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Published on: November 10, 2021
c-Type cytochromes in Pelobacter carbinolicus.
Shelley A Haveman1, Dawn E Holmes, Yan-Huai R Ding
1Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA. haveman@microbio.umass.edu
Pelobacter carbinolicus possesses c-type cytochromes, unlike previously thought. Gene expression and protein analysis reveal their presence and potential roles in iron(III) reduction, though in lower abundance than in related species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Genomics
Background:
- Previous research overlooked c-type cytochromes in Pelobacter species.
- Geobacteraceae relatives like Geobacter and Desulfuromonas exhibit abundant c-type cytochromes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and potential function of c-type cytochromes in Pelobacter carbinolicus.
- To compare cytochrome profiles with closely related Geobacteraceae members.
Main Methods:
- Genome sequencing and analysis of Pelobacter carbinolicus.
- Transcriptional analysis of c-type cytochrome genes.
- Protein extraction, heme staining, and mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Identified 14 potential c-type cytochrome genes, with most showing expression during fermentation and Fe(III) reduction.
- Detected three specific c-type cytochromes involved in Fe(III) reduction, including a periplasmic triheme cytochrome similar to PpcA.
- Quantified lower levels of c-type cytochromes and fewer required genes for Fe(III) reduction compared to Geobacter sulfurreducens.
Conclusions:
- Pelobacter carbinolicus does possess c-type cytochromes, contrary to prior assumptions.
- The identified cytochromes likely play a role in electron transfer, particularly for Fe(III) reduction.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the functions of these cytochromes within the Geobacteraceae family.
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