Analysis of novel bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes from lignin-degrading microbial consortia.

Despite recent progress, bacterial degradation of lignin is not completely understood. To address the mechanisms that bacteria from unknown taxonomic groups use to perform lignin-monomer degradation, functional analysis of bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes from soil-derived consortia enriched for microorganisms capable of degrading lignin was performed. A total of 232 metagenome-assembled genomes were recovered.

Biochemical characterization and structure prediction of the Cerrado soil CRB2(1) metagenomic dioxygenase.

Dioxygenases are enzymes involved in the conversion of polyconic aromatic hydroxycarbons (PAHs), attracting significant biotechnological interest for the conversion of recalcitrant organic compounds. Furthermore, few studies show that dioxygenases can take on the function of resistance genes in clones. This enzymatic versatility opens up new opportunities for elucidating the mechanisms of microbial resistance, as well as its biotechnological application.

Microbiome associated to an H-emitting zone in the São Francisco basin Brazil.

Background: Dihydrogen (Hâ‚‚) natural gas is a clean and renewable energy source of significant interest in the transition to sustainable energy. Unlike conventional petroleum-based fuels, Hâ‚‚ releases only water vapor upon combustion, making it a promising alternative for reducing carbon footprints in the future. However, the microbial impact on Hâ‚‚ dynamics in H-emitting zones remains unclear, as does the origin of H - whether it is produced at greater depths or within shallow soil layers.

Insights on kraft lignin degradation in an anaerobic environment.

Lignin is an aromatic macromolecule and one of the main constituents of lignocellulosic materials. Kraft lignin is generated as a residual by-product of the lignocellulosic biomass industrial process, and it might be used as a feedstock to generate low molecular weight aromatic compounds. In this study, we seek to understand and explore the potential of ruminal bacteria in the degradation of kraft lignin.

Genomic and physiological characterization of Novosphingobium terrae sp. nov., an alphaproteobacterium isolated from Cerrado soil containing a mega-sized chromid.

A novel bacterial strain, designated GeG2, was isolated from soils of the native Cerrado, a highly biodiverse savanna-like Brazilian biome. 16S rRNA gene analysis of GeG2 revealed high sequence identity (100%) to the alphaproteobacterium Novosphingobium rosa; however, comparisons with N. rosa DSM 7285 showed several distinctive features, prompting a full characterization of the new strain in terms of physiology, morphology, and, ultimately, its genome.

A novel family of non-secreted tridecaptin lipopeptide produced by Paenibacillus elgii.

Bacteria from the genus Paenibacillus make a variety of antimicrobial compounds, including lipopeptides produced by a non-ribosomal synthesis mechanism (NRPS). In the present study, we show the genomic and phenotypical characterization of Paenibacillus elgii AC13 which makes three groups of small molecules: the antimicrobial pelgipeptins and two other families of peptides that have not been described in P. elgii.

The role of nitrogen metabolism on polyethylene biodegradation.

Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely used plastic and its accumulation on natural environments has reached alarming levels causing severe damage to wildlife and human health. Despite the significance of this global issue, little is known about specific metabolic mechanisms behind PE biodegradation-a promising and sustainable remediation method. Herein, we describe a novel role of nitrogen metabolism in the fragmentation and oxidation of PE mediated by biological production of NO in three PE-degrading strains of Comamonas, Delftia, and Stenotrophomonas.

Bacterial diversity dynamics in microbial consortia selected for lignin utilization.

Lignin is nature's largest source of phenolic compounds. Its recalcitrance to enzymatic conversion is still a limiting step to increase the value of lignin. Although bacteria are able to degrade lignin in nature, most studies have focused on lignin degradation by fungi.

Draft Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Strain PE591, a Polyethylene-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from Savanna Soil.

We report the genome sequence of a polyethylene-degrading bacterial strain identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain PE591, which was isolated from plastic debris found in savanna soil. The genome was assembled in 16 scaffolds with a length of 4,751,236 bp, a GC content of 66.5%, and 4,432 predicted genes.

First complete genome sequence and molecular characterization of Canine morbillivirus isolated in Central Brazil.

The Brazilian regions are still highly endemic areas for Canine morbillivirus [canine distemper virus (CDV)]. However, little is known regarding the genetic variability of the strain circulating in several Brazilian regions. Here, we report the first full-length genome and molecular characterization of CDV isolated from domestic dogs in the Brazilian Center-West region.

Comparative genomics analyses indicate differential methylated amine utilization trait within members of the genus Gemmobacter.

Methylated amines are ubiquitous in the environment and play a role in regulating the earth's climate via a set of complex biological and chemical reactions. Microbial degradation of these compounds is thought to be a major sink. Recently we isolated a facultative methylotroph, Gemmobacter sp.

Functional screening of a Caatinga goat (Capra hircus) rumen metagenomic library reveals a novel GH3 β-xylosidase.

Functional screening of metagenomic libraries is an effective approach for identification of novel enzymes. A Caatinga biome goat rumen metagenomic library was screened using esculin as a substrate, and a gene from an unknown bacterium encoding a novel GH3 enzyme, BGL11, was identified. None of the BGL11 closely related genes have been previously characterized.

Muricauda brasiliensis sp. nov., isolated from a mat-forming cyanobacterial culture.

Strain K001 was isolated from a cyanobacterial culture derived from Abrolhos, a reef bank microbial mat (South Atlantic Ocean-Brazil). Cells of K001 are Gram stain-negative, catalase and oxidase-positive, non-motile, rod-shaped, and with or without appendages. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain K001 belongs to the genus Muricauda.

Functional and structural characterization of a novel GH3 β-glucosidase from the gut metagenome of the Brazilian Cerrado termite Syntermes wheeleri.

In this study, a GH3 family β-glucosidase (Bgl7226) from metagenomic sequences of the Syntermes wheeleri gut, a Brazilian Cerrado termite, was expressed, purified and characterized. The enzyme showed two optimum pHs (pH 7 and pH 10), and a maximum optimum temperature of about 40 °C using 4-Nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG) as substrate. Bgl7226 showed higher enzymatic activity at basic pH, but higher affinity (K) at neutral pH.

Seasonal Variations in Soil Microbiota Profile of Termite () Mounds in the Brazilian Tropical Savanna.

Eusocial animals, such as the termites, often build a nest-like structure called a mound that provides shelter with stable internal conditions and protection against predators. Termites are important components of the Brazilian Cerrado biota. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial community composition and diversity of the termite-mound soil using culture-independent approaches.

Bacteria and Archaea Communities in Cerrado Natural Pond Sediments.

Natural ponds in the Brazilian Cerrado harbor high biodiversity but are still poorly studied, especially their microbial assemblage. The characterization of the microbial community in aquatic environments is fundamental for understanding its functioning, particularly under the increasing pressure posed by land conversion and climate change. Here, we aim to characterize the structure (abundance, richness, and diversity) and composition of the Bacteria and Archaea in the sediment of two natural ponds belonging to different basins that primarily differ in size and depth in the Cerrado.

Genome-resolved metagenomics analysis provides insights into the ecological role of Thaumarchaeota in the Amazon River and its plume.

Background: Thaumarchaeota are abundant in the Amazon River, where they are the only ammonia-oxidizing archaea. Despite the importance of Thaumarchaeota, little is known about their physiology, mainly because few isolates are available for study. Therefore, information about Thaumarchaeota was obtained primarily from genomic studies.

Mild hydrothermal pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse enhances the production of holocellulases by Aspergillus niger.

Holocellulase production by Aspergillus niger using raw sugarcane bagasse (rSCB) as the enzyme-inducing substrate is hampered by the intrinsic recalcitrance of this material. Here we report that mild hydrothermal pretreatment of rSCB increases holocellulase secretion by A. niger.

Molecular and serological surveys of canine distemper virus: A meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies.

Background: Canine morbillivirus (canine distemper virus, CDV) persists as a serious threat to the health of domestic dogs and wildlife. Although studies have been conducted on the frequency and risk factors associated with CDV infection, there are no comprehensive data on the current epidemiological magnitude in the domestic dog population at regional and national levels. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study and included our results in a meta-analysis to summarize and combine available data on the frequency and potential risk factors associated with CDV infection.

Environmental factors influence the Haloferax volcanii S-layer protein structure.

S-layers commonly cover archaeal cell envelopes and are composed of proteins that self-assemble into a paracrystalline surface structure. Despite their detection in almost all archaea, there are few reports investigating the structural properties of these proteins, with no reports exploring this topic for halophilic S-layers. The objective of the present study was to investigate the secondary and tertiary organization of the Haloferax volcanii S-layer protein.

Long-Term Effects of Periodical Fires on Archaeal Communities from Brazilian Cerrado Soils.

The Cerrado biome corresponds to an extensive area of Brazil and is considered a biodiversity hotspot. Frequent fires are a natural feature in this biome and have influences on vegetation structure and composition. However, continuous anthropogenic actions are promoting changes in fire frequency and seasonality.