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Interspecies nutrient extraction and toxin delivery between bacteria

Author

Listed:
  • Ofer Stempler

    (The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Amit K. Baidya

    (The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Saurabh Bhattacharya

    (The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Ganesh Babu Malli Mohan

    (The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Jet Propulsion Laboratory Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group)

  • Elhanan Tzipilevich

    (The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Lior Sinai

    (The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Gideon Mamou

    (The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Sigal Ben-Yehuda

    (The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Abstract

Bacteria have developed various mechanisms by which they sense, interact, and kill other bacteria, in an attempt to outcompete one another and survive. Here we show that Bacillus subtilis can kill and prey on Bacillus megaterium. We find that Bacillus subtilis rapidly inhibits Bacillus megaterium growth by delivering the tRNase toxin WapA. Furthermore, utilizing the methionine analogue L-azidohomoalanine as a nutrient reporter, we provide evidence of nutrient extraction from Bacillus megaterium by Bacillus subtilis. Toxin delivery and nutrient extraction occur in a contact-dependent manner, and both activities are abolished in the absence of the phosphodiestrase YmdB, shown previously to mediate intercellular nanotube formation. Furthermore, we detect the localization of WapA molecules to nanotubes. Thus, we propose that Bacillus subtilis utilizes the same nanotube apparatus in a bidirectional manner, delivering toxin and acquiring beneficial cargo, thereby maximally exploiting potential niche resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Ofer Stempler & Amit K. Baidya & Saurabh Bhattacharya & Ganesh Babu Malli Mohan & Elhanan Tzipilevich & Lior Sinai & Gideon Mamou & Sigal Ben-Yehuda, 2017. "Interspecies nutrient extraction and toxin delivery between bacteria," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-017-00344-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00344-7
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