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Pyruvate metabolism in Helicobacter pylori
G L Mendz1, S L Hazell, L van Gorkom
1School of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia.
Archives of Microbiology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Helicobacter pylori metabolizes pyruvate into various products, including alanine, lactate, acetate, formate, and succinate. This indicates pyruvate
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic pathways
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding its metabolic capabilities is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
- Pyruvate is a central metabolite in cellular energy production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic fate of pyruvate in Helicobacter pylori.
- To identify the enzymes and pathways involved in pyruvate metabolism.
- To elucidate the role of pyruvate in H. pylori energy generation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
- Employed whole cell lysates and intact cell suspensions for metabolic studies.
- Analyzed metabolic products generated from pyruvate incubation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated serine dehydratase activity in pyruvate generation from L-serine.
- Identified production of alanine, lactate, acetate, formate, and succinate from pyruvate.
- Confirmed alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and mixed-acid fermentation pathways.
- Observed succinate formation, suggesting Kreb's cycle involvement.
- Found no significant impact of pyruvate on bacterial growth or viability.
Conclusions:
- Pyruvate is a versatile substrate for H. pylori metabolism.
- Multiple enzymatic activities and fermentation pathways are involved in pyruvate utilization.
- Pyruvate plays a key role in the energy metabolism of H. pylori.