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Related Experiment Videos

A bacterial TMAO transporter.

James A Raymond1, George E Plopper

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences 4004, University of Nevada, 4505 Maryland Pkwy S, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA. raymond@unlv.edu

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
|September 12, 2002
PubMed
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Researchers discovered a specific transporter for trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) in the bacterium Aminobacter aminovorans. This finding provides the first evidence of a TMAO transporter in any organism, shedding light on osmolyte accumulation mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Marine Biology

Background:

  • Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) functions as an osmolyte in marine life.
  • Mechanisms of TMAO tissue accumulation are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the existence of a TMAO-specific transporter in nature.
  • To characterize the transport mechanism in Aminobacter aminovorans.

Main Methods:

  • Cultivating Aminobacter aminovorans on TMAO as a sole carbon source.
  • Measuring [14C]-labeled TMAO uptake and inhibition studies.
  • Investigating ATP and ion exchange requirements for transport.

Main Results:

  • Aminobacter aminovorans utilizes TMAO as a sole carbon source and exhibits specific TMAO uptake.

Related Experiment Videos

  • TMAO uptake was inhibited by TMAO but not by related compounds like methylamine or betaine.
  • The transporter requires ATP but not ion exchange; MDCK cells showed no TMAO uptake.

    • Conclusions:

    • This study presents the first evidence of a TMAO-specific transporter in any organism.
    • The identified transporter in A. aminovorans provides insight into osmolyte transport mechanisms.
    • TMAO transport is distinct from betaine and GABA transport pathways.