Francisco Najera

Dr. Francisco Najera


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 October 2021 in Biology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IJIgnacio Jofré
Ignacio Jofré
FMFrancisco J. Matus
Francisco J. Matus
DMDaniela Mendoza
Daniela Mendoza
FNFrancisco Najera
Francisco Najera
CMCarolina Merino
Carolina Merino
Manganese (Mn) oxidation is performed through oxidative Mn-oxidizing bacteria (MnOxb) as the main bio-weathering mechanism for Mn(III/IV) deposits during soil formation. However, with an increase in temperature, the respiration rate also increases, producing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) as by-products, which are harmful to microbial cells. We hypothesize that bacterial ROS oxidize Mn(II) to Mn(III/IV) as a secondary non-enzymatic temperature-dependent mechanism for cell protection. Fourteen MnOxb were isolated from Antarctic soils under the global warming effect, and peroxidase (PO) activity, ROS, and Mn(III/IV) production were evaluated for 120 h of incubation at 4 °C, 15 °C, and 30 °C. ROS contributions to Mn oxidation were evaluated in Arthrobacter oxydans under antioxidant (Trolox) and ROS-stimulated (menadione) conditions. The Mn(III/IV) concentration increased with temperature and positively correlated with ROS production. ROS scavenging with Trolox depleted the Mn oxidation, and ROS-stimulant increased the Mn precipitation in A. oxydans. Increasing the Mn(II) concentration caused a reduction in the membrane potential and bacterial viability, which resulted in Mn precipitation on the bacteria surface. In conclusion, bacterial ROS production serves as a complementary non-enzymatic temperature-dependent mechanism for Mn(II) oxidation as a response in warming environments.