The Shewanella Federation: Functional Genomic Investigations of

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is a motile, facultative γ-Proteobacterium with remarkable metabolic versatility in regards to electron acceptor utilization; it can utilize O 2, nitrate, fumarate, TMAO, DMSO, Mn, Fe, and S0 as terminal electron acceptors during anaerobic respiration. The ability to effectively reduce nitrate, polyvalent metals including solid phase Fe and Mn oxides and radionu-clides such as uranium and technetium has generated considerable interest in the potential role of this organism in metal biogeochemical cycling and bioremediation. The Shewanella Federation (SF), a collaborative scientific team assembled by DOE, is applying these approaches to achieve a system-level understanding of how Shewanella regulates energy and material flow and to utilize its versatile electron transport system to reduce metals and nitrate. The SF has developed an integrated approach to Shewanella functional genomics that capitalizes on the relative strengths, capabilities, and expertise of each group. SF members share information and resources and collaborate on projects that range from a few investigators focused on a defined topic to more complex “Federation-level ” efforts. These intend to utilize combined SF capabilities in addressing more general scientific questions. The SF is organized into various working groups that are engaged in a series of Shewanella-base