Previously uncharacterized rectangular bacterial structures in the dolphin mouth

Natasha K. Dudek, Jesus G. Galaz-Montoya, Handuo Shi, Megan Mayer, Cristina Danita, Arianna I. Celis, Tobias Viehboeck, Gong-Her Wu, Barry Behr, Silvia Bulgheresi, Kerwyn Casey Huang, Wah Chiu and David A. Relman ()
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Natasha K. Dudek: Stanford University School of Medicine
Jesus G. Galaz-Montoya: Stanford University
Handuo Shi: Stanford University
Megan Mayer: SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Cristina Danita: Stanford University
Arianna I. Celis: Stanford University School of Medicine
Tobias Viehboeck: University of Vienna
Gong-Her Wu: Stanford University
Barry Behr: Stanford University School of Medicine
Silvia Bulgheresi: University of Vienna
Kerwyn Casey Huang: Stanford University
Wah Chiu: Stanford University
David A. Relman: Stanford University School of Medicine

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Much remains to be explored regarding the diversity of uncultured, host-associated microbes. Here, we describe rectangular bacterial structures (RBSs) in the mouths of bottlenose dolphins. DNA staining revealed multiple paired bands within RBSs, suggesting the presence of cells dividing along the longitudinal axis. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and tomography showed parallel membrane-bound segments that are likely cells, encapsulated by an S-layer-like periodic surface covering. RBSs displayed unusual pilus-like appendages with bundles of threads splayed at the tips. We present multiple lines of evidence, including genomic DNA sequencing of micromanipulated RBSs, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization, suggesting that RBSs are bacterial and distinct from the genera Simonsiella and Conchiformibius (family Neisseriaceae), with which they share similar morphology and division patterning. Our findings highlight the diversity of novel microbial forms and lifestyles that await characterization using tools complementary to genomics such as microscopy.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37638-y

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