The mechanistic and physiological significance of Hfq in bacterial sRNA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a major greenhouse gas, with 300-fold greater warming potential than carbon dioxide. A major source of N2O comes from soil microbes utilising nitrogen-based fertilisers rather than oxygen to breathe in a process called denitrification. The final step in denitrification, the reduction of N2O to N2, is carried out by the enzyme nitrous oxide reductase, NosZ. However, NosZ does not always work in natural environments, and we know that denitrifying organisms make a substantial contribution to N2O emissions. An expanding global population means fertiliser use will increase to meet food demands. Without intervention this will lead to increased N2O emissions.
Our understanding of the “how” and “when” denitrification is switched on and off in bacteria is relatively poor. Our team have made significant contributions to the understanding of regulation of bacterial denitrification including the role of small, non-coding, RNAs (sRNAs). sRNAs have critical roles in regulation of a multitude of physiological processes in bacteria. We published the first evidence that manipulation of sRNAs impacts N2O emissions.
We seek an enthusiastic individual with a background in microbiology to join the team. We will combine a range of microbial physiology, molecular and functional genomics approaches to understand the contribution of the RNA chaperone Hfq, and associated sRNAs, to regulation of denitrification in the model bacteria Paracoccus denitrificans.
Comprehensive training will be provided in all areas. The successful individual will have the opportunity to visit the lab our of collaborators in Oslo. Professional and personal development of all members of the Rowley laboratory is a major priority, and the team are supported to attend a diverse range of internal and external courses. Presentation of results at international conferences will be an important aspect of the training provided.
References
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Moeller S, Payá G, Bonete M-J, Gates AJ, Richardson DJ, Esclapez J, Rowley G. Microbial Small RNAs–The Missing Link in the Nitrogen Cycle? Frontiers in Environmental Science. 2021;9:158;
Xue CX, Liu JW, Lea-Smith DJ, Rowley G, Lin HY, Zheng YF, Zhu XY, Liang JC, Ahmad W, Todd JD, Zhang XH. Insights into the Vertical Stratification of Microbial Ecological Roles across the Deepest Seawater Column on Earth. Microorganisms. 2020;8(9):1309.
Gaimster H, Hews CL, Griffiths R, Soriano-Laguna MJ, Richardson DJ, Gates AJ, Rowley G. A Central Small RNA Regulatory Circuit Controlling Bacterial Denitrification and N2O Emissions. mBio. 2019;10(4)
Sullivan MJ, Gates AJ, Rowley G, Richardson DJ. Copper control of bacterial nitrous oxide emission and its impact on vitamin B12-dependent metabolism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013;110(49):19926-31