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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A New Approach for the Comparative Analysis of Multiprotein Complexes Based on 15N Metabolic Labeling and Quantitative Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 13, 2014
Adaptations in electron transport chain complexes of clinical Rhodococcus equi revealed through comparative genomics
João Pedro Vasques da Conceição1,2, Fabio Faria da Mota3,4
1Computational and Systems Biology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rhodococcus equi utilizes complex respiratory chains, including nitrate reductase NarGHI, for survival. This adaptation is more prevalent in clinical isolates, suggesting enhanced virulence in challenging environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pathogen Genomics
Background:
- Rhodococcus equi is a significant veterinary and zoonotic pathogen.
- It survives within macrophage phagolysosomes.
- Nitrate reductase (NarGHI) is a known virulence factor, crucial for anaerobic respiration in related pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electron transport chain complexes in Rhodococcus equi.
- To compare the distribution of these complexes in clinical versus environmental isolates.
Main Methods:
- In silico analysis of R. equi 103S genome using the Transporter Classification Database.
- Comparative genomics of 37 clinical and 297 non-clinical Rhodococcus isolates from NCBI RefSeq.
Main Results:
- Identified 67 putative respiratory chain proteins in R. equi.
- NarGHI subunits were present in 100% of clinical and 35% of non-clinical isolates.
- Electron donor complexes and nitric oxide reductase were significantly more common in clinical isolates.
Conclusions:
- Rhodococcus equi possesses a highly complex respiratory chain.
- The prevalence of specific respiratory complexes suggests metabolic adaptations to hypoxic conditions, potentially enhancing virulence.
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