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Linking Exoproteome Function and Structure to Anammox Biofilm Development
Zijian Chen1,2, Yabing Meng1,2, Binbin Sheng1,2
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering , Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510275 , P.R. China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 8, 2019
Summary
Extracellular proteins drive anammox biofilm aggregation. This study identified key proteins involved in metal ion binding and structural roles, revealing mechanisms behind anammox bacteria clumping during biofilm development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Proteomics
Background:
- Extracellular proteins are crucial for cell-cell interactions in anammox biofilms.
- The aggregation mechanisms of anammox bacteria remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize extracellular proteins involved in anammox biofilm formation and detachment.
- To elucidate the aggregation mechanisms of anammox bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Quartz sand extraction protocol.
- iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics.
- Scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX).
Main Results:
- Identified 367 extracellular proteins, predominantly membrane-associated and from Planctomycetes.
- 215 and 190 proteins were differentially expressed during biofilm formation and detachment, respectively.
- Differentially expressed proteins were involved in metal ion binding and possessed β-sheet structures promoting aggregation.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular proteins, particularly those involved in metal ion binding and with specific structural features, are key drivers of anammox biofilm aggregation.
- Protein function and morphologic traits are linked to anammox consortium development during biofilm stages.
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