Discovery of Siderophore and Metallophore Production in the Aerobic Anoxygenic Phototrophs

Aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs have been isolated from a rich variety of environments including marine ecosystems, freshwater and meromictic lakes, hypersaline springs, and biological soil crusts, all in the hopes of understanding their ecological niche. Over 100 isolates were chosen for this study, representing 44 species from 27 genera. Interactions with Fe3+ and other metal(loid) cations such as Mg2+, V3+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Se4+ and Te2+ were tested using a chromeazurol S assay to detect siderophore or metallophore production, respectively. Representatives from 20 species in 14 genera of α-Proteobacteria, or 30% of strains, produced highly diffusible siderophores that could bind one or more metal(loid)s, with activity strength as follows: Fe > Zn > V > Te > Cu > Mn > Mg > Se > Ni > Co. In addition, γ-proteobacterial Chromocurvus halotolerans, strain EG19 excreted a brown compound into growth medium, which was purified and confirmed to act as a siderophore. It had an approximate size of ~341 Da and drew similarities to the siderophore rhodotorulic acid, a member of the hydroxamate group, previously found only among yeasts. This study is the first to discover siderophore production to be widespread among the aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs, which may be another key method of metal(loid) chelation and potential detoxification within their environments.

Identification of a Marine Green Alga Percursaria percursa from Hypersaline Springs in the Middle of the North American Continent

The chlorophycean alga Percursaria percursa (Ulvaceae, Ulvales, Chlorophyceae), typical of marine inter-tidal zones, is reported for the first time from hypersaline springs located along the north-western shore of Lake Winnipegosis in Manitoba. Although not usually found inland, P. percursa is the dominant member of microbial mat communities that thrive in shallow pools at the outlets of hypersaline springs.