04/11/2004
Institute for Genomic Research Partners Complete Sequence of Corrosive Bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris
The Science
Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough is a model organism for studying the energy metabolism of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and for understanding the economic impacts of SRB, including biocorrosion of metal infrastructure and bioremediation of toxic metal ions. The 3,570,858 base pair (bp) genome sequence reveals a network of novel c-type cytochromes, connecting multiple periplasmic hydrogenases and formate dehydrogenases, as a key feature of its energy metabolism. The relative arrangement of genes encoding enzymes for energy transduction, together with inferred cellular location of the enzymes, provides a basis for proposing an expansion to the ‘hydrogen-cycling’ model for increasing energy efficiency in this bacterium. Plasmid-encoded functions include modification of cell surface components, nitrogen fixation and a type-III protein secretion system. This genome sequence represents a substantial step toward the elucidation of pathways for reduction (and bioremediation) of pollutants such as uranium and chromium and offers a new starting point for defining this organism’s complex anaerobic respiration.
Summary
A team of scientists led by the Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) has sequenced the genome of Desulfovibrio vulgaris, a sulfate-reducing bacterium that can damage oil and natural gas pipelines and corrode oilfield equipment. The microbe takes part in a process called microbially influenced corrosion (MIC), in which bacteria act together to create a biofilm that covers metal pipelines or equipment. MIC has caused “staggering” economic losses at industrial sites around the world, according to TIGR. It is expected that analysis of the microbe’s genes will help minimize such damage. In their analysis of the D. vulgaris genome, scientists found a network of c-type cytochromes-proteins that facilitate electron transfer and metal reduction during energy metabolism and are thought to give the organism a significant capacity for reducing metals. The organism could be used to help remediate metallic pollutants such as uranium and chromium, the researchers said. In addition to TIGR, the sequencing team included scientists from the University of Calgary, the University of Missouri-Columbia, Johns Hopkins University, and George Washington University Medical Center.
Funding
The study, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Microbial Genome Program, was published in the May 2004 issue of Nature Biotechnology.
References
J. F. Heidelberg, R. Seshadri, S. A. Haveman, C. L. Hemme, I. T. Paulsen, J. F. Kolonay, J. A. Eisen, N. Ward, B. Methe, L. M. Brinkac, S. C. Daugherty, R. T. Deboy, R. J. Dodson, A. Scott Durkin, R. Madupu, W. C. Nelson, S. A. Sullivan, D. Fouts, D. H. Haft, J. Selengut, J. D. Peterson, T. M. Davidsen, N. Zafar, L. Zhou, D. Radune, G. Dimitrov, M. Hance, K. Tran, H. Khouri, J. Gill, T. R Utterback, T. V. Feldblyum, J. D Wall, G. Voordouw, and C. M. Fraser. 2004. “The Genome Sequence of the Anaerobic, Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough,” Nature Biotechnology 22, 554–59. DOI:10.1038/nbt959.