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Sponge-associated bacteria mineralize arsenic and barium on intracellular vesicles

Author

Listed:
  • Ray Keren

    (George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University)

  • Boaz Mayzel

    (George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University)

  • Adi Lavy

    (George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University)

  • Iryna Polishchuk

    (Faculty of Materials Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology)

  • Davide Levy

    (Faculty of Materials Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology)

  • Sirine C. Fakra

    (Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab)

  • Boaz Pokroy

    (Faculty of Materials Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology)

  • Micha Ilan

    (George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University)

Abstract

Arsenic and barium are ubiquitous environmental toxins that accumulate in higher trophic-level organisms. Whereas metazoans have detoxifying organs to cope with toxic metals, sponges lack organs but harbour a symbiotic microbiome performing various functions. Here we examine the potential roles of microorganisms in arsenic and barium cycles in the sponge Theonella swinhoei, known to accumulate high levels of these metals. We show that a single sponge symbiotic bacterium, Entotheonella sp., constitutes the arsenic- and barium-accumulating entity within the host. These bacteria mineralize both arsenic and barium on intracellular vesicles. Our results indicate that Entotheonella sp. may act as a detoxifying organ for its host.

Suggested Citation

  • Ray Keren & Boaz Mayzel & Adi Lavy & Iryna Polishchuk & Davide Levy & Sirine C. Fakra & Boaz Pokroy & Micha Ilan, 2017. "Sponge-associated bacteria mineralize arsenic and barium on intracellular vesicles," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms14393
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14393
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