A parasite not only consumes its host’s nutrients but also alters the host’s metabolism and biology. NIOZ microbiologists have discovered this phenomenon for the first time in a group of parasitic microbes known as DPANN archaea. Their research indicates that these archaea are selective in their diet, which may prompt their hosts to modify their eating habits.The study, which was published in Nature Communications, revealed that DPANN archaea are selective in their eating habits. This selectivity could potentially lead their hosts to change their diet. Archaea, a group of microbes similar to bacteria, were the focus of the research conducted by a team of NIOZ microbiologists. The DPANN archaea, with their small cells and limited genetic material, make up about half of all known archaea. These organisms rely on other microbes for survival, attaching themselves to their host and extracting lipids to use as building material for their own membranes.
Discerning Eaters
Previously, it was believed that these parasitic archaea consumed any type of lipids from their host in order to form their membrane. However, Ding and Hamm have now demonstrated for the first time that the parasitic archaeon Candidatus Nanohaloarchaeum antarcticus does not possess all of the lipids found in its host Halorubrum lacusprofundi, but only a specific selection of them. “In other words, Ca. N. antarcticus is a discerning eater,” Hamm explains.
Host Reaction to Parasite
By examining the lipids in the host with and without their parasites, Ding andHamm found that the host reacts to the presence of parasites by altering their membrane. This involves changing the types and quantities of lipids used, as well as modifying the lipids to alter their behavior. This results in an increased metabolism and a more resilient membrane that is difficult for the parasite to penetrate. Hamm suggests that this could have implications for the host’s ability to respond to environmental changes such as temperature or acidity. Additionally, a new technique has been introduced that could revolutionize the field.
The microbiologists are very excited about these new findings in the field of microbiological research. Su Ding at NIOZ has developed a new analytical technique that has completely changed the game. Previously, analyzing lipids required knowledge of the specific lipid groups being targeted. However, Ding’s new technique allows for the simultaneous analysis of all lipids, including ones that were previously unknown. According to Hamm, this new approach has made it much easier to observe changes in the lipids, which may not have been possible using the traditional method.
New insight
The microbiologists are very excited about these new developments and insights.The findings shed new light on the interactions between different archaea and provide a fresh perspective on the basics of microbial ecology. Hamm emphasizes the significance of demonstrating that parasitic microbes can impact the metabolism of other microbes, potentially influencing their ability to respond to changes in their environment. Further research is necessary to understand the potential impact on the stability of microbial communities under varying conditions. Archaea, bacteria, and higher organisms are all affected by these findings. Archaea, in particular, were previously thought to be a specific type of bacteria.A unique group of bacteria that lacks a nucleus with DNA or other organelles within their cells are the archaea. In the 1970s, microbiologists changed their classification, no longer considering archaea bacteria, instead categorizing them as a separate domain within all life forms. Therefore, archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes now exist, with eukaryotes encompassing animals and plants, possessing a nucleus with genetic material in their cells.The study found that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can alter the behavior of its host. This was published in Nature Communications in 2024. The specific details can be found in volume 15, issue 1 with the DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-47750-2.