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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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Phage-Mediated Genetic Manipulation of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
Published on: September 28, 2022
A singular bacteriophytochrome acquired by lateral gene transfer.
Marianne Jaubert1, Jérôme Lavergne, Joël Fardoux
1Laboratoire des Symbioses Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, Campus de Baillarguet, 34398 Montpellier, France.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|January 16, 2007
Summary
A novel bacteriophytochrome, BrBphP3.ORS278, from Bradyrhizobium sp. strain ORS278 binds phycocyanobilin and exhibits unique light absorption properties. This suggests its potential role in measuring light intensity rather than color.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Photobiology
Background:
- Bacteriophytochromes are bacterial photoreceptors involved in sensing light.
- The photosynthetic bacterium Bradyrhizobium sp. strain ORS278 possesses a unique bacteriophytochrome, BrBphP3.ORS278, acquired via lateral gene transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the novel bacteriophytochrome BrBphP3.ORS278 from Bradyrhizobium sp. strain ORS278.
- To investigate the unique biochemical and photophysical properties of BrBphP3.ORS278.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of BrBphP3.ORS278.
- Spectroscopic analysis of chromophore binding and photo-switching behavior.
- Characterization of the protein's dark-adapted and light-induced states.
Main Results:
- BrBphP3.ORS278 binds phycocyanobilin, a unique chromophore for bacteriophytochromes.
- The protein exhibits unusual absorption maxima (Po at 610 nm, Pr at 670 nm) and rapid dark reversion.
- Its light-induced states are unstable and depend on light intensity.
Conclusions:
- BrBphP3.ORS278 possesses distinct characteristics compared to known (bacterio)phytochromes.
- The protein's properties suggest a potential function in light intensity sensing rather than color discrimination.
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