Unprecedented bacterial forms found in dolphin mouths

Researchers have uncovered a new type of bacteria in the mouths of bottlenose dolphins, showcasing the uncharted microbial diversity and underscoring the importance of combined genetic and visual analyses. The study by Natasha Dudek, Jesus Galaz-Montoya and several others was published on April 13.

The microscopic realm, ever since its first observations by van Leeuwenhoek, has revealed a mesmerizing variety of shapes and forms, according to the study. These intricate designs, from the stellar configurations of the Stella bacteria to the unique patterns of the Myxobacterales order, aren't just for show. They have been sculpted by eons of environmental interactions, influencing everything from how they move to how they interact with host organisms. Delving into these structures, the study states, can provide key insights into their ecological roles and even inspire technological innovations, such as optogenetics and the groundbreaking CRISPR technology.

According to the study, the microscope isn't the only tool revolutionizing our microbial understanding; genomics has thrown open doors to previously hidden bacterial lineages. While sequencing has revealed diverse life strategies and new functional potentials, it does have its blind spots, especially when dealing with bacteria that defy cultivation. However, the study states that microscopy, rejuvenated by cutting-edge methods like cryogenic electron imaging, offers a refreshing perspective. The study claims that this approach is essential to shed light on the vast bacterial diversity, especially in overlooked habitats like the mouths of marine creatures.

Among the most captivating discoveries in these overlooked habitats is within the mouths of bottlenose dolphins, according to the study. There, researchers found distinct rectangular bacterial formations or RBSs. Reportedly, what they found was not just any bacteria; their unique DNA patterns, coupled with their distinct structural features, mark them as something special. Through a combination of advanced genomic techniques and traditional microscopy, the study determined that these RBSs are unlike any bacteria seen before, standing apart from known genera. Such discoveries, the study states, underscore the immense microbial diversity waiting to be unveiled and the importance of marrying genomic tools with microscopic observations.

Nature: Natasha Dudek, et al., Previously uncharacterized rectangular bacterial structures in the dolphin mouth, Nature Communications (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37638-y