Artículos (Microbiología y Parasitología)

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/11055

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Utility of 28S Ribosomal RNA Gene Domains for Molecular Classification and Phylogeny of Rhinonyssid Mites
(MDPI, 2025-02-06) Sánchez Carrión, Susana Araceli; Márquez, Francisco J.; Rojas Álvarez, Manuel de; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla
The family Rhinonyssidae includes endoparasitic, blood-feeding mites that are parasitic on birds and that remain largely unstudied despite their potential role as vectors or reservoirs for various pathogens, like other Dermanyssoidea. Traditionally, the taxonomy of the group has been based on morphometric characteristics, which makes identification very difficult in many groups of closely related species. On the other hand, studies on the phylogenetic relationships within this group of mites have been neglected until the early years of the present century. In this study, twelve species belonging to five different species complexes were identified, and domains D1–D3 28S rRNA of each one were sequenced, for the first time, to investigate the sequence variation and its taxonomic implications for phylogenetic inference. Our data indicate that this molecular marker can effectively differentiate between species within the “motacillae”, “sairae”, “pari”, and “hirsti” complexes of the genus Ptilonyssus and the “melloi” and “columbae” complexes of the genus Tinaminyssus. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree that can be derived from the domain D1–D3 28S rRNA sequences presented in this study is congruent with the current taxonomy of the Rhinonyssidae. This research calls for a reassessment of the taxonomic status of some group of species.
Conditions for vegetative propagation of three key halophytes from habitats of EU community interest: substrate nature, salinity and PGP-bacterial interactions and cost evaluation
(Elsevier, 2025-04-18) Valle Romero, Pedro; Martín Peláez, María Rocío; Flores Duarte, Noris J.; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Puglielli, Giacomo; Zunzunegui González, María; Álvarez Cansino, Leonor; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
The ecological transition faces the challenge of expanding wetland restoration areas due to their critical role in ecosystem service provision. To improve restoration efforts, particularly in plant material production for revegetation, scientific knowledge is essential. This study focuses on establishing optimal vegetative propagation protocols for three slow-growing, perennial halophyte species from EU habitats of interest: Atriplex portulacoides, Arthrocaulon macrostachyum and Sporobolus maritimus. Cuttings were grown in three substrates (perlite, coconut fiber and mulch) with two salinity levels (0 and 171 mM NaCl) and three inoculation treatments (non-inoculated and inoculated with two plant growth-promoting (PGP) rhizobacteria consortia). Cuttings survival rate was species-specific, with A. portulacoides showing the highest survival range (78.75 ± 18.75) compared to the ranges observed for A. macrostachyum and S. maritimus (57.50 ± 12.50 % and 59.60 ± 9.00 %, respectively). Plants grown with coconut fiber performed best survival rate, followed by perlite independently of inoculation. Moreover, survival rates of S. maritimus were also enhanced by PGP inoculation. Similar patterns were observed for cutting development: cuttings grown in perlite, followed by coconut fiber, and exposed to high salinity showed higher above- and belowground biomass. By selecting this Substrate and Salinity, Inoculum had a positive effect on the development of A. portulacoides and A. macrostachyum. Furthermore, inoculated plants showed overall higher values of photosynthetic efficiency and carboxylation. Finally, a cost analysis comparing our approach to using direct transplant material indicates significant economic advantages. Our results provide compelling evidence to enhance nursery stock for future revegetation projects.
Elucidating Immune Cell Changes in Celiac Disease: Revealing New Insights from Spectral Flow Cytometry
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-03-21) Gómez-Aguililla, Sara; Farrais, Sergio; Senosiain, Carla; López-Palacios, Natalia; Arau, Beatriz; Ruiz Carnicer, Ángela; Sánchez-Domínguez, Rebeca; Corzo, María; Casado, Isabel; Pujals, Mar; Bodas, Andrés; Sousa Martín, Carolina; Núñez, Concepción; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy of the small intestine triggered by gluten ingestion. Although the small bowel is the main organ affected, peripheral blood cell alterations have also been described in CD. We aimed to investigate immunological cell patterns in the blood of treated CD patients and in response to a 3-day gluten challenge (GC). Blood samples were collected from 10 patients with CD and 8 healthy controls on a gluten-free diet at baseline and 6 days after initiating the GC. All the samples were analyzed by spectral flow cytometry using a 34-marker panel. We found that patients with CD displayed a lower proportion of memory B cells compared to healthy controls, both at baseline and post-GC. Additionally, we observed the previously reported activated gut-homing CD4+, CD8+, and TCRγδ+ T lymphocytes on day 6 post-GC, and found the CD8+ subpopulation to be the most readily identifiable by flow cytometry. Importantly, the CCR9 marker proved effective in enhancing the selection of these gluten-responsive T cells, offering the potential for increased diagnostic accuracy. Spectral flow cytometry involves a complex data analysis, but it offers valuable insights into previously unexplored immunological responses and enables in-depth cell characterization.
Development of a PGPB-based Biofertilizer to Optimize Strawberry Cultivation in Semiarid regions: Screening, Validation and Scaling up to Commercial Production
(Elsevier, 2025) Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; García López, Jesús V.; Flores Duarte, Noris J.; Romano Rodríguez, Elena; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pérez Romero, Jesús Alberto; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
The interest in the use of PGPR-based biofertilizers has increased in the last few years, since they may allow crops to increase their productivity through alleviating environmental stress. However, this promising technology is still at an early experimental stage since the majority of evidence has been obtained under controlled conditions. Therefore, the technology readiness levels (TRL) of PGPR-based biofertilizers is in low phases (1–4; laboratory environment), so it is necessary to focus on higher phases to achieve real implementation. In this study, our aim was to reach levels framed between TRLs 5–6, from relevant to the real environment, which addresses the design and development of a definitive prototype of PGPR-based biofertilizer to improve strawberry production under two agronomic managements [FS1 (100 % application of evapotranspired water and conventional fertilizer application) and FS2 (70 % application of irrigation and fertilization reduction to 70 %)] through three experimental phases (1: biofertilizer screening; 2: validation under greenhouse; and 3: trial validation in a commercial strawberry production facility). Phases 1 and 2 allowed us to select biofertilizer 2 (PGP strains SDT3, HPJ40, SMT38, SRT15 and S110) which was able to increase production c. 13 % and 23 % under the FS1 and FS2 treatments, respectively. Furthermore, a significant relationship was also found between biofertilizer supply and the accumulation of primary metabolites. These positive effects were associated with the higher plant carbon assimilation capacity and photosystem energy efficiency. Commercial facility trial validation results showed an increase of 10 % and 8 % in inoculated plots with respect to non-inoculated plots under FS1 and FS2 treatments, respectively. Likewise, this positive effect was related to positive physiological responses. Although the biofertilizer effect was less acute than under laboratory conditions, the magnitude of the percentages obtained was important enough to validate the positive impact of biofertilizer 2 on strawberry yield in the real environment to be able to verify the development of this technology up to level 6.
Microbial Strategies in Non-target Invasive Spartina Densiflora for Heavy Metal Clean up in Polluted Saltmarshes
(Elsevier, 2020) Mesa Marín, Jennifer; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Rhizoremediation is the use of microorganisms from the rhizosphere to assist plant phytoremediation. Optimistic results have been obtained these years for this biotool, but its effects in non-target cohabiting species has never been studied. This concern, in principle pointless, gains importance when the non-target species is an invasive plant. It is the case of highly polluted saltmarshes in SW Spain, where the native cordgrass Spartina maritima, proposed for heavy metal rhizoremediation, cohabitates with the invasive Spartina densiflora. In this work, we designed a greenhouse experiment where S. densiflora was placed in pots with natural metal polluted soil from Tinto marsh and inoculated with a bacterial consortium designed for rhizoremediation purposes with S. maritima. After 30 days of treatment, our data revealed that inoculated S. densiflora showed better fitness and metal accumulation capacity than non-inoculated control plants. This enhancement was demonstrated by increased S. densiflora biomass (58% for belowground tissues), amelioration of photosynthetic parameters (i.e., 48% for net photosynthetic rate (AN) and stomatal conductance (gs) and 17% for intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE)), and finally by an increase of inoculated S. densiflora root metal uptake, reaching around 40% in case of cadmium and lead. Within this scenario, the rhizoremediation strategy proposed using S. maritima should be managed cautiously, and if would be entitled to determine to which extent its practical implementation may boost invasive capability of S. densiflora.
Strategies of Environmental Adaptation in the Haloarchaeal Genera Haloarcula and Natrinema
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Straková, Dáša; Sánchez-Porro Álvarez, Cristina; Ruiz de la Haba, Rafael; Ventosa Ucero, Antonio; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
Haloarchaea, a group of extremophilic archaea, thrive in hypersaline environments characterized not only by high salinity but also by other extreme conditions, such as intense UV radiation, high osmotic pressure, heavy metal contamination, oxidative stress, and fluctuating temperatures. This study investigates the environmental adaptation strategies of species of two genera, Haloarcula and Natrinema, the second and third largest haloarchaeal genera, respectively, after Halorubrum. Comparative genomic analyses were conducted on 48 species from both genera to elucidate their genomic diversity, metabolic potential, and stress-tolerance mechanisms. The genomes revealed diverse metabolic pathways, including rhodopsin-mediated phototrophy, nitrogen assimilation, and thiamine biosynthesis, which support their survival and adaptation to extreme conditions. The analysis identified mechanisms for oxidative stress mitigation, DNA repair, “salt-in” and “salt-out” osmoregulatory strategies, adaptations to temperature shifts and heavy metal exposure, and immune defense. Experimental validation of four representative species, Haloarcula terrestris S1AR25-5AT, Haloarcula saliterrae S1CR25-12T, Haloarcula onubensis S3CR25-11T, and Natrinema salsiterrestre S1CR25-10T, isolated from the heavy-metal-rich hypersaline soils in the Odiel Saltmarshes (Huelva, Spain), demonstrated their tolerance, especially to arsenic, corroborating genomic predictions. This study advances our understanding of the resilience of haloarchaea under poly-extreme conditions and underscores their ecological significance and promise for biotechnological applications, such as the bioremediation of heavy-metal-polluted environments and the production of valuable biomolecules.
Citizen Science to Raise Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness in the Community: The MicroMundo Project in Spain and Portugal
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025-03) Gil-Serna, Jessica; Antunes, Patricia; Campoy, Susana; Cid, Ángeles; Cobo-Molinos, Antonio; Durão, Paulo; Fajardo, Carmen; Fouz, Belén; Freitas, Ana R.; Ruiz de la Haba, Rafael; Sánchez-Porro Álvarez, Cristina; Cid, Víctor J.; Autoría grupal: MicroMundo Teams Spain Portugal; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Valencia; Universidad de Zaragoza; Universidad de Salamanca; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Portugal; Universidad de Alcalá; Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología; Xunta de Galicia
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to human, animal and environmental health. Among the multidisciplinary tasks aimed at collectively tackling the AMR crisis, surveillance, research and education stand as major priorities. Based on a crowdsourcing research strategy, the MicroMundo project, a partner of the Tiny Earth initiative in Spain and Portugal, has been developed and consolidated with success in the academic environment. The objectives are focused on promoting research and, especially, on bringing knowledge of One Health and microbiology concepts, as well as AMR awareness to the community. Following a service-learning approach, MicroMundo integrates university and secondary/high school students in a citizen science-based research project to collectively isolate microorganisms with the potential to produce new antibiotics from soil environments. Over the last 7 years, 32 MicroMundo hubs operating across 31 different Portuguese and Spanish universities have recruited thousands of teenagers in this quest. Here we review the outcome of this unprecedented effort from a scientific and an educational perspective.
Urinary Excretion of Gluten Immunoreactive Peptides as an Indicator of Gastrointestinal Function after Fasting and Dietary Provocation in Healthy Volunteers
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Rodríguez Ramírez, Raquel; Fernández Peralbo, María Auxiliadora; Mendía, Irati; Long, Joshua C.D.; Sousa Martín, Carolina; Cebolla, Ángel; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; European Union (UE)
Introduction: Understanding intestinal permeability is paramount for elucidating gastrointestinal health and pathology. The size and nature of the molecule traversing the intestinal barrier offer crucial insights into various acute and chronic diseases, as well as the evolution of some conditions. This study aims to assess the urinary excretion kinetics of gluten immunogenic peptides (u-GIP), a unique class of dietary peptides detectable in urine, in volunteers under controlled dietary conditions. This evaluation should be compared to established probes like lactulose, a non-digestible disaccharide indicative of paracellular permeability, and mannitol, reflecting transcellular permeability. Methods: Fifteen participants underwent simultaneous ingestion of standardized doses of gluten (10 g), lactulose (10 g), and mannitol (1 g) under fasting conditions for at least 8 hours pre-ingestion and during 6 hours post-ingestion period. Urine samples were collected over specified time intervals. Excretion patterns were analyzed, and correlations between the lactulose-to-mannitol ratio (LMR) and u-GIP parameters were assessed. Results: The majority of u-GIP were detected within the first 12 hours post-ingestion. Analysis of the variability in cumulative excretion across two sample collection ranges demonstrated that lactulose and u-GIP exhibited similar onset and excretion dynamics, although GIP reached its maximum peak earlier than either lactulose or mannitol. Additionally, a moderate correlation was observed between the LMR and u-GIP parameters within the longest urine collection interval, indicating potential shared characteristics among permeability pathways. These findings suggest that extending urine collection beyond 6 hours may enhance data reliability. Discussion: This study sheds light on the temporal dynamics of u-GIP in comparison to lactulose and mannitol, established probes for assessing intestinal permeability. The resemblance between u-GIP and lactulose excretion patterns aligns with the anticipated paracellular permeability pathway. The capacity to detect antigenic food protein fragments in urine opens novel avenues for studying protein metabolism and monitoring pathologies related to the digestive and intestinal systems.
The Potential of Plant Growth-promoting Bacteria Isolated from Arid Heavy Metal Contaminated Environments in Alleviating Salt and Water Stresses in Alfalfa
(Oxford University Press, 2024) Raklami, A.; Slimani, A.; Oufdou, K.; Jemo, M.; Bechtaoui, N.; Imziln, B.; Meddich, A.; Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST). Marruecos; Fundación Alexander von Humboldt. Alemania; Universidad de Sevilla
Co-evolution of plant beneficial microbes in contaminated environments enhances plant growth and mitigates abiotic stress. However, few studies on heavy metal (HM) tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) promoting crop growth in Morocco’s farming areas affected by drought and salinity are available. Plant associated bacteria tolerant to HM and able to produce indole acetic acid and siderophores, display ACC-deaminase activity and solubilize phosphate, were isolated from long-term metal exposed environments. Tolerance to HM and biofilms formation in the absence or presence of HM were assessed. A consortium including two Ensifer meliloti strains (RhOL6 and RhOL8), one Pseudomonas sp. strain (DSP17), and one Proteus sp. strain (DSP1), was used to inoculate alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seedlings under various conditions, namely, salt stress (85 mM) and water stress (30% water holding capacity). Shoot and root dry weights of alfalfa were measured 60 days after sowing. In the presence of HM, DSP17 showed the greatest auxin production, whereas RhOL8 had the highest ACC-deaminase activity and DSP17 formed the densest biofilm. Root dry weight increased 138% and 195% in salt and water stressed plants, respectively, regarding non-inoculated controls. Our results confirm the improvement of alfalfa growth and mitigation of salt and drought stress upon inoculation.
Epidemiological Survey of Two Morphotypes of Demodex Folliculorum (Prostigmata: Demodicidade) in Young People from Southern Spain
(Elsevier, 2024) Márquez, Francisco J.; López Montoya, A. J.; Sánchez Carrión, Susana Araceli; Dimov, I.; Rojas Álvarez, Manuel de; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla; Universidad de Jaén
Different morphotypes of Demodex from humans have been described. Among them, molecular studies have made it possible to discern between the Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. Further studies showed two morphotypes of D. folliculorum harboured two different habits (human skin and human eyelashes), both of them with finger-shaped terminal opisthosoma difficult to differentiate and that can be assigned to D. folliculorum, Thus, a complete morphometric study of the species, which in this study are referred to as Demodex folliculorum species complex, was carried out. From this morphometric and meristic study two distinct morphological forms (short and long) could be identified within the Demodex folliculorum species complex. These forms differ significantly in four out of the six biometric parameters we analysed: gnathosomal length and width, podosomal width, and opisthosomal length. Moreover, a comprehensive survey of the two morphotypes from different habitats (skin and eyelashes), was carried out in young people of Southern Spain. Therefore, an analysis of 104 asymptomatic students, which were contact lens wearers, and the presence of D. folliculorum was carried out. A statistical analysis based on Bayesian zero inflated Poisson GLM has been applied to our sample data. For the age group considered (18–24 years old), the overall D. folliculorum prevalence for skin face or eye infections (at least one of them) was 19.31 % (51 people), with a statistically significant higher prevalence in males men. Furthermore, there is a slight statistical correlation between the presence of Demodex in silicone hydrogel soft contact lens wearers. This study confirms: i) the existence of two morphotypes of D. folliculorum that appear segregated due to the parasitization microhabitats,ii) a higher prevalence of mites in men than in women, iii) the existence of a high number of statistically supported double infections (skin-eyelashes). It also provides epidemiological data on the prevalence of long and short forms of D. folliculorum in a healthy young population.
Isoprenyl-thiourea and urea derivatives as new farnesyl diphosphate analogues: Synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities
(2012) Vega Pérez, José Manuel; Argandoña Bertrán, Montserrat; Vega Holm, Margarita; Periñán, Ignacio; Palo Nieto, Carlos; Burgos Morón, Estefanía; López Lázaro, Miguel; Vargas Macías, Carmen; Nieto Gutiérrez, Joaquín José; Iglesias Guerra, Fernando; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Farmacología; Junta de Andalucía; Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (MEC). España; Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y Cooperación. España
A series of new isoprenyl-thiourea and urea derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of alkyl or aryl isothiocyanate or isocyanate and primary amines. The structures of the compounds were established by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, HRMS and elemental analysis. The new compounds were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against seven strains representing different types of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. More than a third of the synthesized compounds showed variable inhibition activities against the tested strains. Best antimicrobial activities were found for those thiourea analogues with 3-methyl-2-butenyl, isobutyl or isopentyl groups and aromatic rings possessing electron withdrawing substituents. The new compounds were also subjected to a preliminary screening for antitumoral activity. The presence of a highly lipophilic group and an electron withdrawing group in the aromatic rings enhanced anticancer activity of the synthesized compounds, showing in most cases more activity than that of the controls.
Isolation of plant-growth-promoting and metal-resistant cultivable bacteria from Arthrocnemum macrostachyum in the Odiel marshes with potential use in phytoremediation
(Elsevier, 2016-09-15) Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Caviedes Formento, Miguel Ángel; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Junta de Andalucía; Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA)
Arthrocnemum macrostachyum is a halophyte naturally growing in southwest coasts of Spain that can tolerate and accumulate heavy metals. A total of 48 bacteria (30 endophytes and 18 from the rhizosphere) were isolated from A. macrostachyum growing in the Odiel River marshes, an ecosystem with high levels of contamination. All the isolates exhibited plant-growth-promoting (PGP) properties and most of them were multiresistant to heavy metals. Although the presence of heavy metals reduced the capability of the isolates to exhibit PGP properties, several strains were able to maintain their properties or even enhance them in the presence of concrete metals. Two bacterial consortia with the best-performing endophytic or rhizospheric strains were selected for further experiments. Bacterial inoculation accelerated germination of A. macrostachyum seeds in both the absence and presence of heavy metals. These results suggest that inoculation of A. macrostachyum with the selected bacteria could ameliorate plant establishment and growth in contaminated marshes.
Bioaugmentation with bacteria selected from the microbiome enhances Arthrocnemum macrostachyum metal accumulation and tolerance
(Elsevier, 2017-04-15) Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Barcia Piedras, José María; Caviedes Formento, Miguel Ángel; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Junta de Andalucía; Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA); Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España
A glasshouse experiment was designed to investigate the role of bacterial consortia isolated from the endosphere (CE) and rhizosphere (CR) of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum on its metal uptake capacity and tolerance in plants grown in metal polluted sediments. A. macrostachyum plants were randomly assigned to three bioaugmentation treatments (CE, CR and without inoculation) during 120 days. Bioaugmentation with both bacterial consortia enhanced A. macrostachyum capacity to accumulate ions in its roots, while shoot ions concentration only increased with CE treatment. Furthermore bioaugmentation ameliorated the phytotoxicity levels, which was reflected in an increment of plant growth of 59 and 113% for shoots and 52 and 98% for roots with CE and CR treatments, respectively. This effect was supported by bacteria beneficial effect on photochemical apparatus and the modulation of its oxidative stress machinery. These findings indicated that bacteria selected from the microbiome can be claimed to improve A. macrostachyum metal remediation efficiency.
Halomonas radicis sp. nov., isolated from Arthrocnemum macrostachyum growing in the Odiel marshes(Spain) and emended descriptions of Halomonas xinjiangensis and Halomonas zincidurans
(Microbiology Society, 2020-02-03) Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Carro, Lorena; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Caviedes Formento, Miguel Ángel; Klenk, Hans Peter; Montero-Calasanz, Maria Del Carmen; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Junta de Andalucía; Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA)
Strain EAR18T was isolated as an endophyte from the roots of a halophyte plant, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, growing in the Odiel marshes (Huelva, Spain). Cells of strain EAR18T were Gram- stain-negative, motile, non-spore-forming aerobic rods. It grew optimally on tryptic soy agar supplemented with 2.5 % NaCl (w/v), at pH 7 and 30 °C for 48 h. It tolerated NaCl from 0 to 25 % (w/v). It presented Q9 as the major quinone and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0 as the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and four unidentified phospholipids. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain EAR18T formed a well-supported clade with species Halomonas zincidurans B6T and Halomonas xinjiangensis TRM 0175T (similarities of 98.3 and 96.1 % respectively). Furthermore, digital DNA–DNA hybridization analysis resulted in values of 20.4 % with H. xinjiangensis TRM 0175T and 35.50 % with H. zincidurans B6T, and ANIb/ANIm results in values of 73.8 %/84.2 % with H. xinjiangensis TRM 0175T and 86.8 %/89.4 % with H. zincidurans B6T. Based on phylogeny and differential phenotypic properties in comparison with its closest related species, strain EAR18T is suggested to represent a new species in the genus Halomonas , for which the name Halomonas radicis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is EAR18T (=CECT 9077T=LMG 29859T). The whole genome was sequenced, and it had a total length of 4.6 Mbp and a G+C content of 64.9 mol%.
Assessing the role of endophytic bacteria in the halophyte Arthrocnemum macrostachyum salt tolerance
(John Wiley & Sons, 2017-03) Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Barcia Piedras, José María; Mateos Naranjo, Enrique; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Camacho, M.; Caviedes Formento, Miguel Ángel; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Junta de Andalucía; Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA)
There is an increasing interest to use halophytes for revegetation of salt affected ecosystems, as well as in understanding their mechanisms of salt tolerance. We hypothesized that bacteria from the phyllosphere of these plants might play a key role in its high tolerance to excessive salinity. Eight endophytic bacteria belonging to Bacillus and closely related genera were isolated from phyllosphere of the halophyte Arthrocnemum macrostachyum growing in salty agricultural soils. The presence of plant-growth promoting (PGP) properties, enzymatic activities and tolerance towards NaCl was determined. Effects of inoculation on seeds germination and adult plant growth under experimental NaCl treatments (0, 510 and 1030 mM NaCl) were studied. Inoculation with a consortium including the best performing bacteria improved considerably the kinetics of germination and the final germination percentage of A. macrostachyum seeds. At high NaCl concentrations (1030 mM), inoculation of plants mitigated the effects of high salinity on plant growth and physiological performance and, in addition, this consortium appears to have increased the potential of A. macrostachyum to accumulate Na+ in its shoots, thus improving sodium phytoextraction capacity. Bacteria isolated from A. macrostachyum phyllosphere seem to play an important role in plant salt tolerance under stressing salt concentrations. The combined use of A. macrostachyum and its microbiome can be an adequate tool to enhance plant adaptation and sodium phytoextraction during restoration of salt degraded soils.
Kushneria phyllosphaerae sp nov and Kushneria endophytica sp nov., plant growth promoting endophytes isolated from the halophyte plant Arthrocnemum macrostachyum
(Microbiology Society, 2018-06-16) Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Carro, Lorena; Rodríguez Llorente, Ignacio David; Pajuelo Domínguez, Eloísa; Caviedes Formento, Miguel Ángel; Igual, José Mariano; Redondo Gómez, Susana; Montero Calasanz, María del Carmen; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Junta de Andalucía; Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA); European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)
Two endophytic bacteria (EAod3T and EAod7T) were isolated from the aerial part of plants of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum growing in the Odiel marshes (Huelva, Spain). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated their affiliation to the genus Kushneria. 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains EAod3T and EAod7T showed the highest similarity to Kushneria marisflavi DSM 15357T (99.0 and 97.6 %, respectively). Digital DNA–DNA hybridization studies between the draft genomes of strain EAod3T and K. marisflavi DSM 15357T corresponded to 28.5 % confirming the novel lineage of strain EAod3T in the genus Kushneria. Cells of both strains were Gram-staining-negative, aerobic and motile rods able to grow at 4–37 °C, at pH 5.0-8.0 and tolerate 0.5–25 % NaCl (w/v). They presented ubiquinone Q9 and C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acids. The predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic results, strains EAod3T (=CECT 9073T=LMG 29856T) and EAod7T (=CECT 9075T=LMG 29858T) are proposed as new representatives of the genus Kushneria, and the proposed names are Kushneria phyllosphaerae sp. nov. and Kushneria endophytica sp. nov., respectively. The whole genome sequence of strain EAod3T has a total length of 3.8 Mbp and a G+C content of 59.3 mol%.
Zinc Accumulation Pattern in Native Cortaderia nitida in High Andes (Ecuador) and Potential for Zinc Phytoremediation in Soil
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Paredes Páliz, Karina Inés; Mendoza, Benito; Mesa Marín, Jennifer; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla; Junta de Andalucía
The aim of this work was to determine the content of heavy metals in soil and, for the first time, in wild Cortaderia nitida, and to discuss its potential as a metal phytoremediator plant. We sampled sediments (bulk and rhizosphere) and C. nitida (roots and shoots) in three nearby spots with different land uses (urban, industrialized and agricultural) along the Chibunga river basin (Ecuador). We analyzed the physico-chemical parameters in soil and heavy metal contents in soil and plants. The agricultural sediments showed the highest conductivity and redox potential, but the lowest pH. Among all the metals analyzed in soil and plants, we only found significant values of Zn and Fe. We observed clear differences in patterns of Zn distribution throughout soil and plants among the three areas sampled, thus suggesting that soil properties played an important role in Zn compartmentalization. Also, C. nitida demonstrated effective Zn translocation from roots to shoots, especially in farmlands (translocation factors between 1.64 and 2.51). Together with the results obtained for other Cortaderia species in metal-polluted areas, this study proposes C. nitida as a candidate to further study its metal phytoremediation potential and encourages this research in heavy metal-enriched soils.
Exploring Tenebrio molitor as a source of low-molecular-weight antimicrobial peptides using a n in silico approach: correlation of molecular features and molecular docking
(Willey, 2024-10-16) González de la Rosa, Teresa; Márquez Paradas, Elvira; León León, María José; Montserrat de la Paz, Sergio; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular e Inmunología; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
BACKGROUND Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae are increasingly recognized as a potential source of bioactive peptides due to their high protein content. Antimicrobial peptides from sustainable sources are a research topic of interest. This study aims to characterize the peptidome of T. molitor flour and an Alcalase-derived hydrolysate, and to explore the potential presence of antimicrobial peptides using in silico analyses, including prediction tools, molecular docking and parameter correlations. RESULTS T. molitor protein was hydrolysed using Alcalase, resulting in a hydrolysate (TMH10A) with a 10% degree of hydrolysis. The peptidome was analysed using LC-TIMS-MS/MS, yielding over 6000 sequences. These sequences were filtered using the PeptideRanker tool, selecting the top 100 sequences with scores >0.8. Bioactivity predictions indicated that specific peptides, particularly WLNSKGGF and GFIPYEPFLKKMMA, showed significant antimicrobial potential, particularly against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Correlations were found between antifungal activity and physicochemical properties such as net charge, hydrophobicity and isoelectric point. CONCLUSIONS The study identified specific T. molitor-derived peptides with strong predicted antimicrobial activity through in silico analysis. These peptides, particularly WLNSKGGF and GFIPYEPFLKKMMA, might offer potential applications in food safety and healthcare. Further experimental validation is required to confirm their efficacy. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Potential applications of antimicrobial peptides from edible insects in the food supply chain: Uses in agriculture, packaging, and human nutrition
(Elsevier, 2024-12) Rivero Pino, Fernando; León León, María José; Montserrat de la Paz, Sergio; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología; Universidad de Sevilla
The search for ingredients from novel sources is gaining interest within the framework of promoting a more sustainable food system. The exploration of insects as a source of antimicrobial peptides could be useful for identifying compounds able to inhibit the growth of several microorganisms in different food applications. The purpose of this review is to recapitulate the literature on edible insect protein hydrolysates as a source of antimicrobial peptides, their mechanisms, and their use in the food industry by producing fortified products or edible coatings, and their use in agriculture. Scarce investigation has been carried out in the framework of their incorporation into the food system regarding their antimicrobial properties. Locusta migratoria, Hermetia illucens, and Tenebrio molitor are some of the most studied species. The literature available suggests promising results in areas such as fortification of foods or active packaging, based on the antimicrobial properties they might exert.
Evolution of a bistable genetic system in fluctuating and nonfluctuating environments
(National Academy of Sciences, 2024-08-30) Fernández Fernández, Rocío; Rodríguez Olivenza, David; Weyer, Esther; Singh, Abhyudai; Casadesús Pursals, Josep; Sánchez Romero, María Antonia; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Genética; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICINN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
Epigenetic mechanisms can generate bacterial lineages capable of spontaneously switching between distinct phenotypes. Currently, mathematical models and simulations propose epigenetic switches as a mechanism of adaptation to deal with fluctuating environments. However, bacterial evolution experiments for testing these predictions are lacking. Here, we exploit an epigenetic switch in Salmonella enterica, the opvAB operon, to show clear evidence that OpvAB bistability persists in changing environments but not in stable conditions. Epigenetic control of transcription in the opvAB operon produces OpvABOFF (phage-sensitive) and OpvABON (phage-resistant) cells in a reversible manner and may be interpreted as an example of bet-hedging to preadapt Salmonella populations to the encounter with phages. Our experimental observations and computational simulations illustrate the adaptive value of epigenetic variation as an evolutionary strategy for mutation avoidance in fluctuating environments. In addition, our study provides experimental support to game theory models predicting that phenotypic heterogeneity is advantageous in changing and unpredictable environments.

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