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BMBA
HQ
LAST UPDATED: 12/10/97 | Webmaster:
max.atkinson@dial.pipex.com 
MISSION STATEMENT The British Microbial Biodiversity Association (BMBA) aims to provide a link between and within UK Universities and Bioindustries in order to promote the investigation, preservation and rational exploitation of global microbial biodiversity.
The British Microbial Biodiversity Association incorporates the UK Extremophile Network (UKEN) whose role is to promote interactive research on extremophilic micro-organisms.
News !!!
NEWS !!!Members of the Association visited the British Protectorate of Montserrat in March of 1996. The expedition was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to investigate the microbial diversity of the Montserrat soufrieres, the thermal springs associated with the island's volcano. For a fuller report on the expedition and a photographic record, click here.
In June 1996, BMBA sent a team of microbiologists to monitor and sample the Wooton Basset (Gloucestershire, UK) mud springs. These unusual sites are more than 120 meters deep and emit a steady flow of fluidised mud at a rate of several cubic meters per day. The BMBA scientists are interested in the anaerobic microbiology of the mud flow and the possible links between this source and the deep terrestrial biosphere. For a fuller report on the expedition and photographic record, click here.
Dr. Judy McArdell, while on vacation in Bermuda in August 1996 undertook a preliminary evaluation, for microbiological purposes, of these geologically unique caves which support rare macrobiotopes. The nearest evolutionary relatives of these biotopes are found in the Pacific, giving rise to speculation of an ancient subterranean link between the relatively isolated landmass of Bermuda and the Pacific. The caves are currently under environmental threat and dependent on the data, a further evaluation may be required which is in discussion with the UK Dependent Territories Conservation Forum and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
BMBA is currently planning an expedition to investigate the Chagos islands in the Indian ocean. These islands are believed to represent one of the most unpolluted areas in the world. Watch this space!
Recently released copies of the BMBA newsletter, called " µnews ", are now available. Contact Clare Robinson or Sue Hill for copies.
BMBA Objectives BMBA Executive Committee
Chairman Prof.Tony Atkinson Chimaeron Ltd.,8 Centre 1,
Lysander Way,Salisbury
SP4 6BU,UK.
Chief Executive Dr.Don Cowan Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology,University
College London,Gower St.,
London WC1E 6BT,UK.
Committee Dr.Mike Danson Department of Biochemistry,
University of Bath,Claverton Down,
Bath,UK.
Administration Ms.Sue Hill Chimaeron Ltd.,8 Centre 1,
Lysander Way,Salisbury
SP4 6BU,UK.
Business Development Dr.Judy McArdell Chimaeron Ltd.,8 Centre 1,
Lysander Way,Salisbury
SP4 6BU,UK.
Industrial Liaison Dr.Jamie McQuade Helix Biotechnology Ltd.,Darwin
Building,University College London,
Gower St.,London WC1E 6BT,UK.
Reports Editor/ Dr.Clare Robinson Department of Science Communication
Publicity and Education,John Innes Centre,
Norwich Research Park,Colney,
Norwich NR4 7UH,UK.
Curator of Culture Prof.Richard Sharp CAMR,Porton Down,Salisbury
Collection SP4 OJG,UK.
UKEN
Committee
Chairman Prof. Tony Atkinson Chimaeron Ltd.,8 Centre 1,
Lysander Way,Salisbury
SP4 6BU,UK.
Committee Dr. Don Cowan Department of Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology,University
College London,Gower St.,
London WC1E 6BT,UK.
Committee Dr. Mike Danson Department of Biochemistry,
University of Bath,Claverton Down,
Bath,UK.
Treasurer Prof. Bill Grant Department of Microbiology,
University of Leicester,
Leicester,UK.
Committee Dr. Paul Norris Department of Biological Sciences,
University of Warwick,
Gibbet Hill,Coventry,UK.
Committee Prof. Nick Russell Wye College,University of London,
Wye TN27 5AH,UK.
Committee Prof. Richard Sharp CAMR, Porton Down,Salisbury
SP4 OJG,UK.
BMBA
Membership: AcademicMembers of the UK academic community wishing to join the BMBA should complete the form below and forward it by fax to: Don Cowan, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, UK. FAX: +44 (0)171 380 7193. For a single page print out form, click here.
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BMBA
Membership: Institutional UK Institutes wishing to join the BMBA should complete the form below and forward it by fax to: Don Cowan, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, UK. FAX: +44 (0)171 380 7193. For a single page print out form, click here.
Title: .....................................................
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First name: .....................................................
Address: .....................................................
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.....................................................
.....................................................
Telephone: .....................................................
FAX: .....................................................
E-MAIL: .....................................................
Research Interests: ........................................................................
........................................................................
Expertise: ........................................................................
........................................................................
........................................................................
As a member of the Association you will receive:
You may be asked to:
BMBA
Membership: Industrial The BMBA encourages representatives of UK biological and chemical industries to become Associate members.
Representatives of UK industry wishing to join the BMBA should complete the form below and forward it by fax to: Don Cowan, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, UK. FAX: +44 (0)171 380 7193. For a single page print out form, click here.
Title: .....................................................
Surname: .....................................................
First name: .....................................................
Address: .....................................................
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Telephone: .....................................................
FAX: .....................................................
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Commercial Interests: ......................................................................
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Culture
CollectionThe BMBA Microbial Culture Collection is held at Porton Down under the supervision of Richard Sharp. For more information on accessing or depositing strains, contact: Richard Sharp, CAMR, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 OJG, UK. Telephone: +44 (0)1980 612443. FAX: +44 (0)1980 611 320. E-MAIL: 100347.1397@compuserve.com
From the Montserrat Expedition
Thermophilic bacilli - 65C isolates from Neil Raven,CAMR and Don Cowan,UCL. Thermus - several 75C isolates from Neil Raven,CAMR. Rhodothermus - several 60C isolates from Neil Raven,CAMR and Don Cowan,UCL. Sulfobacillus - a 62C metal oxidising strain from Paul Norris,Warwick. Sulfolobus - a 78C metal oxidising strain from Paul Norris,Warwick. Acidimicrobium - a 60C metal oxidising strain from Paul Norris,Warwick.
Other collections affiliated to BMBA
Extremophile Collection, EBS, CAMR - 3000 strains University of Portsmouth, Marine fungal - 7500 strains CER, University of Bath, Extremophiles - 600 strains University of Coimbra, Portugal, Thermus species - 300 strains Centre for Biological Research, Naples, Italy, - 2000 strains Bacillus species. Helix Bug Bank™ - 2000 strains
Other culture collections are being negotiated and will be added at intervals
Forthcoming
EventsThe following is a list of forthcoming events which may be of interest to BMBA members. If you know of any forthcoming events which you would like to see advertised here, contact Don Cowan or Tony Atkinson.
Oostende, Belgium, 21-24 April 1997. For more information or registration forms, contact: ISEB 1997, c/o TI-K VIV, att. Rita Peys, Desguinlei 214, B2018 Antwerpen, Belgium. FAX: +32 (3) 216 06 89.
The annual meeting of the UK Extremophile Network will be held at the Centre for Extremophile Research, University of Bath on the 15-16 September 1997. For more information, contact: Dr. D. Hough, Centre for Extremophile Research, University of Bath, BA2 7AY. FAX: +44 (0)1225 826779. E-MAIL: d.hough@bath.ac.uk
Contacting BMBA Tony Atkinson, Chairman; BMBA, 8 Centre 1, Lysander Way, Salisbury SP4 6BU, UK. Telephone: +44 (0)1722 415026/7. FAX: +44 (0)1722 415028. E-MAIL: bmba@dial.pipex.com
Don Cowan, Chief Executive; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, UK. Telephone: +44 (0)171 387 7050 ext. 2246. FAX: +44 (0)171 380 7193. E-MAIL: don.cowan@ucl.ac.uk
Richard Sharp, Curator; CAMR, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 OJG, UK. Telephone: +44 (0)1980 612443. FAX: +44 (0)1980 611 320. E-MAIL: 100347.1397@compuserve.com
Clare Robinson; Department of Science Communication and Education, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Nowich NR4 7UH, UK. Telephone: +44 (0)1603 452571. FAX: +44 (0)1603 456844. E-MAIL: clare.robinson@bbsrc.ac.uk
Judy McArdell; BMBA, 8 Centre 1, Lysander Way, Salisbury SP4 6BU, UK. Telephone: +44 (0)1722 415026/7. FAX: +44 (0)1722 415028. E-MAIL: bmba@dial.pipex.com
Jamie McQuade; Helix Biotechnology Ltd., Darwin Building, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, UK. Telephone: +44 (0)171 383 5721. FAX: +44 (0)171 380 7018. E-MAIL: j.mcquade@bioc.bsb.ucl.ac.uk
Sue Hill; BMBA, 8 Centre 1, Lysander Way, Salisbury SP4 6BU, UK. Telephone: +44 (0)1722 415026/7. FAX: +44 (0)1722 415028. E-MAIL: chimaeron@dial.pipex.com
Max Atkinson; BMBA, 8 Centre 1, Lysander Way, Salisbury SP4 6BU, UK. Telephone: +44 (0)1722 415026/7. FAX: +44 (0)1722 415028. E-MAIL: bmba@dial.pipex.com or max.atkinson@dial.pipex.com
The Montserrat Extremophile Expedition (3/96) Attended by:
Tony Atkinson, University of Warwick, Don Cowan, University College London, Mike Danson and David Hough, University of Bath, Richard Sharp and Neil Raven, CAMR, Salisbury, Barrie Johnson, University of Bangor, Steve Cairns, University of Reading and Paul Norris, University of Warwick.
Introduction
Montserrat, a British Dependency located in the Lesser Antilles islands of the Caribbean archipelago, is a small island dominated by its volcanic history. The volcanic peak, currently active, supports a variety of hydrothermal features on its flanks which, together with the rich tropical terrestrial and marine environments, offer a spectacular diversity of macro- and microbiotopes.
The 30 year cycle of volcanic activity on Montserrat adds an interesting dimension to the hydrothermal biotopes. Changes in temperature, liquid volumes, gas content and mineralisation induced by fluctuating volcanic activity may have a profound influence on the evolution of microbial molecular resistance mechanisms.
The BBSRC funded UK Extremophile Expedition of March 1996 visited, mapped and sampled the hydrothermal regions of Montserrat, discovering a unique combination of thermal, saline, pH, mineral and redox gradients which support extremophilic microbial populations. The variability and proximity of these biotopes offer excellent opportunities for developing studies on microbial evolutionary mechanisms, particularly with respect to temperature, halophilicity, metal leaching and toxic metal resistance. The following examples represent the preliminary assessments of the UK Extremophile Expedition team of the possible targets for forced evolution studies.
Temperature Gradients
Galway's soufriere is characterised by a central thermal stream with an emission temperature above 95C and a cooling profile of some 70C over 200m. Lateral thermal inputs and flow fluctuations resulting from natural precipitation will result in periodic thermal fluctuations of 30-40C. Sites at points of thermal intermixing and along longitudinal profiles offer biotopes where both thermophilic and mesophilic micro-organisms may be subject to strong selective pressures for resistance to temperature fluctuations. Continuous on-site temperature monitoring supported by laboratory investigations of microbial thermal resistance and Arrhenius behaviour would be a valid approach to determining the significance of such adaptive pressures.
pH
pH values in hydrothermal emission fluids at different sites range from 1.2 to 8.1. In some sites, particularly Galway's soufriere, streams with widely divergent pH values mix to give intermediate pH values. For example, an acidic stream (pH 1.8) mixes constantly with the neutrophilic primary flow, both at thermophilic temperatures. At the point of mixing, non-laminar flow patterns will impose continuous and substantial pH fluctuations. Such sites may harbour pH adaptive extremophiles, potential targets for studies of modified H+ and Na+ transport proteins and membrane protein pH-dependent stability.
Salinity
Hot Water Pond is situated on the Western shoreline of Montserrat and is characterised by a number of saline hydrothermal sources. Variations in salinity resulting from changes in both terrestrial run-off volumes and saline ground-water evolution rates (in addition to storm driven sea-water ingress) may impose periodic fluctuations in both sodium, chloride and other salts. This site is also particularly interesting in having a high heterotrophic nutrient input.
Redox
On-site analysis of hydrothermal fluids in Galway's and Gages soufrieres showed that closely associated hydrothermal fluids contained widely divergent redox values (from +500 to -400). The consequences with respect to the oxidation states of potential autotrophic substrates and the resultant diversity of autotrophic and heterotrophic micro-organisms are particularly significant. Such sites, together with regions where high and low redox hydrothermal fluids mix, offer enormous potential for physiological and adaptation studies.
Metal ions
The hydrothermal fluids at both Galway's and Gages soufrieres are highly mineralised, showing high and varying concentrations of Fe (II/III) together with significant concentrations of Cd, Zn, Mn and other metals. Preliminary microbial isolations have identified a number of novel autotrophic Sulfolobus strains capable of growing on metal sulphides (Paul Norris, unpubl. results).
Experimental results
Detailed analytical results of the Montserrat extremophilic site are shown in Table 1. Results from the preliminary microbial identification studies are shown in Table 2. This listing will be updated with more data as it becomes available.
Table 1. Analytical data from the Montserrat soufrieres.
SITE SUMMARY
RANGES
T(C) pH Redox Conductivity ATP
Hot Water Pond: 57-84 5.1-6.4 -118 to +51 >20mM 129-480
Tar River Soufriere: 50-100 very acidic - - 19-99
Galway's Soufriere: 30-100 1.7-8.1 -403 to +500 ~15mM 31-826
Lower Gages Soufriere: 25-92 1.0-2.8 ~+500 ~15mM 0(P)-191
Upper Gages Soufriere: 20-97 1.5-3.5 +117 to +472 ~15mM 0(P)-55
Hot River: 44 6.4 ~+100 ~10mM 2-55x1000
Table 2. Microbiological isolations.
Hot Water Pond: Alicyclobacillus (1), Thermobacillus (22), Rhodothermus (2), : Thermophilic sulphate reducers; Sulpholobus Desulphurococcus, Thermoproteins (1), Thermus (2),
Tar River Soufriere: Sulpholobus
Galway's Soufriere: Thermophilic Sulpholobus - Montserrat type (new genus), new Sulpholobus thermoheterotrophic species; Low pH Alicyclobacillus, L.ferrooxidans, T.ferroxidans, high biodiversity of thermo, neutro and acido organisms and Fe2+ and S-oxidisers.
Lower Gages Soufriere: Sulphobacillus, Acidimicrobium, Thiobacillus caldus, acidophilic protozoa, fungi, L.ferrooxidans.
Upper Gages Soufriere: Sulphobacillus, Acidimicrobium, Thiobacillus caldus, thermo acidophilic archae, L.ferrooxidans.
Hot River: algae, mesophilic organisms.
Pictures
of The Montserrat Extremophile Expedition 1. Team on site in Galway's soufriere by steam vents
2. Main hydrothermal efflux sites in Galway's soufriere
3. Main valley of Galway's soufriere
4. Don Cowan and Barrie Johnson sampling from main thermoacidophilic pool in Upper Gages soufriere
5. Richard Sharp and Barrie Johnson sampling in Hot Water Pond
6. Mineralisation of Galway's soufriere
Wootton
Bassett Mud Springs Expedition (14/6/96) Attended by:
Tony Atkinson, Don Cowan, Mike Danson, David Hough, Neil Raven, Debbie Poole, Peter O'Flaherty, Paul Riley, Max Atkinson, Sue Hill, Maureen Atkinson, David Montagu.
General Description
Wootton Bassett Mud Springs are a ten minute walk by foot alongside a canal and across agricultural land. The springs, of which all were sampled, are sectioned off by barbed wire fencing of approximately 60 square metres within which the land resembles a wooded area of wild grass, shrubs, trees within a small stream flowing through it from east to west close to the southern edge of the area.
All surface temperature measurements varied due to the increasing heat of the sun. Ambient temperature was about 25C. Due to the nature of the samples a modified ATP procedure had to be undertaken.
Within the area there are five main sites of mud spring activity of which site 1 can be subdivided into three separate mud springs. data is presented for site 1a only as a representative example of all sites.
Site 1
Three separate mud springs (Site1a - Site 1c) located by a dead tree in a clearing. Each spring measured approximately 3/4 of a metre in diameter covering a distance of approximately 4 metres in total.
Navsat Reading: 51D 31M 96S N and taken approx. 2 metres south from site 1a: 001D 53M 36S W
Site 1a
Site 1a measured 12.8 metres from Site 2 on a bearing of 326 degrees and was the nearest of the Site 1 grouping to Site 2.
Surface Temperature: 22.8C (reading taken at noon) Temperature at depth: 3-5cm 21.1C 20cm 18.6C 40cm 15.8C 60cm 15.7C 80cm 15.6C 100cm 15.6C 120cm 15.3C 140cm 15.2C 160cm 15.1C 180cm 15.0C 200cm 12.3C (varying down to 11.9C) pH: 7.39 Conductivity: 1798 ATP Surface sample: 53 RLU ATP ~ 2 metre depth: 58 RLU
Pictures
of The Wootton Bassett Mud Springs Expedition Academic Membership
Members Institution Research Interests
Dr.Alan Beswick University of Birmingham Environmental Biology
Mr.George Bremmer University of Portsmouth Marine fungals
Prof.Alan Bull University of Kent Biodiversity
Dr.Steve Cairns University of Reading SRBs,anaerobes,N-fixation
Dr.Julian Chaudhuri University of Bath Fermentation/Purification
Dr.Don Cowan University College London Thermophiles,Industrial
enzymology,Biocatalysis
Dr.Mike Danson University of Bath Molecular enzymology of
Extremophiles
Dr.Martin Embley Nat.History Museum,London Biodiversity
Prof.Mike Goodfellow University of Newcastle Taxonomy
Prof.Bill Grant University of Leicester Alkalophiles,Halophiles
Prof.David Hopwood John Innes Centre,Norwich Biodiversity
Dr.David Hough University of Bath Enzyme structure/stability,Chemistry
Dr.Barrie Johnson University of Bangor Acidophiles
Prof.Doug Kell University of Aberystwyth Microbial Diversity
Dr.Miles King Nat.History Museum,London Conservation
Dr.Jenny Littlechild University of Exeter Protein stability,Crystallography
Dr.Nick Mann University of Warwick Marine diversity
Dr.David Montagu Royal Society,London Biodiversity
Dr.Colin Murrell University of Warwick Microbial diversity
Dr.Paul Norris University of Warwick Acidophiles,Microbial ore recovery
Mr.Peter O'Flaherty University of Bath Extremophiles
Dr.Neil Raven CAMR,Salisbury Thermophiles,rDNA technology
Dr.Paul Riley CAMR,Salisbury Methanogens
Dr.David Roberts Nat.History.Museum,London Eukaryotic microbial diversity
Dr.Clare Robinson John Innes Centre,Norwich Microbial diversity/biotechnology
Prof.Rob Robson University of Reading SRBs,anaerobes,N-fixation
Prof.Nick Russell Wye College,London Psychrophiles
Dr.Andy Shuttleworth CBDE,Porton Microbial diversity
Dr.Mick Tuite University of Kent Biodiversity
Dr.Andrew Willetts University of Exeter Halophiles,Biotransformations,
Protein structure
Institutional
MembershipMembers Organisation Research Interests Dr.Neil Bruce Inst.Biotech,Cambridge Microbial Biodiversity Dr.Richard Flavell John Innes Centre,Norwich Microbial Biodiversity Dr.Alison George British Antartic Survey Microbial Ecology Prof.Richard Sharp CAMR,Salisbury Thermophiles,Industrial enzymology Dr.Rick Titball CBDE,Porton Microbial Biodiversity Dr.Julie West British Geological Survey Geology and biodiversity Prof.Roger Whittenbury Biol.Sci,University Warwick Biodiversity
Industrial
Membership
Members Organisation Research Interests
Dr.Max Atkinson Chimaeron Ltd -
Prof.Tony Atkinson Chimaeron Ltd/ Pharmaceuticals,Thermophiles,
University of Warwick Microbial physiology
Dr.David Byrom Zeneca (bio)pharmaceuticals/specialities
Dr.Robert Carr Macranal Ltd Biodiversity
Prof.Roger Cripps Consultant Biocatalysis,Biotransformation
Dr.Harry Eccles BNFL Metal ion resistance
Ms.Sue Hill Chimaeron Ltd -
Prof.John Holbrook Chiravon Ltd Biocatalysis
Dr.Derek Layton Duramed Europe Ltd Pharmaceuticals
Dr.Judy McArdell Duramed Europe Biodiversity
microbial Product
Dr.Ray Mckee Celsis Diagnostics
Dr.Jamie McQuade Helix Biotechnology Ltd Industrial Enzymology
Dr.Roy Smither RS Associates -
Honorary
MembershipMembers Institution Research Interests Mrs.Maureen Atkinson Chimaeron Ltd (CEO) - Mr.James Lee Montserrat,WI. - Dr.Andrew Mello Bermuda - Dr.Debbie Poole BBSRC -
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