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<p>Model bacteria are fundamental for research, but knowledge about their ecology and evolution is often limited. Here, we establish an evolutionary and ecological context for the model organism <i>Caulobacter crescentus</i>—an alphaproteobacterium intensively studied for its dimorphic lifecycle. By analyzing the phylogenetic relatedness and genetic potential of hundreds of <i>Caulobacterales</i> species, we reveal substantial diversity regarding their environmental distribution, morphology, cell development, and metabolism. Our work provides insights into the evolutionary history of morphological features such as the cell curvature determinant crescentin and uncovers a striking case of convergent loss of traits for cellular dimorphism among close relatives of <i>C. crescentus</i>. Moreover, we find that genes for phototrophy are widespread across <i>Caulobacterales</i> and that the new genus <i>Acaudatibacter</i>, described here, includes the first reported <i>Caulobacterales</i> lineage with photoautotrophic potential. Our study advances our understanding of an environmentally widespread bacterial order and sheds light on the evolution of fundamental prokaryotic features.</p>

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Widespread potential for phototrophy and convergent reduction of lifecycle complexity in the dimorphic order Caulobacterales

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月12日

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  • Joel Hallgren,
  • Jennah E. Dharamshi,
  • Alejandro Rodríguez-Gijón,
  • Julia Nuy,
  • Sarahi L. Garcia,
  • Kristina Jonas

摘要

Model bacteria are fundamental for research, but knowledge about their ecology and evolution is often limited. Here, we establish an evolutionary and ecological context for the model organism Caulobacter crescentus—an alphaproteobacterium intensively studied for its dimorphic lifecycle. By analyzing the phylogenetic relatedness and genetic potential of hundreds of Caulobacterales species, we reveal substantial diversity regarding their environmental distribution, morphology, cell development, and metabolism. Our work provides insights into the evolutionary history of morphological features such as the cell curvature determinant crescentin and uncovers a striking case of convergent loss of traits for cellular dimorphism among close relatives of C. crescentus. Moreover, we find that genes for phototrophy are widespread across Caulobacterales and that the new genus Acaudatibacter, described here, includes the first reported Caulobacterales lineage with photoautotrophic potential. Our study advances our understanding of an environmentally widespread bacterial order and sheds light on the evolution of fundamental prokaryotic features.