Novel methyl transfer during chemotaxis in Bacillus subtilis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cellular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs) are crucial for bacterial chemotaxis.
• Chemotaxis signaling involves reversible methylation and demethylation of MCPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanism of methyl group turnover and methanol production during chemotaxis in Bacillus subtilis.
• To identify the role of a potential methyl carrier in MCP methylation dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Radioactive labeling of Bacillus subtilis with methionine.
• Cold-chase experiments to assess methyl group turnover.
• Stimulation with attractants and repellents in a flow cell.
• Analysis of methanol production and MCP methylation in wild-type and mutant strains.

Main Results:

• MCPs undergo reversible methyl group exchange with a potential methyl carrier during chemotaxis.
• Chemotactic stimuli (attractant/repellent) induce methanol production.
• Methanol production is dependent on methylated MCPs, suggesting a precursor-product relationship.

Conclusions:

• An unidentified methyl carrier facilitates reversible methyl group transfer from MCPs.
• Methanol is a byproduct of chemotaxis signaling, ultimately derived from methylated MCPs.
• This study elucidates a novel aspect of bacterial chemotaxis regulation and methyl group metabolism.