Diversity and evolution of tyrosinase enzymes involved in the adhesive systems of mussels and tubeworms.

Mussels and tubeworms have evolved similar adhesive systems to cope with the hydrodynamics of intertidal environments. Both secrete adhesive proteins rich in DOPA, a post-translationally modified amino acid playing essential roles in their permanent adhesion. DOPA is produced by the hydroxylation of tyrosine residues by tyrosinase enzymes, which can also oxidize it further into dopaquinone.

Elucidating metabolic tuning of mixed purple phototrophic bacteria biofilms in photoheterotrophic conditions through microbial photo-electrosynthesis.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical for humanity nowadays, but it can be beneficial by developing engineered systems that valorize CO into commodities, thus mimicking nature's wisdom. Purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) naturally accept CO into their metabolism as a primary redox sink system in photo-heterotrophy. Dedicated use of this feature for developing sustainable processes (e.

A closer look at plastic colonisation: Prokaryotic dynamics in established versus newly synthesised marine plastispheres and their planktonic state.

The taxonomy of marine plastisphere communities has been extensively studied, demonstrating the ubiquity of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria of potential biotechnological significance. However, prokaryotic functioning on plastic surfaces has received limited attention, and the question of whether these microorganisms are active and expressing specific molecular mechanisms underpinning plastisphere colonisation remains to be addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the plastic colonisation process, to identify the active taxa involved in biofilm formation and the mechanisms used to initiate colonisation.

Soil Metaproteomics for Microbial Community Profiling: Methodologies and Challenges.

Soil represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem, hosting a myriad of microorganisms that coexist and play vital roles in nutrient cycling and organic matter transformation. Among these microorganisms, bacteria and fungi are key members of the microbial community, profoundly influencing the fate of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon in terrestrial environments. Understanding the intricacies of soil ecosystems and the biological processes orchestrated by microbial communities necessitates a deep dive into their composition and metabolic activities.