Project description:Here we report the massively parallel cDNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis performed using high throughput sequencing of wild type (DB110) and toxR (TW30) mutant strains of the deep-sea bacterium Photobacterium profundum. ToxR is a transmembrane DNA-binding protein first discovered in Vibrio cholerae and able to regulate numerous genes involved in virulence. In P. profundum the abundance and activity of the same protein is influenced by hydrostatic pressure and is able to regulate genes in a pressure-dependent manner. To better characterize the ToxR regulon, we have compared the genes differentially expressed in response to pressure changes with those whose expression is altered between wild type and toxR mutant strains.
Project description:Photobacterium profundum is a cosmopolitan marine bacterium capable of growth at low temperature and high hydrostatic pressure. Multiple strains of P. profundum have been isolated from different depths of the ocean and display remarkable differences in their physiological responses to pressure. The genome sequence of the deep-sea piezopsychrophilic strain Photobacterium profundum SS9 has provided some clues regarding the genetic features required for growth in the deep sea. The sequenced genome of Photobacterium profundum strain 3TCK, a non-piezophilic strain isolated from a shallow-water environment, is now available and its analysis expands the identification of unique genomic features that correlate to environmental differences and define the Hutchinsonian niche of each strain. These differences range from variations in gene content to specific gene sequences under positive selection. Genome plasticity between Photobacterium bathytypes was investigated when strain 3TCK-specific genes involved in photorepair were introduced to SS9, demonstrating that horizontal gene transfer can provide a mechanism for rapid colonisation of new environments.
Project description:Here we report the massively parallel cDNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis performed using high throughput sequencing of wild type (DB110) and toxR (TW30) mutant strains of the deep-sea bacterium Photobacterium profundum. ToxR is a transmembrane DNA-binding protein first discovered in Vibrio cholerae and able to regulate numerous genes involved in virulence. In P. profundum the abundance and activity of the same protein is influenced by hydrostatic pressure and is able to regulate genes in a pressure-dependent manner. To better characterize the ToxR regulon, we have compared the genes differentially expressed in response to pressure changes with those whose expression is altered between wild type and toxR mutant strains. Four samples were analyzed: DB110 strain grown at 0.1 MPa, DB110 strain grown at 28 MPa, TW30 strain grown at 0.1 MPa, TW30 strain grown at 28 MPa. Two independent coltures (replicates) were grown for each sample, RNA was extracted from each replicate and RNAs from the two replicates were pooled together to reduce biological variability. No replicates were included in experimental design.
Project description:<p>Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are unique ecosystems that may release chemically distinct dissolved organic matter to the deep ocean. Here, we describe the composition and concentrations of polar dissolved organic compounds observed in low and high temperature hydrothermal vent fluids at 9°50′N on the East Pacific Rise. The concentration of dissolved organic carbon was 46 µM in the low temperature hydrothermal fluids and 14 µM in the high temperature hydrothermal fluids. In the low temperature vent fluids, quantifiable dissolved organic compounds were dominated by water-soluble vitamins and amino acids. Derivatives of benzoic acid and the organic sulfur compound 2,3-dihydroxypropane-1-sulfonate (DHPS) were also present in low and high temperature hydrothermal fluids. The low temperature vent fluids contain organic compounds that are central to biological processes, suggesting that they are a by-product of biological activity in the subseafloor. These compounds may fuel heterotrophic and other metabolic processes at deep-sea hydrothermal vents and beyond.</p>
Project description:BackgroundOceans cover approximately 70% of the Earth's surface with an average depth of 3800 m and a pressure of 38 MPa, thus a large part of the biosphere is occupied by high pressure environments. Piezophilic (pressure-loving) organisms are adapted to deep-sea life and grow optimally at pressures higher than 0.1 MPa. To better understand high pressure adaptation from a genomic point of view three different Photobacterium profundum strains were compared. Using the sequenced piezophile P. profundum strain SS9 as a reference, microarray technology was used to identify the genomic regions missing in two other strains: a pressure adapted strain (named DSJ4) and a pressure-sensitive strain (named 3TCK). Finally, the transcriptome of SS9 grown under different pressure (28 MPa; 45 MPa) and temperature (4 degrees C; 16 degrees C) conditions was analyzed taking into consideration the differentially expressed genes belonging to the flexible gene pool.ResultsThese studies indicated the presence of a large flexible gene pool in SS9 characterized by various horizontally acquired elements. This was verified by extensive analysis of GC content, codon usage and genomic signature of the SS9 genome. 171 open reading frames (ORFs) were found to be specifically absent or highly divergent in the piezosensitive strain, but present in the two piezophilic strains. Among these genes, six were found to also be up-regulated by high pressure.ConclusionThese data provide information on horizontal gene flow in the deep sea, provide additional details of P. profundum genome expression patterns and suggest genes which could perform critical functions for abyssal survival, including perhaps high pressure growth.