Biology subjects

Patil, P. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Patil, P. P..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Extracellular electron transport in coral-algal symbiosis studied by chlorophyll fluorescence relaxation and ferricyanide reduction

Coral health depends on intricate metabolic interactions between the coral host and its symbiotic algae, Symbiodiniaceae. While nutrient exchange is well established, electron-level interactions have remained unexplored. Here, we provide evidence for extracellular electron transport (EET) within coral-algal symbiosis, supported by variable chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence and ferricyanide reduction measurements. We observed a slow wave in the relaxation of flash-induced Chl fluorescence kinetics under microaerobic conditions in both isolated Fugacium kawagutii (CS156) cells and intact corals, reflecting redox dynamics of the primary quinone electron acceptor (QA) in the photosynthetic electron transport chain. The addition of the extracellular electron acceptor ferricyanide decreased the wave amplitude and QA reduction while being reduced to ferrocyanide, demonstrating EET from the symbiont to extracellular acceptors. Slower Chl fluorescence rise kinetics under continuous illumination in intact corals compared to isolated symbionts indicate that electrons may also flow from symbionts to the host. Under low oxygen conditions, QA was gradually reduced in corals in darkness but not in isolated symbiont cultures, suggesting electron transfer from host to symbiont. Together, these results indicate bidirectional extracellular electron exchange between symbiotic partners, pointing to a previously unrecognized mechanism for redox balancing in coral-algal symbiosis. This pathway likely contributes to metabolic resilience and the maintenance of coral health under fluctuating environmental conditions.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Global transcriptome analysis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in response to growth at human body temperature

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Smal) is a typical example of an environmental originated opportunistic human pathogen, which can thrive at different habitats including the human body and can cause a wide range of infections. It must cope with heat stress during transition from the environment to the human body as the physiological temperature of the human body (37 {square}) is higher than environmental niches (22-30 {square}). Interestingly, S. rhizophila a phylogenetic neighbour of Smal within genus Stenotrophomonas is unable to grow at 37 {square}. Thus, it is crucial to understand how Smal is adapted to human body temperature, which could suggest its evolution as an opportunistic human pathogen. In this study, we have performed comparative transcriptome analysis of S. maltophilia grown at 28 {square} and 37 {square} as temperature representative for environmental niches and human body respectively. RNA-Seq analysis revealed several interesting findings showing alterations in gene expression levels at 28 {square} and 37 {square}, which can play an important role during infection. We have observed downregulation of genes involved in cellular motility, energy production and metabolism, replication and repair whereas upregulation of VirB/D4 Type IV secretion system, aerotaxis, cation diffusion facilitator family transporter and LacI family transcriptional regulators at 37 {square}. Microscopy and plate assays corroborated altered expression of genes involved in motility. The results obtained enhance our understanding of the strategies employed by S. maltophilia during adaptation towards the human body. Impact statementStenotrophomonas maltophilia (Smal) is a WHO listed multidrug resistant nosocomial pathogen. Interestingly, S. maltophilia species can grow both at 28 {square} and 37 {square} unlike its closest taxonomic relative, i.e., S. rhizophila and also majority species belonging this genus. Hence this ability to grow at 37 {square}, i.e., human body temperature might have played key role in the unique success and emergence of this species as opportunistic human pathogen. Using transcriptome sequencing, we have identified set of genes which are differentially regulated at 37 {square} and investigated their evolutionary history. This study has revealed regulation of genes involved in motility, metabolism, energy, replication, transcription, aerotaxis and a type IV secretion system might have a role in successful adaption to a distinct lifestyle. The findings will be helpful in further systematic studies on understanding and management of an emerging human pathogen such as Smal.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2019

Extreme genome selection towards complete antimicrobial resistance in a nosocomial strain of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex

We report first complete genome sequence and analysis of an extreme drug resistance (XDR) nosocomial Stenotrophomonas maltophilia that is resistant to the mainstream drugs i.e. trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SXT) and levofloxacin. Taxonogenomic analysis revealed it to be a novel genomospecies of the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex (Smc). Comprehensive genomic investigation revealed fourteen dynamic regions (DRs) exclusive to SM866, consisting of diverse antibiotic resistance genes, efflux pumps, heavy metal resistance, various transcriptional regulators etc. Further, resistome analysis of Smc clearly depicted SM866 to be an enriched strain, having diversified resistome consisting of sul1 and sul2 genes. Interestingly, SM866 does not have any plasmid but it harbors two diverse super-integrons of chromosomal origin. Apart from genes for sulfonamide resistance (sul1 and sul2), both of these integrons harbor an array of antibiotic resistance genes linked to ISCR (IS91-like elements common regions) elements. These integrons also harbor genes encoding resistance to commonly used disinfectants like quaternary ammonium compounds and heavy metals like mercury. Hence, isolation of a novel strain belonging to a novel sequence type (ST) and genomospecies with diverse array of resistance from a tertiary care unit of India indicates extent and nature of selection pressure driving XDRs in hospital settings. There is an urgent need to employ complete genome based investigation using emerging technologies for tracking emergence of XDR at the global level and designing strategies of sanitization and antibiotic regime.\n\nImpact StatementThe hospital settings in India have one of the highest usage of antimicrobials and heavy patient load. Our finding of a novel clinical isolate of S. maltophilia complex with two super-integrons harbouring array of antibiotic resistance genes along with antimicrobials resistance genes indicates the extent and the nature of selection pressures in action. Further, the presence of ISCR type of transposable elements on both integrons not only indicates its propensity to transfer resistome but also their chromosomal origin suggests possibilities for further genomic/phenotypic complexities. Such complex cassettes and strain are potential threat to global health care. Hence, there is an urgent need to employ cost-effective long read technologies to keep vigilance on novel and extreme antimicrobial resistance pathogens in populous countries. There is also need for surveillance for usage of antimicrobials for hygiene and linked/rapid co-evolution of extreme drug resistance in nosocomial pathogens. Our finding of the chromosomal encoding XDR will shed a light on the need of hour to understand the evolution of an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen belonging to S. maltophilia.\n\nRepositoriesComplete genome sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia SM866: CP031058

genomics↗