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Phospholipid analogue distribution in Capnocytophaga
D B Drucker1, W G Wade, M Abdi
1Microbiology Laboratory, Turner Dental School, University of Manchester, UK. David.Drucker@man.ac.uk
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie : International Journal of Medical Microbiology
|June 9, 1999
Summary
Capnocytophaga bacteria possess a unique polar lipid profile, characterized by specific phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) species. This distinctive phospholipid fingerprint aids in bacterial identification and differentiation from related oral species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Lipidomics
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Capnocytophaga are oral bacteria with incompletely understood lipid compositions.
- Polar lipids play crucial roles in bacterial cell structure and function.
- Previous characterization of Capnocytophaga lipids is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and characterize the polar lipid profiles of Capnocytophaga strains.
- To identify specific phospholipid molecular species present in Capnocytophaga.
- To establish a distinctive phospholipid fingerprint for the genus Capnocytophaga.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of polar lipids from nineteen Capnocytophaga strains using fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB MS).
- Negative ion mode FAB MS was employed for lipid detection and characterization.
- Identification of phospholipid molecular species based on mass-to-charge ratios (m/z).
Main Results:
- All Capnocytophaga strains exhibited a major peak at m/z 241, indicating the presence of pentadecanoate anion.
- Distinctive phospholipid molecular species, primarily phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) variants, were identified, including PE(24:2), PE(25:2), PE(27:1), and PE(30:0).
- A unique phospholipid fingerprint was observed, lacking higher mass analogues found in related oral bacteria, with only quantitative differences within the genus.
Conclusions:
- Capnocytophaga isolates possess a characteristic and conserved polar lipid composition.
- The identified phospholipid fingerprint differentiates Capnocytophaga from related oral bacteria.
- FAB MS is a valuable tool for elucidating bacterial lipid profiles and aiding in taxonomic studies.