Who is Anaeromyxobacter?

Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans is the first Myxobacterium capable of anaerobic respiration. Anaeromyxobacter spp. are true versaphiles and use ortho-substituted halophenols, oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, soluble and amorphous ferric iron, hexavalent uranium, nitrous oxide, manganese and fumarate as electron acceptors.  A variety of compounds, including acetate and hydrogen, serve as electron donors.  Numerous strains have been isolated from a variety of pristine and contaminated habitats.  Specific molecular tools suggest that Anaeromyxobacter spp. are abundant and active in soil and freshwater sediment and subsurface environments where they affect nitrogen and carbon turnover, metal speciation, and the cycling of halogens.

The complete genome sequences of strains 2CP-C and Fw109-5 have been determined by DOE’s Joint Genome Institute and revealed exciting information about Anaeromyxobacter lifestyle and gave unprecedented insight into the evolution of the Delta-Proteobacteria. Two additional Anaeromyxobacter strains are currently being sequenced by JGI and comparative genomics analysis will bring to light additional details of this fascinating bacterial group. Anaeromyxobacter spp. are receiving increasing attention and WAU is likely to grow.  Stay tuned for the first WAU meeting in 2008!

There is something fascinating about science. One gets such wholesale returns of conjecture out of such a trifling investment of fact