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.
Резюме
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.
Почему это важно для гирудотерапии
В данном исследовании была определена полная последовательность генома Micavibrio aeruginosavorus ARL-13 — облигатного эпибиотного бактериального хищника, питающегося путём внешнего прикрепления к бактериям-жертвам; такой образ жизни авторы метафорически описывают как «пиявочничество». Геном выявил множественные зависимости биосинтеза аминокислот, объясняющие облигатный хищный образ жизни, расширенные геномные острова, кодирующие гемолизин-родственные белки, и существенные транскриптомные различия между фазами атаки и прикрепления. Термин «пиявочничество» используется исключительно как поведенческая аналогия хищного прикрепления бактерии и не имеет отношения к животному-пиявке или его секретому. Данная статья не имеет отношения к гирудотерапии, секретому пиявок или области ASH.
Цитирование
Genomic insights into an obligate epibiotic bacterial predator: Micavibrio aeruginosavorus ARL-13
Wang Z et al. · BMC genomics, 2011
Связанный клинический контекст
Узнайте, как это исследование связано с клинической практикой
Добавлено в библиотеку ASH: May 27, 2026 · Последнее обновление сайта: 18 июня 2026 г.