pH-dependent genotypic and phenotypic variability in Oleidesulfovibrio alaskensis G20.

Abstract

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) exhibit versatile metabolic adaptability with significant flexibility influenced by pH fluctuations, which play a critical role in biogeochemical cycles. In this study, we used a model SRB, Oleidesulfovibrio alaskensis G20, to determine the temporal effects of pH variations (pH 6, 7, and 8) on both growth dynamics and metabolic gene expressions. The specific growth rate at pH 6 (0.014 h^-1) closely matched that at pH 7 (0.016 h^-1), while pH 8 exhibited a lower growth rate (0.010 h^-1). Lactate consumption peaked at pH 7 (0.35 mM lactate.h^-1) and declined at pH 8 (0.09 mM lactate.h^-1). Significant hydrogen production was evident under both acidic and alkaline conditions. Gene expression studies revealed that ATPases function as proton pumps, while hydrogenases mediate reversible proton-to-hydrogen conversion. Sulfate and energy metabolism act as electron acceptors and donors, while amino acid synthesis regulates basic and acidic amino acids to mitigate pH stress. Downregulation of FtsZ at pH 6 suggests impaired division, correlating with slightly longer lengths (~2 µm), while upregulation of divisome proteins at pH 8 suggests efficient division processes, aligning with shorter lengths (~1.8 µm). This study will facilitate the employment of O. alaskensis G20 in extreme pH environments, enhancing its effectiveness in optimizing bioremediation and anaerobic digestion processes.

Importance: Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) play essential roles in global sulfur and carbon cycling and are critical for bioremediation and anaerobic digestion processes. However, detailed studies on the genotypic and phenotypic responses of SRB under varying pH conditions are limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the pH-dependent genetic and metabolic adaptations of Oleidesulfovibrio alaskensis G20, revealing key mechanisms regulating hydrogenase and ATPase activities, cell division, and extracellular polymeric substance formation. These findings provide new insights into how SRB maintains pH homeostasis, showcasing their ability to survive and function in both acidic and alkaline environments. Furthermore, this study reveals critical genetic and phenotypic characteristics that will directly aid to engineer industrial effluent management systems, bioremediation, and dissolved heavy metal recovery. By elucidating the dynamic response of O. alaskensis G20 to varied pH environments, the research provides a foundation for enhancing the resilience and performance of SRB-based systems, paving the way for improved environmental and industrial applications.