Genetic engineering of the acidophilic chemolithoautotroph Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Issue 6 (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jung, Heejung; Inaba, Yuta; Banta, Scott
• Is Part Of: Trends in biotechnology. Volume 40:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 677
• Page End: 692
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans -- iron oxidation -- sulfur oxidation -- synthetic biology; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Biochemical engineering -- Periodicals; Genetic engineering -- Periodicals; Industrial microbiology -- Periodicals; 660.605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.10.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-7799

Abstract

Abstract : There are several natural and anthropomorphic environments where iron- and/or sulfur-oxidizing bacteria thrive in extremely acidic conditions. These acidophilic chemolithautotrophs play important roles in biogeochemical iron and sulfur cycles, are critical catalysts for industrial metal bioleaching operations, and have underexplored potential in future biotechnological applications. However, their unique growth conditions complicate the development of genetic techniques. Over the past few decades genetic tools have been successfully developed for Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, which serves as a model organism that exhibits both iron- and sulfur-oxidizing capabilities. Conjugal transfer of plasmids has enabled gene overexpression, gene knockouts, and some preliminary metabolic engineering. We highlight the development of genetic systems and recent genetic engineering of A. ferrooxidans, and discuss future perspectives. Highlights: The chemolithoautotrophic metabolism and heavy metal tolerance of acidophilic iron- and/or sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms enable survival in harsh, resource-poor environments. Tools and techniques for genetic engineering of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans have been developed over the past several decades as this organism serves as a model acidophilic extremophile that is capable of both iron and sulfur oxidation. A. ferrooxidans strains have been created to elucidate the functions of various genes and metabolic pathways, such as those involved in iron and sulfur metabolism and biofilm formation. Recent metabolic engineering advances have endowed this organism with new capabilities to expand its use in biotechnology applications.