Genome analysis of two lichen bacteriobionts, Lichenibacterium ramalinae and Lichenibacterium minor: Toxin‒antitoxin systems and secretion proteins
- Author:
- Pankratov T.A., Nikitin P.A. & Patutina E.O.
- Year:
- 2022
- Journal:
- Microbiology
- Pages:
- 91(2): 160–172
- Url:
- DOI: 10.1134/S0026261722020096
[Original Russian Text published in Mikrobiologiya, 2022, Vol. 91, No. 2, pp. 191–203.]
The genomes of two bacteriobionts of the fruticose lichen Ramalina pollinaria, Lichenibacterium
ramalinae and L. minor, were analyzed. Genetic determinants potentially determining the integration and
adaptation of these bacteria in the lichen thallus were identified. This is the first report on assessment of
genetic determinants of the stress reaction factors and secretion systems of lichen bacteriobionts. The genes
encoding the proteins of the VapCB toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems exhibited >60% homology with the genes
of the known plant symbionts Bradyrhizobium, Sinorhizobium, Agrobacterium, Mesorhizobium, and Ralstonia,
as well as with those of a human pathogen Bartonella. The genes encoding the proteins of type II secretion
system were found in the genomes of both species. The genes encoding type IV secretion proteins were found
only in the genome of L. ramalinae; they were homologous to those of epiphytic Methylobacterium, plant
pathogens Agrobacterium, and plant root symbionts Rhizobium and Neorhizobium. Homology between the
genes encoding TA system and secretion system proteins and the genes of plant-associated bacteria was over
60%. This may indicate that green algae are the main target for invasion. Detection of the urease synthesis
genes in the genomes of lichen bacteriobionts suggested the hypothesis that urea decomposition results in an
additional supply of ammonium and bicarbonate to the symbiosis. The latter may potentially be utilized by
phototrophic eukaryotes and prokaryotes as an additional carbon source. Analysis of the genomes of lichen
bacteriobionts L. ramalinae and L. minor revealed the possible differences in their survival strategies, with
L. ramalinae more integrated into the symbiosis, while L. minor is characterized by more autonomous features.
Keywords: Lichenibacterium, genome analysis, virulence, adaptation, lichens.
- Id:
- 34268
- Submitter:
- zdenek
- Post_time:
- Friday, 01 April 2022 11:55