Nitrate reduction to ammonium: a phylogenetic, physiological, and genetic aspects in Prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Abstract

The microbe-mediated conversion of nitrate (NO₃^-) to ammonium (NH₄⁺) in the nitrogen cycle has strong implications for soil health and crop productivity. The role of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and their phylogeny, physiology, and genetic regulations are essential for understanding the ecological significance of this empirical process. Several prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea), and a few eukaryotes (fungi and algae) are reported as NO₃^- reducers under certain conditions. This process involves enzymatic reactions which has been catalysed by nitrate reductases, nitrite reductases, and NH₄⁺-assimilating enzymes. Earlier reports emphasised that single-cell prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms are responsible for this process, which portrayed a prominent gap. Therefore, this study revisits the similarities and uniqueness of mechanism behind NO₃^- -reduction to NH₄⁺ in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Moreover, phylogenetic, physiological, and genetic regulation also shed light on the evolutionary connections between two systems which could help us to better explain the NO₃^--reduction mechanisms over time. Reports also revealed that certain transcription factors like NtrC/NtrB and Nit2 have shown a major role in coordinating the expression of NO₃^- assimilation genes in response to NO₃^- availability. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive information about the complex fermentative and respiratory dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) processes. Uncovering the complexity of this process across various organisms may further give insight into sustainable nitrogen management practices and might contribute to addressing global environmental challenges.

Keywords: Eukaryotes; Fermentative and respiratory DNRA; Genetic regulation; Nitrate reduction; Prokaryotes.