Work

Guanidine Riboswitch-Regulated Efflux Transporters Protect Bacteria against Ionic Liquid Toxicity

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: This study identifies bacteria that are tolerant to ionic liquid solvents used in the production of biofuels and industrial biochemicals. For industrial microbiology, it is essential to find less-harmful reagents and microbes that are resistant to their cytotoxic effects. We identified a family of small multidrug resistance efflux transporters, which are responsible for the tolerance of these strains. We also found that this resistance can be caused by mutations in the sequences of guanidine-specific riboswitches that regulate these efflux pumps. Extending this knowledge, we demonstrated that guanidine itself can promote ionic liquid tolerance. Our findings will inform genetic engineering strategies that improve conversion of cellulosic sugars into biofuels and biochemicals in processes where low concentrations of ionic liquids surpass bacterial tolerance.

Source: Journal of Bacteriology

DOI: 10.1128/jb.00069-19

Authors: Douglas A. Higgins, John M. Gladden, Jeff A. Kimbrel, Blake A. Simmons, Steven W. Singer, Michael P. Thelen

Institutions: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Sandia National Laboratories California, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: U.S. Department of Energy

Awards: G14554683, G42916606