Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026

A Tandem Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry-based Approach for Metabolite Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: March 28, 2017
Metallibacterium scheffleri: genomic data reveal a versatile metabolism
Sibylle Bartsch1, André Gensch1, Simon Stephan1
1Institute for Applied Biosciences, Department of Applied Biology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
This study reveals Metallibacterium scheffleri DKE6 possesses a versatile metabolism beyond casein, utilizing glucose with amino acids and oxidizing sulfur and hydrogen. This acid-tolerant microbe also produces ammonium, aiding pH regulation in acidic environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Genomics
Background:
- Metallibacterium scheffleri DKE6 is an acid-tolerant microorganism.
- Previous studies suggested casitone as its sole growth substrate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological properties and metabolic versatility of Metallibacterium scheffleri DKE6.
- To elucidate the reasons for its observed growth limitations on certain substrates.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic, genomic, and transcriptomic analyses.
- Microbiological assays.
- Enzyme activity detection (proteases).
Main Results:
- Identified casein hydrolysis via protease production.
- Revealed amino acid auxotrophies explaining substrate limitations.
- Demonstrated glucose utilization in the presence of amino acids, supported by three glycolytic pathways.
- Confirmed genes for sulfur and hydrogen oxidation, with sulfate formation from tetrathionate.
- Observed ammonium production, enabling pH increase in acidic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Metallibacterium scheffleri exhibits a more versatile metabolism than previously known.
- Amino acid auxotrophies are key to understanding its substrate preferences.
- The organism's adaptability to diverse pH environments is linked to its metabolic capabilities and potential biofilm formation.
More Related Videos
07:26Metabolic Pathway Confirmation and Discovery Through 13C-labeling of Proteinogenic Amino Acids
Published on: January 26, 2012
07:26Metal-Limited Growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae for Characterization of Metal-Responsive Genes and Metal Acquisition from Host Ligands
Published on: March 4, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Nutrition
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Modern Molecular Taxonomy
Carbon-dioxide Fixation
Overview of Archaea
Amino Acid Catabolism