Desulfotomaculum spp. and related gram-positive sulfate-reducing bacteria in deep subsurface environments

Abstract

Gram-positive spore-forming sulfate reducers and particularly members of the genus Desulfotomaculum are commonly found in the subsurface biosphere by culture based and molecular approaches. Due to their metabolic versatility and their ability to persist as endospores. Desulfotomaculum spp. are well-adapted for colonizing environments through a slow sedimentation process. Because of their ability to grow autotrophically (H2/CO2) and produce sulfide or acetate, these microorganisms may play key roles in deep lithoautotrophic microbial communities. Available data about Desulfotomaculum spp. and related species from studies carried out from deep freshwater lakes, marine sediments, oligotrophic and organic rich deep geological settings are discussed in this review.

A Post-Genomic View of the Ecophysiology, Catabolism and Biotechnological Relevance of Sulphate-Reducing Prokaryotes

“…are Gram-positive, spore-forming SRB, which comprise a heterogeneous group within the Firmicutes (Kuever & Rainey, 2009), and are often encountered in deep subsurface environments (Aüllo, Ranchou-Peyruse, Ollivier, & Magot, 2013). The complete genome sequence (4.5 Mb) of D. acetoxidans strain 5575 T was among the first to be determined for a member of the Desulfotomaculum genus and revealed next to the blueprint for heterotrophic and autotrophic lifestyle also the potential for nitrogen fixation .…”

Firmicutesis an Important Component of Microbial Communities in Water-Injected and Pristine Oil Reservoirs, Western Siberia, Russia

“…The cultivated Desulfotomaculum spp. oxidize various electron donors: H 2 , organic acids, including acetate, and long-chain fatty acids (Aüllo et al 2013). The capability to use aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene, mxylene, o-xylene) as carbon and energy source was shown for strain Ox39 and other undescribed Desulfotomaculum (Morasch et al 2004;Berlendis et al 2012).…”

“…In this study, however, the putative sulphate-reducing phylotypes were mainly represented by Firmicutes and related to Desulfotomaculum species. Gram-positive spore-forming sulphate reducers and particularly members of the genus Desulfotomaculum are commonly found in the subsurface biosphere due to their metabolic versatility and their ability to persist as endospores (Aüllo et al 2013).…”

“…On the other hand, recent studies provide a clear cut evidence that spore-forming Gram-positive SRB, including Desulfotomaculum, are common inhabitants of the deep subsurface (Hubert et al 2010;Aüllo et al 2013).…”

Phylogenetic comparison of Desulfotomaculum species of subgroup 1a and description of Desulfotomaculum reducens sp. nov.

“…Gram-positive, sporeforming, sulfate-reducing bacteria can be found in various ecosystems, including subsurface environments. Desulfotomaculum species appear to play a particularly important role in carbon cycling in these environments (Aü llo et al, 2013).…”