Multiple roles of extracellular vesicles in promoting microbial driven elemental cycle

ABSTRACT:

Microbial driven manganese (Mn) reduction influences the geochemical cycling of Mn and the environmental fate of various organic and inorganic substances. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to impact microbial metabolic activities, but their specific role in Mn reduction remains arcane. Here, we investigated the potential and mechanistic roles of EVs in this process by integrating metagenomic analysis of environmental EVs with functional assays in representative dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria. Microbial physiological assays and in situ electrochemical analyses revealed that the addition of EVs enhanced cellular metabolism, promoted biofilm formation, and facilitated extracellular electron transfer. The presence of various redox enzymes and metabolites in EVs contributed to more efficient substrate utilization and energy conservation. The electron transfer-promoting effect of EVs is primarily attributed to OmcA/MtrC, CymA, and FMN. These findings highlight the multifaceted role of EVs in microbial Mn reduction and suggest their broader involvement in elemental cycling and pollutant degradation.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - positive - HILIC, Liquid Chromatography MS - negative - HILIC

PROVIDER: MTBLS12724 | MetaboLights | 2025-07-16

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights