D3NAs · Coping with Inhospitable Sweetness: Insights from a (Diversity)^3 Study of Nectar Acinetobacters
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2017-08-01 → 2019-07-31
- EU contribution
- €160,800
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-ST
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Coping with Inhospitable Sweetness: Insights from a (Diversity)^3 Study of Nectar Acinetobacters
Microorganisms find in plants heterogeneous and highly dynamic habitats which can differ widely at macro- and microscales in physico-chemical conditions and nutrient availability. Most previous studies on plant microbiology have focused on describing the astonishing diversity of microorganisms occurring in the rhizosphere and the phyllosphere, whereas other plant parts like flowers as microbial habitats have remained underexplored until recently. In this regard, an emerging focus of research is the study of floral nectar as a natural habitat for different highly adapted microorganisms that are able to withstand elevated sugar contents and the presence of plant secondary metabolites with defensive functions, including a study of the ecological role of these nectar inhabitants. The species of the genus Acinetobacter (also known as “acinetobacters”) rank among the most frequent bacterial nectar-dwellers, but the diversity and ecological role(s) of these microorganisms still remain poorly characterized. The overall objective of this Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) was to provide novel insights on why the acinetobacters can thrive so well in floral nectar and animal pollinators. To this end, we followed a multidisciplinary approach that dealt with different levels of study of the diversity of the nectar acinetobacters (“D3 approach”), namely phylogenetic, phenotypic and genomic diversity. Notably, our research approach combined several disciplines, including microbial ecology, population phylogenetics, bacterial physiology, phenomics and genomics, so as to provide the experienced researcher (ER) with numerous opportunities to extend his knowledge in such disciplines, and to establish strong international and multidisciplinary collaborations with several scientists from both the host institution and other organizations. Additionally, through the implementation of this action, the ER aimed to boost his potential for reaching a position of professional maturity by getting additional training in management, communication, dissemination and exploitation of results, and networking.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Plants are hotspots of microbial diversity, and novel lineages of plant-associated microorganisms are continuously described. Recently, floral nectar has been identified as the natural habitat of different highly adapted yeasts and bacteria which can withstand elevated sugar contents and the presence of plant secondary metabolites with defensive functions. As a consequence of their metabolism, these microorganisms can reduce the nutritional value of nectar and profoundly alter its chemistry, and thus modify pollinators’ foraging behavior and indirectly affect plant fitness. Although the bacterial species Acinetobacter nectaris and A. boissieri (""nectar acinetobacters"", NAs) are among the most frequent bacterial nectar-dwellers, their diversity and intriguing ubiquitous occurrence in floral nectar still remain poorly characterized. Through a comprehensive study of the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic diversity (“diversity(D)^3 approach”) of NAs, the proposed project aims to explain why A. nectaris and A. boissieri are particularly well suited to thrive in the “inhospitable sweetness” of floral nectar. This research question will be addressed by using state-of-the-art methodologies of high-throughput phenotyping, phylogenetic inference and whole-genome sequencing and analysis. The combination of expertises in applied phylogenetics of the applicant (experienced researcher, ER) and in phenomics and genomics of the host institute will be key for a successful completion of the work plan. Additionally, the implementation of this action will involve training in management, communication, dissemination and exploitation of results, and networking, all of which will boost the ER's potential for reaching a position of professional maturity.""
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN · LeuvenCoordinatorBelgium
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union