Polyphosphate Metabolic Gene Expression Analyses Reveal Mechanisms of Phosphorus Accumulation and Release in Microlunatus phosphovorus Strain JN459

The ability of Microlunatus phosphovorus to accumulate large amounts of polyphosphate (Poly-P) plays an important role in removing soluble phosphorus from wastewater. Our analyses indicate that Microlunatus phosphovorus accumulates Poly-P under aerobic conditions but releases phosphorus under anaerobic conditions. To determine the mechanisms underlying Poly-P metabolism, we compared transcriptional profiles under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Significant differences were detected in the expression levels of genes associated with Poly-P metabolism between aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of phosphate metabolism in a major bacterial species involved in wastewater phosphorus reduction. Overall design: mRNA profiles of Microlunatus phosphovorus at 86 h and 92 h in SBR were generated by deep sequencing