On the evolution of bacterial multicellularity

Lyons, Nicholas A.; Kolter, Roberto

doi:10.1016/j.mib.2014.12.007

Cited by 179 publications

(149 citation statements)

References 82 publications

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“…channels | peptidoglycan | cyanobacteria | intercellular communication T he occurrence of multicellular organisms is one of the most significant steps in evolution (1,2). One of the advantages of multicellularity is that an organism can differentiate specialized cells for different functions (3,4). In prokaryotes, there are several independently evolved groups of multicellular organisms, including Actinobacteria, Myxobacteria, and the cyanobacteria (5).…”

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confidence: 99%

An amidase is required for proper intercellular communication in the filamentous cyanobacteriumAnabaenasp. PCC 7120

Zheng

Omairi-Nasser

et al. 2017

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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Channels that cross cell walls and connect the cytoplasm of neighboring cells in multicellular cyanobacteria are pivotal for intercellular communication. We find that the product of the gene all1140 of the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 is required for proper channel formation. All1140 encodes an amidase that hydrolyses purified peptidoglycans. An All1140-GFP fusion protein is located at the Z-ring in the periplasmic space during most of the cell cycle. An all1140-null mutant (M40) was unable to grow diazotrophically, and no mature heterocysts were observed in the absence of combined nitrogen. Expression of two key genes, hetR and patS, was studied in M40 using GFP as a reporter. Upon nitrogen step-down, the patterned distribution of green fluorescent cells in filaments seen in the wild type were not observed in mutant M40. Intercellular communication in M40 was studied by measuring fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Movement of calcein (622 Da) was aborted in M40, suggesting that the channels connecting the cytoplasm of neighboring cells are impaired in the mutant. The channels were examined with electron tomography; their diameters were nearly identical, 12.7 nm for the wild type and 12.4 nm for M40, suggesting that AmiC3 is not required for channel formation. However, when the cell wall sacculi isolated by boiling were examined by EM, the average sizes of the channels of the wild type and M40 were 20 nm and 12 nm, respectively, suggesting that the channel walls of the wild type are expandable and that this expandability requires AmiC3. channels | peptidoglycan | cyanobacteria | intercellular communication

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confidence: 99%

An amidase is required for proper intercellular communication in the filamentous cyanobacteriumAnabaenasp. PCC 7120

Zheng

Omairi-Nasser

et al. 2017

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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“…Like many eukaryotes, myxobacteria have evolved multicellularity, whereby unity of numbers provides advantages over individuality [6]. These multicellular-related functions require communication, coordination and cooperation among related cells in a diverse population.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Within the realm of biofilms, diverse mechanisms of cell-cell adhesion, public commodity sharing and communication have shown how groups of bacteria can work together [5]. This is not surprising when one considers the advantages inherent in cooperation over individuality [6]. It is plausible that communication and cooperation among related bacteria is the rule rather than the exception.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How Myxobacteria Cooperate

Cao

Dey

Vassallo

2015

Journal of Molecular Biology

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Prokaryotes often reside in groups where a high degree of relatedness has allowed the evolution of cooperative behaviors. However, very few bacteria or archaea have made the successful transition from unicellular to obligate multicellular life. A notable exception is the myxobacteria, in which cells cooperate to perform group functions highlighted by fruiting body development; an obligate multicellular function. Like all multicellular organisms, myxobacteria face challenges in how to organize and maintain multicellularity. These challenges include maintaining population homeostasis, carrying out tissue repair and regulating the behavior of non-cooperators. Here we describe the major cooperative behaviors that myxobacteria use: motility, predation and development. In addition, this review emphasizes recent discoveries in the social behavior of outer membrane exchange (OME), wherein kin share OM contents. Finally, we review evidence that OME may be involved in regulating population homeostasis, thus serving as a social tool for myxobacteria to make the cyclic transitions from unicellular to multicellular states.

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“…On Earth the establishment of microbial communities lead to appearance of the first microbial biofilms, the stromatolites, whereas biological interactions, namely the symbioses, such as the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts, or those forming the lichens, have played a key role in the evolution of life (Lyons and Kolter 2015). Interactions are thought to facilitate the endurance of life within extreme environments.…”

Section: B Microbial Communities and Symbiosismentioning

confidence: 99%

Space as a Tool for Astrobiology: Review and Recommendations for Experimentations in Earth Orbit and Beyond

et al. 2017

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The space environment is regularly used for experiments addressing astrobiology research goals. The specific conditions prevailing in Earth orbit and beyond, notably the radiative environment (photons and energetic particles) and the possibility to conduct long-duration measurements, have been the main motivations for developing experimental concepts to expose chemical or biological samples to outer space, or to use the reentry of a spacecraft on Earth to simulate the fall of a meteorite. This paper represents an overview of past and current research in astrobiology conducted in Earth orbit and beyond, with a special focus on ESA missions such as Biopan, STONE (on Russian FOTON capsules) and EXPOSE facilities (outside the International Space Station). The future of exposure platforms is discussed, notably how they can be improved for better science return, and how to incorporate the use of small satellites such as those built in cubesat format.

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On the evolution of bacterial multicellularity

Cited by 179 publications

References 82 publications

An amidase is required for proper intercellular communication in the filamentous cyanobacteriumAnabaenasp. PCC 7120

An amidase is required for proper intercellular communication in the filamentous cyanobacteriumAnabaenasp. PCC 7120

How Myxobacteria Cooperate

Space as a Tool for Astrobiology: Review and Recommendations for Experimentations in Earth Orbit and Beyond

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