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Endogenous ADP-ribosylation during development of the prokaryote Myxococcus xanthus
Abstract:
We examined endogenous ADP-ribosylation of proteins during the development of the prokaryote Myxococcus xanthus. In vivo and in vitro endogenous ADP-ribosylation of M. xanthus proteins was detected and the profile of modified proteins changed during development. Adenosine and nicotinamide inhibited ADP-ribosylation. Nicotinamide stimulated cells at low density to develop, in a manner similar to that previously observed with adenosine. Higher concentrations of nicotinamide inhibited aggregation. The in vivo effects of nicotinamide on developing M. xanthus cells correlate with its in vitro effects on ADP-ribosylation and the developmental profile of putative ADP-ribosylation substrates. These results suggest that ADP-ribosylation may regulate developmental proteins in M. xanthus.
Insights
ADP-ribosylation, a protein modification, was studied in Myxococcus xanthus development. Inhibitors like nicotinamide affected both ADP-ribosylation and cell development, suggesting a regulatory role.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Myxococcus xanthus undergoes complex multicellular development.
- Protein post-translational modifications play crucial roles in cellular regulation.
- ADP-ribosylation is a key enzymatic process modifying proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of endogenous ADP-ribosylation in Myxococcus xanthus development.
- To identify ADP-ribosylation patterns and their changes during M. xanthus developmental stages.
- To explore the regulatory potential of ADP-ribosylation in prokaryotic development.
Main Methods:
- In vivo and in vitro assays to detect protein ADP-ribosylation in M. xanthus.
- Analysis of protein modification profiles during different developmental phases.
- Treatment with adenosine and nicotinamide to assess their impact on ADP-ribosylation and development.
Main Results:
- Endogenous ADP-ribosylation of M. xanthus proteins was detected.
- The profile of ADP-ribosylated proteins varied significantly during development.
- Adenosine and nicotinamide inhibited ADP-ribosylation in vitro.
- Nicotinamide modulated M. xanthus development, stimulating it at low densities and inhibiting aggregation at high densities.
- In vivo effects of nicotinamide correlated with in vitro ADP-ribosylation data.
Conclusions:
- ADP-ribosylation is likely involved in regulating developmental processes in Myxococcus xanthus.
- Specific ADP-ribosylation patterns may act as molecular switches during development.
- Further research into ADP-ribosylation substrates can elucidate developmental mechanisms.