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Rock geochemistry induces stress and starvation responses in the bacterial proteome
Author(s) -
Bryce Casey C.,
Le Bihan Thierry,
Martin Sarah F.,
Harrison Jesse P.,
Bush Timothy,
Spears Bryan,
Moore Alanna,
Leys Natalie,
Byloos Bo,
Cockell Charles S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
environmental microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.954
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1462-2920
pISSN - 1462-2912
DOI - 10.1111/1462-2920.13093
Subject(s) - proteome , biology , microorganism , bacteria , proteomics , leaching (pedology) , phosphate , environmental chemistry , biochemistry , ecology , chemistry , gene , genetics , soil water
Summary Interactions between microorganisms and rocks play an important role in Earth system processes. However, little is known about the molecular capabilities microorganisms require to live in rocky environments. Using a quantitative label‐free proteomics approach, we show that a model bacterium ( C upriavidus metallidurans CH 34) can use volcanic rock to satisfy some elemental requirements, resulting in increased rates of cell division in both magnesium‐ and iron‐limited media. However, the rocks also introduced multiple new stresses via chemical changes associated with pH , elemental leaching and surface adsorption of nutrients that were reflected in the proteome. For example, the loss of bioavailable phosphorus was observed and resulted in the upregulation of diverse phosphate limitation proteins, which facilitate increase phosphate uptake and scavenging within the cell. Our results revealed that despite the provision of essential elements, rock chemistry drives complex metabolic reorganization within rock‐dwelling organisms, requiring tight regulation of cellular processes at the protein level. This study advances our ability to identify key microbial responses that enable life to persist in rock environments.