Expression Analysis of Ni- and V-Associated Resistance Genes in a Bacillus megaterium Strain Isolated from a Mining Site

Curr Microbiol. 2016 Aug;73(2):165-71. doi: 10.1007/s00284-016-1044-6. Epub 2016 Apr 23.

Abstract

Bacillus megaterium strain MNSH1-9K-1 was isolated from a mining site in Guanajuato, Mexico. This B. megaterium strain presented the ability to remove Ni and V from a spent catalyst. Also, its associated metal resistance genes nccA, hant, VAN2, and smtAB were previously identified by a PCR approach. The present study reports for the first time, in B. megaterium, the changes in the expression of the genes nccA (Ni-Co-Cd resistance); hant (high-affinity nickel transporter); smtAB, a metal-binding protein gene; and VAN2 (V resistance) after exposure to 200 ppm of Ni and 200 ppm of V during the stationary phase of the microorganism in PHGII liquid media. The data presented here may contribute to the knowledge of the genes involved in the Ni and V resistances of B. megaterium, and the possible pathways implicated in the Ni-V removal processes, which may be potentiated for the biological treatment of high metal content residues.

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus megaterium / genetics*
  • Bacillus megaterium / isolation & purification
  • Bacillus megaterium / metabolism
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Mexico
  • Mining
  • Nickel / metabolism*
  • Soil Microbiology*
  • Vanadium / metabolism*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Vanadium
  • Nickel