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Investigation of an outbreak due to Alcaligenes xylosoxydans subspecies xylosoxydans by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis.

In 1999, over a 3-week period, Alcaligenes xylosoxydans subsp. xylosoxydans was isolated from five blood cultures and one cerebrospinal fluid specimen from five children hospitalized in a pediatric hematology ward as well as from two respiratory therapy devices of two children hospitalized in an intensive care unit. The infection control unit of the hospital conducted an epidemiological investigation and identified a detergent-disinfectant solution as the source of contamination. Conventional biochemical tests, antimicrobial susceptibility tests and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting were used to compare clinical and environmental isolates. RAPD analysis proved to be more discriminant than biotyping or antibiotyping in this context and identified the common source of the outbreak.

Alcaligenes↗

Persistent colonization of nine cystic fibrosis patients with an Achromobacter (Alcaligenes) xylosoxidans clone.

The present study was conducted to investigate the increasing incidence of Achromobacter (previously Alcaligenes) xylosoxidans isolates being recovered from sputum samples of cystic fibrosis patients at a cystic fibrosis department for adults in Athens, Greece. During the 1-year study period, a total of 34 isolates were detected persistently in 9 of 71 cystic fibrosis patients. The isolates exhibited resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents. Isolates that were recovered repeatedly from each patient exhibited identical macrorestriction profiles with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, indicating that the same strain persisted in the lungs of these patients. Isolates from five of the patients were genetically related, suggesting a common-source outbreak of Achromobacter xylosoxidans colonization or infection.

Adolescent↗

Nitrification and denitrification in high-strength ammonium by Alcaligenes faecalis.

Alcaligenes faecalis sp. No. 4, that has the ability of heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification in high-strength ammonium at about 1200 mg-N/l, converted about one-half of removed NH4+-N to intracellular nitrogen and nitrified only 3% of the removed NH4+. From the nitrogen balance, 40-50% of removed NH4+-N was estimated to be denitrified. Production of N2 was confirmed by GC-MS and 90% of denitrified products was N2. The maximum ammonium removal rate, 29 mg-N/l h and its denitrification rate in aerated batch experiments, were 5-40 times higher than those of other bacteria with the same ability.

Aerobiosis↗

Pathway of oxidation of pyruvic oxime by a heterotrophic nitrifier of the genus Alcaligenes: evidence against hydrolysis to pyruvate and hydroxylamine.

A heterotrophic nitrifier of the genus Alcaligenes, which grows vigorously on pyruvic oxime, was tested by several methods for possible differences or similarities in metabolic performance between pyruvic oxime and its hydrolysis products, pyruvate and hydroxylamine. Major differences were observed between pyruvic oxime and one or both of the other reductants with regard to growth yield, rates of reductant uptake, rates of oxygen uptake, sensitivity of their oxidations to inhibition by thiocyanate, and performance in reductant pulse experiments. Other oximes, some of which are structural analogs of pyruvic oxime and all of which are potential sources of hydroxylamine, were not metabolized by cells or cell-free extract. Collectively the results indicate a pathway of oxidation of pyruvic oxime to nitrite and CO2 that does not involve its initial hydrolysis, but probably involves the oxidation of N and/or C before C-N bond breakage.

Alcaligenes↗

The mechanism of inhibition of Alcaligenes faecalis S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase by neplanocin A.

Neplanocin A, a cyclopentenyl analog of adenosine, has been reported by S. Yaginuma, N. Muto, M. Tsujino, Y. Sudate, M. Hayashi, and M. Otari (1981) J. Antibiot. 34, 359-366 to exhibit antibacterial activity against Alcaligenes faecalis. Since neplanocin A (NpcA) is a known inhibitor of eukaryotic S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase (EC 3.3.1.1) (R. T. Borchardt, B. T. Keller, and U. Patel-Thombre (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 4353-4358), the present study was undertaken to determine the effects of this carbocyclic nucleoside on AdoHcy hydrolase isolated from a prokaryotic source (A. faecalis). AdoHcy hydrolase was purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography on an AdoHcy-agarose matrix from A. faecalis. Neplanocin A inactivated the purified AdoHcy hydrolase in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and the enzyme activity could not be recovered by dialysis. The inactivation of this bacterial enzyme by neplanocin A is accompanied by a reduction of three of the six enzyme-bound NAD+s to NADHs. These results suggest that the prokaryotic enzyme, like the eukaryotic AdoHcy hydrolase, is susceptible to inhibition by neplanocin A. The mechanism of inactivation in both cases appears to be a Kcat mechanism involving the reduction of the enzyme-bound NAD+ to NADH. The fact that total inhibition of the prokaryotic AdoHcy hydrolase by NpcA results in a reduction of only three of the six enzyme-bound NAD+s to NADHs suggests that the enzyme shows half-site reactivity (i.e., only three of the six subunits are catalytically active).

Adenosine↗

Effect of redox potential on the activation of the NAD-dependent hydrogenase from Alcaligenes eutrophus Z1.

A formal kinetic treatment of the autocatalytic activation cycle of the NAD-dependent hydrogenase from Alcaligenes eutrophus Z1 is presented. The value for the enzyme first-order activation rate constant is estimated to be (2.0 +/- 0.6) s-1 (pH 7.8, 25 degrees C). The effect of the redox potential on the activation properties of the NAD-dependent hydrogenase is studied. Hydrogenase activation is controlled by a midpoint redox potential of approximately -100 mV (pH 7.8). Once activated the enzyme is not immediately transformed back into an inactive state on rapid reoxidation and is able to preserve its catalytic properties for at least 3-4 h of intense oxigenation. Several lines of evidence show that the reductive activation of the NAD-dependent hydrogenase is accompanied by a structural reorganization of the protein. A possible origin of the -100 mV transition is discussed. A model for the activation process of the NAD-dependent hydrogenase is suggested.

Alcaligenes↗

Redox-dependent inactivation of the NAD-dependent hydrogenase from Alcaligenes eutrophus Z1.

A novel inactivation mechanism of the NAD-dependent hydrogenase from Alcaligenes eutrophus Z1 comprising redox-dependent steps is described. The model of the hydrogenase inactivation process is proposed which implies that the enzyme may exist in several forms which differ in their stability and spectral properties. One of these forms, existing within a limited (approximately -200 +/- 30 mV) potential range, undergoes a rapid and irreversible inactivation. The dissociation of the FMN prosthetic group from the apohydrogenase appears to be the main reason for the enzyme inactivation. The rationale for the enzyme stabilization under real operational conditions based on the chemical modification of the hydrogenase molecule is suggested.

Alcaligenes↗

Effect of redox potential on the catalytic properties of the NAD-dependent hydrogenase from Alcaligenes eutrophus Z1.

The effect of redox potential on the catalytic activities of the soluble hydrogenase from the hydrogen bacterium Alcaligenes eutrophus Z1 was studied. Several transitions were observed on the enzyme catalytic activity vs potential profiles. The coenzyme-dependent activities of the hydrogenase, its diaphorase activity and activity toward NAD, are controlled by the Em -300 mV, while the process of hydrogen evolution from reduced methyl viologen is governed by the midpoint redox potential of -435 mV. This value of Em was independent of pH in the range 5 to 8. The redox potential of the medium appears to be one of the major factors determining the hydrogenase activation, inactivation, and catalytic properties. It is suggested that a change in the redox state of the enzyme electron transport chain is followed by structural rearrangements within the protein affecting both the hydrogenase catalytic activity and stability. The probable mechanism of enzyme activity regulation is discussed.

Alcaligenes↗

Respiratory components and oxidase activities in Alcaligenes eutrophus.

1. Cells of the hydrogen bacterium Alcaligenes eutrophus are broken by gentle lysis using lysozyme treatment in hypertonic sucrose followed by osmotic shock. By this method, 93% of the in vivo activity of the H2 oxidase is recovered and the ATPase remains particle bound. In contrast, cell disruption in a French pressure cell diminishes the in vivo activity of the H2 oxidase by 50% and solubilizes the bulk of the ATPase. 2. The bacterium contains a periplasmic cytochrome c with bands at 418, 521 and 550 nm (difference spectrum). In addition to cytochrome aa3, b-560, c-553 and o, low temperature difference spectra of membranes show the presence of two further cytochromes (shoulders at 551 and 553 nm). 3. The unsupplemented membrane fraction catalyses the oxidation of hydrogen, NADH, NADPH, succinate, formate and endogenous substrate (NAD linked) at rates 2--3-fold higher than membranes obtained from cells disrupted in a French pressure cell. With the exception of the H2 oxidase all oxidase activities in lysozyme membranes are sensitive to carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (20-100% stimulation of oxygen uptake). 4. The cytoplasmic fraction contains a B-type cytochrome with absorption maxima at 436 and 560 nm, capable of combining with CO; it contains non-covalently bound protohaem. In alkaline solutions a spectral transition to the haemochrome type with bands at 423, 526 and 556 nm occurs. The addition of NADH to an aerobic suspension of this cytochrome elicits new absorption maxima at 418, 545 and 577 nm (difference spectrum), which are believed to represent an oxygenated form of the reduced cytochrome.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Physiological basis for preferential uptake of D-alpha-aminoadipate over the L-isomer by Alcaligenes denitrificans.

Alcaligenes denitrificans, pre-incubated with D-alpha-aminoadipate and assayed for L-isomer uptake without removal of extracellular D-isomer, exhibits a reduced rate of uptake and a reduced level at which steady state is achieved. During D- or L-isomer uptake, intracellular alpha-aminoadipate is exclusively the L-configuration. These data are consistent with an intracellular, mediated reduction in L-isomer uptake as the physiological basis for preferential D-alpha-aminoadipate uptake by A. denitrificans growing on racemic alpha-aminoadipate. Translocated D-alpha-aminoadipate is rapidly metabolized to form an L-isomer pool which subsequently reduces the rate of L-isomer uptake and the level at which steady state occurs resulting in a preferred D-isomer uptake. Competitive inhibition of L-alpha-aminoadipate uptake by the D-isomer or a difference in the maximum rates of uptate uptake is an inducible process expressed only in the presence of that compound and while uptake of L-alpha-animoadipate is also inducible there is a low rate of constitutive uptake. While L-alpha-aminoadipate uptake occurs against a concentration gradient, uptake of the D-isomer is not against a gradient. D- and L-isomer uptake are active processes since both are inhibited by azide, cyanide and 2,4-dinitrophenol.

Adipates↗

Purification and properties of soluble hydrogenase from Alcaligenes eutrophus H 16.

The soluble hydrogenase (hydrogen: NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.12.1.2) from Alcaligenes eutrophus H 16 was purified 68-fold with a yield of 20% and a final specific activity (NAD reduction) of about 54 mumol H2 oxidized/min per mg protein. The enzyme was shown to be homogenous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its molecular weight and isoelectric point were determined to be 205 000 and 4.85 respectively. The oxidized hydrogenase, as purified under aerobic conditions, was of high stability but not reactive. Reductive activation of the enzyme by H2, in the presence of catalytic amounts of NADH, or by reducing agents caused the hydrogenase to become unstable. The purified enzyme, in its active state, was able to reduce NAD, FMN, FAD, menaquinone, ubiquinone, cytochrome c, methylene blue, methyl viologen, benzyl viologen, phenazine methosulfate, janus green, 2,6-dichlorophenoloindophenol, ferricyanide and even oxygen. In addition to hydrogenase activitiy, the enzyme exhibited also diaphorase and NAD(P)H oxidase activity. The reversibility of hydrogenase function (i.e. H2 evolution from NADH, methyl viologen and benzyl viologen) was demonstrated. With respect to H2 as substrate, hydrogenase showed negative cooperativity; the Hill coefficient was n = 0.4. The apparent Km value for H2 was found to be 0.037 mM. The absorption spectrum of hydrogenase was typical for non-heme iron proteins, showing maxima (shoulders) at 380 and 420 nm. A flavin component could be extracted from native hydrogenase characterized by its absorption bands at 375 and 447 nm and a strong fluorescense at 526 nm.

Alcaligenes↗

Isolation and properties of a particulate fraction for the desaturation of palmitic acid from Alcaligenes faecalis.

A particulate fraction obtained from Alcaligenes faecalis could desaturate palmitic acid to palmitoleic acid. NADPH, ATP, CoA, Fe2+ and Mg2+ were essential cofactors for the reaction. The desaturation showed an absolute requirement for O2. Metal ions like Mn2+, Mo6+ and Cu2+ did not affect the desaturation, while Zn2+ was inhibitory. Sulfhydryl agents such as cysteine, glutathione and beta-mercaptoethanol had no effect, but SH-blocking agents like HgCl2 and p-hydroxymercuribenzoate inhibited the reaction. Azide and cyanide strongly inhibited the reaction while CO had no effect. The presence of a b-type cytochrome in the enzyme preparation was confirmed by the spectral studies on the reaction of enzyme with NADPH. Involvement of b-type cytochrome in the desaturation reaction was demonstrated by the reoxidation of b-type cytochrome initially reduced with NADPH, by the addition of palmitic acid and other cofactors. The pH optimum for the enzyme activity was 7.4. The optimum temperature for enzyme activity was 25 degrees C and maximum activity was obtained at the end of 45 min.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The iron-sulphur centres of soluble hydrogenase from Alcaligenes eutrophus.

The soluble hydrogenase (hydrogen:NAD+ oxidoreductase (EC 1.12.1.2) from Alcaligenes eutrophus has been purified to homogeneity by an improved procedure, which includes preparative electrophoresis as final step. The specific activity of 57 mumol H2 oxidized/min per mg protein was achieved and the yield of pure enzyme from 200 g cells (wet weight) was about 16 mg/purification. After removal of non-functional iron, analysis of iron and acid-labile sulphur yielded average values of 11.5 and 12.9 atoms/molecule of enzyme, respectively. p-Chloromercuribenzoate was a strong inhibitor of hydrogenase and apparently competed with NAD not with H2. Chelating agents, CO and O2 failed to inhibit enzyme activity. The oxidized hydrogenase showed an EPR spectrum with a small signal at g = 2.02. On reduction the appearance of a high temperature (50--77 K) signal at g = 2.04, 1.95 and a more complex low temperature (less than 30 K) spectrum at g = 2.04, 2.0, 1.95, 1.93, 1.86 was observed. The pronounced temperature dependence and characteristic lineshape of the signals obtained with hydrogenase in 80--85% dimethylsulphoxide demonstrated that iron-sulphur centres of both the [2Fe-2S] and [4Fe-4S] types are present in the enzyme. Quantitation of the EPR signals indicated the existence of two identical centres each of the [4Fe-4S] and of the [2Fe-2S] type. The midpoint redox potentials of the [4Fe-4S] and the [2Fe-2S] centres were determined to be -445 mV and -325 mV, respectively. Spin coupling between two centres, indicated by the split feature of the low temperature spectrum of the native hydrogenase around g = 1.95, 1.93, has been established by power saturation studies. On reduction of the [Fe-4S] centres, the electron spin relaxation rate of the [2Fe-2S] centres was considerably increased. Treatment of hydrogenase with CO caused no change in EPR spectra.

Alcaligenes↗

An oxygen-binding flavohemoprotein from Alcaligenes eutrophus.

A procedure is described for the purification of a soluble flavohemoprotein from the hydrogen bacterium Alcaligenes eutrophus. The isolated protein exists as a monomer with a molecular weight of approx. 43,000. The molecule contains two prosthetic groups, 1 mol each of noncovalently bound FAD and protoheme per monomer. The absorption spectra of the protein in its ferric, ferrous-deoxy and ferrous-carboxy forms are similar to those of hemoglobins, with the exception of the flavin contribution (absorption maxima--ferric form: 395, 456, 483, 645 nm; ferrous-deoxy form: 436, 560 nm; ferrour-CO form: 423, 539, 569 nm). The flavohemoprotein when reduced by NADH in aerobic solution is capable of binding oxygen reversibly. The stable oxygenated complex exhibits absorption maxima at 414, 541, and 576 nm. The protein catalyzes the reduction of various dyes and cytochrome c by NADH.

Alcaligenes↗

Conjugal transfer of hydrogen-oxidizing ability of Alcaligenes hydrogenophilus to Pseudomonas oxalaticus.

Conjugal transfer of hydrogen-oxidizing ability (Hox) of the hydrogen bacterium Alcaligenes hydrogenophilus was examined. Intraspecific cross of plasmid pHG21-a that encodes hydrogenases that mediate hydrogen oxidation was most frequent at 25 C; the optimal temperature for growth was 30 C. The plasmid could be transferred from A. hydrogenophilus to Pseudomonas oxalaticus OX1 and OX4, and the resulting strains gained the capacity for autotrophic growth with H2 and CO2. Plasmid pHG21-a was maintained in P. oxalaticus OX1 and OX4 as stably as in A. hydrogenophilus.

Alcaligenes↗

Isolation of hydrogen-oxidation gene from Alcaligenes hydrogenophilus and its expression in Pseudomonas oxalaticus.

A gene bank of a megaplasmid encoding the hydrogen-oxidizing enzyme system (Hox) in Alcaligenes hydrogenophilus was constructed using a broad host range cosmid vector pVK102, and established in Escherichia coli. Hybrid cosmids containing hox genes were identified by transferring the bank into Pseudomonas oxalaticus OX1 and screening colonies for the ability of H2-dependent autotrophic growth. About 800 colonies were formed under autotrophic conditions. One of the Hox+ transconjugants was isolated and its hydrogenases activities were measured. Although soluble hydrogenase was not detected, the Hox+ transconjugant had four times the membrane-bound hydrogenase activity of A. hydrogenophilus.

Alcaligenes↗

NAD-dependent hydrogenase from Alcaligenes eutrophus Z1: does it have a regulatory centre?

Evidence is presented for the existence of a relatively high-potential regulatory centre in the NAD-dependent hydrogenase from the hydrogen oxidizing bacterium Alcaligenes eutrophus Z1. Reduction of the hydrogenase to the redox potentials lower than -100 mV converts the enzyme into a catalytically active state that is remarkably stable to oxidants. Once activated, the enzyme does not loose its activity on intensive oxygenation for at least 3 hours. A novel hydrogenase ESR signal with a wide temperature optimum and a approximately -100 mV midpoint redox potential was detected. We suggest that the reduction of this redox centre trigger conformational changes in the inactive oxidized enzyme molecule, thus reorganizing the latter into the active one.

Alcaligenes↗