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Bacterial microcompartments.

Cheryl A Kerfeld1, Sabine Heinhorst, Gordon C Cannon

  • 1U.S. Department of Energy-Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA. ckerfeld@lbl.gov

Annual Review of Microbiology
|September 10, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are protein-based organelles that enhance metabolism. These structures are widespread in bacteria and contribute to metabolic innovation across diverse environments.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are protein-bound organelles central to bacterial metabolism.
  • They encapsulate enzymes and substrates, optimizing metabolic pathways and protecting cellular components.
  • Carboxysomes in autotrophic bacteria are well-known BMC prototypes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and functional diversity of BMCs in heterotrophic bacteria.
  • To explore the role of BMCs in bacterial metabolic innovation and adaptation.
  • To understand the evolutionary dynamics, including horizontal gene transfer, of BMCs.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomics to identify BMC-encoding genes across bacterial phyla.
  • Bioinformatic analysis to infer BMC functions based on gene context.
  • Literature review of known BMC structures and functions in both autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria.

Main Results:

  • BMCs are increasingly discovered in heterotrophic bacteria, participating in novel carbon and energy metabolism.
  • Comparative genomics indicates widespread potential for compartmentalization across bacterial phyla.
  • Evidence suggests frequent lateral gene transfer of BMC gene modules among bacteria.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial microcompartments are crucial for metabolic specialization and innovation in diverse bacterial species.
  • The discovery of BMCs in heterotrophic bacteria expands their known functional roles.
  • Lateral gene transfer facilitates the spread and evolution of BMCs, contributing to bacterial adaptability.