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Enzymatic iron oxidation by Leptothrix discophora: identification of an iron-oxidizing protein

P L Corstjens1, J P de Vrind, P Westbroek

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Leiden University, The Netherlands.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|February 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified a protein in Leptothrix discophora SS-1 responsible for iron oxidation. This finding suggests distinct pathways for iron and manganese oxidation in bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Iron and manganese oxidation are crucial microbial processes in various environments.
  • Leptothrix discophora SS-1 is known for its ability to oxidize both iron and manganese.
  • Understanding the mechanisms behind metal oxidation is key to biogeochemical cycling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize the factor responsible for iron oxidation in Leptothrix discophora SS-1.
  • To investigate the relationship between iron and manganese oxidation pathways.
  • To assess the metal-oxidizing capabilities of different bacterial species.

Main Methods:

  • Spent culture medium of Leptothrix discophora SS-1 was analyzed.
  • Protein fractionation was performed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).
  • A mutant strain lacking metal-oxidizing activity was isolated and studied.
  • Dot-blot assays were used to test metal oxidation in various bacterial species.

Main Results:

  • An iron-oxidizing protein factor, approximately 150,000 molecular weight, was identified in L. discophora SS-1.
  • A mutant strain confirmed the link between iron and manganese oxidation factor excretion.
  • Distinct properties of the factors suggest separate pathways for iron and manganese oxidation.
  • Different bacterial species exhibited varied metal-oxidizing capacities (e.g., Sphaerotilus natans oxidized iron, Pseudomonas spp. oxidized manganese).

Conclusions:

  • A specific protein mediates iron oxidation in L. discophora SS-1.
  • Iron and manganese oxidation likely involve distinct biochemical pathways.
  • Bacterial species possess diverse capabilities for oxidizing environmental metals.

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