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Previously uncharacterized rectangular bacterial structures in the dolphin mouth

Author

Listed:
  • Natasha K. Dudek

    (Stanford University School of Medicine
    University of California, Santa Cruz
    Quantori)

  • Jesus G. Galaz-Montoya

    (Stanford University)

  • Handuo Shi

    (Stanford University
    Stanford University School of Medicine)

  • Megan Mayer

    (SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
    Harvard Medical School)

  • Cristina Danita

    (Stanford University)

  • Arianna I. Celis

    (Stanford University School of Medicine)

  • Tobias Viehboeck

    (University of Vienna
    University of Vienna)

  • Gong-Her Wu

    (Stanford University)

  • Barry Behr

    (Stanford University School of Medicine)

  • Silvia Bulgheresi

    (University of Vienna)

  • Kerwyn Casey Huang

    (Stanford University
    Stanford University School of Medicine
    Chan Zuckerberg Biohub)

  • Wah Chiu

    (Stanford University
    Stanford University School of Medicine
    SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

  • David A. Relman

    (Stanford University School of Medicine
    Stanford University School of Medicine
    Chan Zuckerberg Biohub
    Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System)

Abstract

Much remains to be explored regarding the diversity of uncultured, host-associated microbes. Here, we describe rectangular bacterial structures (RBSs) in the mouths of bottlenose dolphins. DNA staining revealed multiple paired bands within RBSs, suggesting the presence of cells dividing along the longitudinal axis. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and tomography showed parallel membrane-bound segments that are likely cells, encapsulated by an S-layer-like periodic surface covering. RBSs displayed unusual pilus-like appendages with bundles of threads splayed at the tips. We present multiple lines of evidence, including genomic DNA sequencing of micromanipulated RBSs, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization, suggesting that RBSs are bacterial and distinct from the genera Simonsiella and Conchiformibius (family Neisseriaceae), with which they share similar morphology and division patterning. Our findings highlight the diversity of novel microbial forms and lifestyles that await characterization using tools complementary to genomics such as microscopy.

Suggested Citation

  • Natasha K. Dudek & Jesus G. Galaz-Montoya & Handuo Shi & Megan Mayer & Cristina Danita & Arianna I. Celis & Tobias Viehboeck & Gong-Her Wu & Barry Behr & Silvia Bulgheresi & Kerwyn Casey Huang & Wah C, 2023. "Previously uncharacterized rectangular bacterial structures in the dolphin mouth," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-37638-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37638-y
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