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Related Concept Videos

Riboswitches01:56

Riboswitches

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Riboswitches are non-coding mRNA domains that regulate the transcription and translation of downstream genes without the help of proteins. Riboswitches bind directly to a metabolite and can form unique stem-loop or hairpin structures in response to the amount of the metabolite present. They have two distinct regions – a metabolite-binding aptamer and an expression platform.
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Biosynthesis in bacteria is a fundamental anabolic process that generates essential macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides. These macromolecules are critical for cellular growth, replication, and function. The process is tightly regulated and energetically linked to catabolic pathways to ensure optimal resource utilization.Biosynthetic pathways begin with precursor metabolites such as pyruvate, acetyl-CoA, and glucose-6-phosphate derived from glycolysis,...
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Types of RNA01:23

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Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
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Other Glycolytic Pathways01:24

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The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) operates in parallel with glycolysis, facilitating the metabolism of both pentoses and glucose. This pathway consists of two distinct phases: the oxidative and non-oxidative phases. While it does not directly generate ATP, the intermediates formed during the process can integrate into glycolysis, contributing to cellular energy metabolism when required.Oxidative Phase: NADPH ProductionThe oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway is primarily...
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Transcriptional Regulation: Riboswitches01:23

Transcriptional Regulation: Riboswitches

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Riboswitches are RNA elements that regulate gene expression by altering their secondary structures in response to specific effector molecules. These elements, located in the leader regions of certain mRNAs, act as transcriptional regulators by toggling between alternative conformations to control downstream gene expression. Riboswitch-mediated regulation is a precise mechanism for modulating biosynthetic pathways, as exemplified by the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway in Bacillus...
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RIBO-seq in Bacteria: a Sample Collection and Library Preparation Protocol for NGS Sequencing
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Utilizing Ribose Compounds: How Bacteroides PUL It Off.

Leonor García-Bayona1, Laurie E Comstock1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Cell Host & Microbe
|January 18, 2020
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron can break down nucleosides to obtain the sugar ribose. Researchers identified specific proteins essential for this previously unknown metabolic pathway in the gut bacterium.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Metabolic Engineering

Background:

  • Bacteroides species are key gut microbes with extensive carbohydrate-degrading capabilities.
  • These bacteria utilize complex plant polysaccharides and host-derived glycans for nutrition.
  • The metabolic potential of Bacteroides for utilizing diverse nutrient sources is continually being uncovered.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the ability of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to utilize nucleosides as a carbon source.
  • To identify and characterize the proteins involved in the breakdown and utilization of ribose derived from nucleosides.
  • To expand the understanding of Bacteroides metabolic flexibility within the host environment.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic and bioinformatic analyses to predict relevant pathways.
  • Biochemical assays to confirm nucleoside catabolism.
  • Genetic manipulation (e.g., gene knockouts) to identify essential proteins.
  • Characterization of protein function and substrate specificity.

Main Results:

  • Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron possesses the capability to catabolize nucleosides.
  • The monosaccharide ribose is released and utilized from nucleosides.
  • Specific proteins, including a nucleoside hydrolase and ribose utilization enzymes, were identified and characterized.
  • The study elucidated a novel metabolic pathway for nutrient acquisition.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron can utilize ribose derived from nucleosides, adding to its known metabolic repertoire.
  • This finding highlights the adaptability of gut bacteria to utilize a wider range of host-derived and dietary compounds.
  • The identified proteins are crucial for this novel nutrient scavenging strategy in the gut microbiome.