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Microorganisms
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Diversity of Extremophiles in Hydrothermal Environments
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Diversity of Extremophiles in Hydrothermal Environments

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 14686

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Gaël Erauso

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institut Méditerranéen d’Océanologie (M.I.O), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/IRD, UMR7294 Marseille, France
Interests: extremophiles; hydrothermal systems; microbial ecology; astrobiology
Dr. Karine Alain

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
CNRS, Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Environnements Extrêmes, UMR6197 CNRS/UBO/Ifremer, IUEM, Plouzané, France
Interests: extreme environments; cultivation; taxonomy; physiology; ecogenomics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Extremophiles are microorganisms (mostly prokaryotes) that possess unique features enabling them to cope with extreme environmental conditions, including high temperature ((hyper)thermophiles), extreme pH values (acidophiles or alkaliphiles), high salinity (halophiles) and pressure (piezophiles), low nutrient availability, ionizing radiation, toxicants such as metal(loid)s or combinations thereof (poly-extremophiles). They inhabit environments such as solfataric fields or shallow or deep submarine hydrothermal vents associated with magmatic activity or the serpentinization process, for example, distributed worldwide. Archaea and Bacteria thriving in these hostile environments play an essential role in the biogeochemical cycles. Most of them are anaerobic (or facultatively aerobic) and take advantages of the redox-active chemical gradients abundant in hydrothermal systems (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, iron) to produce energy for growth by anaerobic respiration or fermentation. Chemolithoautotrophic organisms are key players in hydrothermal ecosystems, especially in light-independent ecosystems (e.g., deep-sea vents), but phototrophic members co-exist in terrestrial springs or shallow vents. 

Metagenomics has revealed that many extremophiles inhabiting hydrothermal systems belong to new bacterial or archaeal candidate phyla whose metabolism and lifestyle remain mostly unknown.

Since their discovery, research on extremophiles gain strength due to interest in their physiology and adaptation to hostile environments and their biotechnological potentials and even to identify model systems for life on other planets (astrobiology). 

In this Special Issue of Microorganisms, dedicated to “Diversity of Extremophiles in Hydrothermal Environments”, we invite you to submit your contributions concerning any aspects related to extremophilic bacteria or archaea in hydrothermal systems: from the ecology of their habitats and contribution to biogeochemical cycling to the physiology of novel species, and from fundamental issues to applied aspects. 

Prof. Dr. Gaël Erauso
Guest Editor
Dr. Karine Alain
Co-Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Extremophiles
  • extremophilic bacteria or archaea
  • hydrothermal systems
  • microbial ecology
  • Extreme environments

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 4646 KiB  
Article
Diversity of Mixotrophic Neutrophilic Thiosulfate- and Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria from Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents
by Yang He, Xiang Zeng, Fei Xu and Zongze Shao
Microorganisms 2023, 11(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11010100 - 30 Dec 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3443
Abstract
At deep-sea hydrothermal vents, sulfur oxidation and iron oxidation are of the highest importance to microbial metabolisms, which are thought to contribute mainly in chemolithoautotrophic groups. In this study, 17 mixotrophic neutrophilic thiosulfate- and iron-oxidizing bacteria were isolated from hydrothermal fields on the [...] Read more.
At deep-sea hydrothermal vents, sulfur oxidation and iron oxidation are of the highest importance to microbial metabolisms, which are thought to contribute mainly in chemolithoautotrophic groups. In this study, 17 mixotrophic neutrophilic thiosulfate- and iron-oxidizing bacteria were isolated from hydrothermal fields on the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean, nine to the γ-proteobacteria (Halomonas (4), Pseudomonas (2), Marinobacter (2), and Rheinheimera (1)), seven to the α-proteobacteria (Thalassospira, Qipengyuania, Salipiger, Seohaeicola, Martelella, Citromicrobium, and Aurantimonas), and one to the Actinobacteria (Agromyces), as determined by their 16S rRNA and genome sequences. The physiological characterization of these isolates revealed wide versatility in electron donors (Fe(II) and Mn(II), or thiosulfate) and a variety of lifestyles as lithotrophic or heterotrophic, microaerobic, or anaerobic. As a representative strain, Pseudomonas sp. IOP_13 showed its autotrophic gowth from 105 cells/ml to 107 cells/ml;carbon dioxide fixation capacity with the δ13CVPDB in the biomass increased from −27.42‰ to 3460.06‰; the thiosulfate-oxidizing ability with produced SO42− increased from 60 mg/L to 287 mg/L; and the iron-oxidizing ability with Fe(II) decreased from 10 mM to 5.2 mM. In addition, iron-oxide crust formed outside the cells. Gene coding for energy metabolism involved in possible iron, manganese, and sulfur oxidation, and denitrification was identified by their genome analysis. This study sheds light on the function of the mixotrophic microbial community in the iron/manganese/sulfur cycles and the carbon fixation of the hydrothermal fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Extremophiles in Hydrothermal Environments)
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16 pages, 2482 KiB  
Article
Genetic Potential of Dissulfurimicrobium hydrothermale, an Obligate Sulfur-Disproportionating Thermophilic Microorganism
by Stéven Yvenou, Maxime Allioux, Alexander Slobodkin, Galina Slobodkina, Mohamed Jebbar and Karine Alain
Microorganisms 2022, 10(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10010060 - 28 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2648
Abstract
The biochemical pathways of anaerobic sulfur disproportionation are only partially deciphered, and the mechanisms involved in the first step of S0-disproportionation remain unknown. Here, we present the results of sequencing and analysis of the complete genome of Dissulfurimicrobium hydrothermale strain Sh68 [...] Read more.
The biochemical pathways of anaerobic sulfur disproportionation are only partially deciphered, and the mechanisms involved in the first step of S0-disproportionation remain unknown. Here, we present the results of sequencing and analysis of the complete genome of Dissulfurimicrobium hydrothermale strain Sh68T, one of two strains isolated to date known to grow exclusively by anaerobic disproportionation of inorganic sulfur compounds. Dissulfurimicrobium hydrothermale Sh68T is a motile, thermophilic, anaerobic, chemolithoautotrophic microorganism isolated from a hydrothermal pond at Uzon caldera, Kamchatka, Russia. It is able to produce energy and grow by disproportionation of elemental sulfur, sulfite and thiosulfate. Its genome consists of a circular chromosome of 2,025,450 base pairs, has a G + C content of 49.66% and a completion of 97.6%. Genomic data suggest that CO2 assimilation is carried out by the Wood–Ljungdhal pathway and that central anabolism involves the gluconeogenesis pathway. The genome of strain Sh68T encodes the complete gene set of the dissimilatory sulfate reduction pathway, some of which are likely to be involved in sulfur disproportionation. A short sequence protein of unknown function present in the genome of strain Sh68T is conserved in the genomes of a large panel of other S0-disproportionating bacteria and was absent from the genomes of microorganisms incapable of elemental sulfur disproportionation. We propose that this protein may be involved in the first step of elemental sulfur disproportionation, as S0 is poorly soluble and unable to cross the cytoplasmic membrane in this form. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Extremophiles in Hydrothermal Environments)
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17 pages, 6417 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Thermophilic Microbial Communities from a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Chimney under Electrolithoautotrophic Conditions with Nitrate
by Guillaume Pillot, Oulfat Amin Ali, Sylvain Davidson, Laetitia Shintu, Yannick Combet-Blanc, Anne Godfroy, Patricia Bonin and Pierre-Pol Liebgott
Microorganisms 2021, 9(12), 2475; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122475 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2213
Abstract
Recent studies have shown the presence of an abiotic electrical current across the walls of deep-sea hydrothermal chimneys, allowing the growth of electroautotrophic microbial communities. To understand the role of the different phylogenetic groups and metabolisms involved, this study focused on electrotrophic enrichment [...] Read more.
Recent studies have shown the presence of an abiotic electrical current across the walls of deep-sea hydrothermal chimneys, allowing the growth of electroautotrophic microbial communities. To understand the role of the different phylogenetic groups and metabolisms involved, this study focused on electrotrophic enrichment with nitrate as electron acceptor. The biofilm density, community composition, production of organic compounds, and electrical consumption were monitored by FISH confocal microscopy, qPCR, metabarcoding, NMR, and potentiostat measurements. A statistical analysis by PCA showed the correlation between the different parameters (qPCR, organic compounds, and electron acceptors) in three distinct temporal phases. In our conditions, the Archaeoglobales have been shown to play a key role in the development of the community as the first colonizers on the cathode and the first producers of organic compounds, which are then used as an organic source by heterotrophs. Finally, through subcultures of the community, we showed the development of a greater biodiversity over time. This observed phenomenon could explain the biodiversity development in hydrothermal contexts, where energy sources are transient and unstable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Extremophiles in Hydrothermal Environments)
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13 pages, 1032 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Bacteriohopanoids from Thermophilic Bacteria by Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
by Irena Kolouchová, Elizaveta Timkina, Olga Maťátková, Lucie Kyselová and Tomáš Řezanka
Microorganisms 2021, 9(10), 2062; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9102062 - 30 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2390
Abstract
Background: Hopanoids modify plasma membrane properties in bacteria and are often compared to sterols that modulate membrane fluidity in eukaryotes. In some microorganisms, they can also allow adaptations to extreme environments. Methods: Hopanoids were identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in fourteen [...] Read more.
Background: Hopanoids modify plasma membrane properties in bacteria and are often compared to sterols that modulate membrane fluidity in eukaryotes. In some microorganisms, they can also allow adaptations to extreme environments. Methods: Hopanoids were identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in fourteen strains of thermophilic bacteria belonging to five genera, i.e., Alicyclobacillus, Brevibacillus, Geobacillus, Meiothermus, and Thermus. The bacteria were cultivated at temperatures from 42 to 70 °C. Results: Regardless of the source of origin, the strains have the same tendency to adapt the hopanoid content depending on the cultivation temperature. In the case of aminopentol, its content increases; aminotetrol does not show a significant change; and in the case of aminotriol the content decreases by almost a third. The content of bacteriohopanetetrol and bacteriohopanetetrol glycoside decreases with increasing temperature, while in the case of adenosylhopane the opposite trend was found. Conclusions: Changes in hopanoid content can be explained by increased biosynthesis, where adenosylhopane is the first intermediate in the biosynthesis of the hopanoid side chain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Extremophiles in Hydrothermal Environments)
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19 pages, 6803 KiB  
Article
Procaryotic Diversity and Hydrogenotrophic Methanogenesis in an Alkaline Spring (La Crouen, New Caledonia)
by Marianne Quéméneur, Nan Mei, Christophe Monnin, Anne Postec, Laura Wils, Manon Bartoli, Sophie Guasco, Bernard Pelletier and Gael Erauso
Microorganisms 2021, 9(7), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9071360 - 23 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2980
Abstract
(1) Background: The geothermal spring of La Crouen (New Caledonia) discharges warm (42 °C) alkaline water (pH~9) enriched in dissolved nitrogen with traces of methane, but its microbial diversity has not yet been studied. (2) Methods: Cultivation-dependent and -independent methods (e.g., Illumina sequencing [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The geothermal spring of La Crouen (New Caledonia) discharges warm (42 °C) alkaline water (pH~9) enriched in dissolved nitrogen with traces of methane, but its microbial diversity has not yet been studied. (2) Methods: Cultivation-dependent and -independent methods (e.g., Illumina sequencing and quantitative PCR based on 16S rRNA gene) were used to describe the prokaryotic diversity of this spring. (3) Results: Prokaryotes were mainly represented by Proteobacteria (57% on average), followed by Cyanobacteria, Chlorofexi, and Candidatus Gracilibacteria (GN02/BD1-5) (each > 5%). Both potential aerobes and anaerobes, as well as mesophilic and thermophilic microorganisms, were identified. Some of them had previously been detected in continental hyperalkaline springs found in serpentinizing environments (The Cedars, Samail, Voltri, and Zambales ophiolites). Gammaproteobacteria, Ca. Gracilibacteria and Thermotogae were significantly more abundant in spring water than in sediments. Potential chemolithotrophs mainly included beta- and gammaproteobacterial genera of sulfate-reducers (Ca. Desulfobacillus), methylotrophs (Methyloversatilis), sulfur-oxidizers (Thiofaba, Thiovirga), or hydrogen-oxidizers (Hydrogenophaga). Methanogens (Methanobacteriales and Methanosarcinales) were the dominant Archaea, as found in serpentinization-driven and deep subsurface ecosystems. A novel alkaliphilic hydrogenotrophic methanogen (strain CAN) belonging to the genus Methanobacterium was isolated, suggesting that hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis occurs at La Crouen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Extremophiles in Hydrothermal Environments)
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