Development and application of aerobic, chemically defined media for Dysgonomonas

Published: Aug. 12, 2020, 2:07 a.m.

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.11.247353v1?rss=1 Authors: Bridges, C. M., Gage, D. J. Abstract: Members of Dysgonomonas are Gram-negative, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic coccobacilli originally described in relation to their isolation stool and wounds of human patients (CDC group DF-3). More recently Dysgonomonas have been found to be widely distributed in terrestrial environments and are particularly enriched in insect systems. Their prevalence in xylophagous insects such as termites and wood-feeding cockroaches, as well as in soil-fed microbial fuel cells, elicit interest in lignocellulose degradation and biofuel production, respectively. Their prevalence in mosquito and fruit fly have implications relating to symbiosis, host immunology and developmental biology. Additionally, their prevalence in termite, mosquito and nematode present novel opportunities for pest and vector control. Currently, the absolute growth requirements of Dysgonomonas are unknown, and they are cultured solely under anaerobic conditions on complex media containing blood, peptones, tryptones, and yeast, plant or meat extracts. Restrictive & undefined culturing conditions preclude physiological and genetic studies, and thus further understanding of metabolic potential. Here we describe the requirements for growth of termite-derived Dysgonomonas isolates and create parallel defined, minimal and complex media that permit vigorous and reliable aerobic growth. Furthermore, we show that these media can be used to easily enrich for Dysgonomonas isolates from complex and microbially-diverse environmental samples. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info