Cable bacteria are multicellular prokaryotes that transfer electrons over centimeter-scale distances in marine and freshwater sediments. They achieve this through conductive fibers running along their length, containing a NiBiD cofactor with nickel. So far, scientists have identified two genera—Candidatus Electrothrix and Candidatus Electronema—but their genetic and structural diversity is still not fully explored.
A new study by researchers at Oregon State University reports the isolation and characterization of a novel bacterium species. The researchers discovered the species in a mud flat on the Oregon coast.
The newly identified species of bacteria acts as electrical wiring, potentially ushering in a new era of bioelectronic devices. Researchers named it Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis in honor of the Native Americans of the region where the species was found.
Researchers Cheng Li and Clare Reimers discovered a new species of cable bacteria in Yaquina Bay estuary sediment samples. These bacteria form long, rod-shaped filaments, with cells connected by a shared outer membrane. Their electrical conductivity, rare among bacteria, helps them thrive in sediment environments.
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The new species has genes and metabolic pathways that blend traits from Ca. Electrothrix and Ca. Electronema is one of the two known cable bacteria genera.
This newly discovered cable bacterium appears to be an early branch within the Ca. The Electrothrix clade, offering insights into its evolution and function in various environments. It has distinctive metabolic traits and stands out due to its unique structural features, including three times wider surface ridges than other species. These ridges house highly conductive fibers made of nickel-based molecules.
The bacterium’s fibers allow it to transport electrons across long distances, linking electron acceptors like oxygen and nitrate at the sediment surface to electron donors like sulfide in deeper layers. This capability enables it to drive reduction-oxidation reactions over large areas, making it a key player in sediment geochemistry and nutrient cycling.
The newly discovered Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis may have exciting applications in environmental cleanup and bioelectronics. These cable bacteria can transfer electrons, enabling them to remove pollutants from sediments. Their highly conductive nickel-based protein could also inspire new bioelectronic technologies.
Cable bacteria thrive in varied climates, inhabiting freshwater and saltwater sediments in different environments: the species name Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis honors the Yaqona people, whose ancestral lands included Yaquina Bay. “Yaqona” refers to the bay, river, and people, connecting this discovery to the region’s rich history.
Journal Reference:
- Anwar Hiralal, Philip Ley, et al. A novel cable bacteria species with distinct morphology and genomic potential. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. DOI: 10.1128/aem.02502-24
