Genomic insights into an obligate epibiotic bacterial predator: Micavibrio aeruginosavorus ARL-13
Research article published in BMC genomics (2011)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although bacterial predators play important roles in the dynamics of natural microbial communities, little is known about the molecular mechanism of bacterial predation and the evolution of diverse predatory lifestyles. RESULTS: We determined the complete genome sequence of Micavibrio aeruginosavorus ARL-13, an obligate bacterial predator that feeds by "leeching" externally to its prey. Despite being an obligate predator depending on prey for replication, M. aeruginosavorus encodes almost all major metabolic pathways. However, our genome analysis suggests that there are multiple amino acids that it can neither make nor import directly from the environment, thus providing a simple explanation for its strict dependence on prey. Remarkably, despite apparent genome reduction, there is a massive expansion of genomic islands of foreign origin. At least nine genomic islands encode many genes that are likely important for Micavibrio-prey interaction such as hemolysin-related proteins. RNA-Seq analysis shows substantial transcriptome differences between the attack phase, when M. aeruginosavorus seeks its prey, and the attachment phase, when it feeds and multiplies. Housekeeping genes as well as genes involved in protein secretion were all dramatically up-regulated in the attachment phase. In contrast, genes involved in chemotaxis and flagellum biosynthesis were highly expressed in the attack phase but were shut down in the attachment phase. Our transcriptomic analysis identified additional genes likely important in Micavibrio predation, including porins, pilins and many hypothetical genes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from our phylogenomic and transcriptomic analyses shed new light on the biology and evolution of the epibiotic predatory lifestyle of M. aeruginosavorus. The analysis reported here and the availability of the complete genome sequence should catalyze future studies of this organism.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Although bacterial predators play important roles in the dynamics of natural microbial communities, little is known about the molecular mechanism of bacterial predation and the evolution of diverse predatory lifestyles.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This study determined the complete genome sequence of Micavibrio aeruginosavorus ARL-13, an obligate epibiotic bacterial predator that feeds by attaching externally to its prey bacteria—a lifestyle the authors describe metaphorically as 'leeching.' The genome reveals multiple amino-acid biosynthetic dependencies explaining its obligate predation, expanded genomic islands encoding hemolysin-related proteins, and substantial transcriptomic differences between the attack and attachment phases. The term 'leeching' is used purely as a behavioral analogy for the bacterium's predatory attachment and has no reference to the leech animal or its secretome. This article has no relevance to hirudotherapy, the leech secretome, or ASH's domain.
Citación
Genomic insights into an obligate epibiotic bacterial predator: Micavibrio aeruginosavorus ARL-13
Wang Z et al. · BMC genomics, 2011
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026