Deep (Meta)genomics and (Meta)transcriptome Analyses of Fungal and Bacteria Consortia From Aircraft Tanks and Kerosene Identify Key Genes in Fuel and Tank Corrosion

Microbial contamination of fuels, associated with a wide variety of bacteria and fungi, leads to decreased product quality and can compromise equipment performance by biofouling or microbiologically influenced corrosion. Detection and quantification of microorganisms are critical in monitoring fuel systems for an early detection of microbial contaminations. To address these challenges, we have analyzed six metagenomes, one transcriptome, and more than 1,200 fluid and swab samples taken from fuel tanks or kerosene. Our deep metagenome sequencing and binning approaches in combination with RNA-seq data and qPCR methods implied a metabolic symbiosis between fungi and bacteria. The most abundant bacteria were affiliated with α-, β-, and γ-Proteobacteria and the filamentous fungi Amorphotheca. We identified a high number of genes, which are related to kerosene degradation and biofilm formation. Surprisingly, a large number of genes coded enzymes involved in polymer degradation and potential bio-corrosion processes. Thereby, the transcriptionally most active microorganisms were affiliated with the genera Methylobacteria, Pseudomonas, Kocuria, Amorpotheka, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. Many not yet cultured bacteria and fungi appeared to contribute to the biofilm transcriptional activities. The largest numbers of transcripts were observed for dehydrogenase, oxygenase, and exopolysaccharide production, attachment and pili/flagella-associated proteins, efflux pumps, and secretion systems as well as lipase and esterase activity

Impacts of Research

High quality research that changes the world is what we strive for at the University of Otago Division of Health Sciences. It’s also what governments around the world are asking for. They want greater accountability from researchers who must articulate how research investment benefits communities and populations. Those benefits include health, societal, cultural, economic or environmental factors at the individual, whānau and community level. This booklet describes eight research impact case studies. They come from across the seven Schools in the Division of Health Sciences and highlight different stages of their impact journey. Each has been selected for making a meaningful contribution in a different field of research. These researchers are improving people’s health, changing local and central government policies, contributing to best practice guidelines, creating spin-off companies to commercialise research and building capability by training the next generation of scientists. By forming meaningful relationships with stakeholders, creating strong networks with other researchers and being advocates for policy change they are achieving success. We hope you enjoy discovering how their impact was achieved