Rock-driven Changes in the Bacterial Proteome

What is it about?

In this paper, a state-of-the-art proteomics approach was used to investigate the molecular adaptations used by a model bacterium (Cupriavidus metallidurans) in the presence of basalt. While rocks were found to provide a source of certain bioessential elements, they also introduced several stresses associated with pH, elemental leaching and the surface adsorption of nutrients. These geochemical changes correlated with complex shifts in the bacterial proteome, which were primarily associated with responses to phosphorus limitation.

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Why is it important?

This work shows that rocks impose upon cells a multiple-stress environment that influences cell growth and requires the up- and down-regulation of a diverse suite of proteins. By identifying key molecular responses elicited by bacteria in the presence of basalt, this work provides an important insight into the physiological mechanisms that enable microorganisms to colonize and persist within rocky environments.