzoyl-CoA degradation were mostly analogous to the ones described in facultative anaerobes. The concurrent transcription of genes encoding enzymes involved in oxygenase-mediated aerobic benzene degradation suggested oxygen presence in the culture, possibly formed via a recently identified nitric oxide dismutase (Nod). Although we were unable to detect transcription of Nod-encoding genes, addition of nitrite and formate to the continuous culture showed indication for oxygen production. Such an oxygen production would enable aerobic microbes to thrive in oxygen-depleted and nitrate-containing subsurface environments contaminated with hydrocarbons.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=20142
Atashgahi, S., Hornung, B., van der Waals, M.J., Nunes da Rocha, U., Hugenholtz, F., Nijsse, B., Molenaar, D., van Spanning, R., Stams, A.J.M., Gerritse, J., Smidt, H. (2018):
A benzene-degrading nitrate-reducing microbial consortium displays aerobic and anaerobic benzene degradation pathways
Sci. Rep. 8 , art. 4490 10.1038/s41598-018-22617-x