Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “BACTERIUM”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 595 records · Page 33Linked to original sources

Identification of phenolyl cobamide from the homoacetogenic bacterium Sporomusa ovata.

Phenolyl cobamide was isolated from cyanide extractions of the anaerobic eubacterium Sporomusa ovata. The proposed corrinoid structure [Co alpha,Co beta-(monocyano,monoaquo)-phenolyl cobamide] has been deduced from 1H NMR, fast-atom-bombardment mass spectroscopy and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy data. The complete corrinoid resembled p-cresolyl cobamide [Co alpha,Co beta-(monocyano,monoaquo)-p-cresolyl cobamide], which recently has been obtained from cyanide extractions of the same bacterium. The structures and chemical properties of both cobamides with uncoordinated nucleotides differed significantly from those of vitamin B12 [Co alpha-[alpha-(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolyl)]-Co beta-cyanocobamide]. Sporomusa synthesized coenzymes of phenolyl cobamide and p-cresolyl cobamide in considerable amounts of 400 nmol/g and 1700 nmol/g dry cells, respectively. More than 90% of the complete corrinoid pool of the homoacetogenic bacterium consisted of these two corrinoids, indicating that they are physiologically important coenzymes of the bacterial metabolism.

Bacteria↗

Direct electrochemistry of the enzyme, methylamine dehydrogenase, from bacterium W3A1.

The electrochemical response of methylamine dehydrogenase from bacterium W3A1 at edge-plane-oriented pyrolytic graphite (epg) and modified gold electrodes has been investigated. Quasi-reversible electron transfer has been observed. Variations in concentration of different cations and anions gave rise to both promotion and inhibition of the direct response. A catalytic response of the enzyme in the presence of methylamine has been observed at both an epg electrode and a 2,2'-dithiodiglycolic-acid-modified gold electrode surface, and the effects of various cations and anions on the catalytic peak current have been investigated. The spectroelectrochemical results obtained at an optically transparent thin-layer electrode, modified with 2,2'-dithiodiglycolic acid, are also reported. In the presence of 1,1'-dimethylferrocene-3-(1-ethanol-2-amine) (14.8 microM), the results reveal a midpoint potential of -148 mV for methylamine dehydrogenase from bacterium W3A1. This is in very close agreement to the value obtained in the cyclic voltammetric investigations of -140 mV.

Anions↗

The carotenoid 7,8-dihydro-psi end group can be cyclized by the lycopene cyclases from the bacterium Erwinia uredovora and the higher plant Capsicum annuum.

The genes for geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (crtE) and phytoene synthase (crtB) from the epiphytic bacterium Erwinia uredovora and the phytoene desaturase gene from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus (Rc-crtI) were introduced into Escherichia coli, which resulted in the accumulation of the acyclic carotenoid, neurosporene. Further introduction of the lycopene cyclase gene from E. uredovora (crtY) or the higher plant Capsicum annuum (Icy) resulted in the production of a bicyclic carotenoid, 7,8-dihydro-beta-carotene, via monocyclic beta-zeacarotene. zeta-Carotene was also found to be cyclized to bicyclic 7,8,7',8'-tetrahydro-beta-carotene by the Erwinia cyclase. These results indicate that both lycopene cyclases can cyclize a 7,8-dihydro-psi end group to a 7,8-dihydro-beta end group, in addition to the usual cyclization of the psi end group to the beta end group. Furthermore, beta-carotene hydroxylase from Erwinia (CrtZ) was able to add a hydroxyl group to the 7,8-dihydro-beta end group and the beta end group.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Multiheme cytochromes from the sulfur-reducing bacterium Desulfuromonas acetoxidans.

Two new multiheme cytochromes were isolated from the anaerobic sulfur reducing bacterium Desulfuromonas acetoxidans. They have monomeric molecular masses of 50 and 65 kDa and contain six and eight hemes, respectively. Visible and EPR spectroscopies, in the as-isolated (oxidised) cytochromes, show the presence of only low-spin hemes in the 50-kDa cytochrome, and of high-spin and low-spin hemes in the 65-kDa cytochrome. The EPR spectra of the native 65-kDa cytochrome indicate multiple heme-heme interactions, including integer-spin systems as judged by parallel-mode EPR. The 50-kDa cytochrome has a complex redox pattern, as shown by EPR redox titrations, and contains one heme with unusual characteristics. Both cytochromes cover an extremely wide range of reduction potentials, which go from +100 mV to -375 mV for the 50-kDa cytochrome, and +185 mV to -235 mV for the 65-kDa cytochrome. The two cytochromes were tested for hydroxylamine oxidoreductase activity and polysulfide reductase activity, but neither displayed any activity. In contrast, it was found for the first time that the previously characterised cytochrome c551.5, from the same bacterium is very active in the reduction of polysulfide, which suggests that it acts as a terminal reductase in D. acetoxidans.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Proposal to transfer 'Aegyptianella ranarum', an intracellular bacterium of frog red blood cells, to the family Flavobacteriaceae as 'Candidatus Hemobacterium ranarum' comb. nov.

'Aegyptianella ranarum' (order Rickettsiales), an ultrastructurally defined small, Gram-negative rod, is known to replicate in the red blood cells of frogs. Heretofore, this bacterium has not been characterized genetically. We cloned and sequenced the 16S rRNA (1310 bp) and gyrB (718 bp) genes of 'A. ranarum' from a Canadian frog blood specimen. In situ hybridization (with an 'A. ranarum' 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction product as probe) and electron microscopy confirmed that 'A. ranarum' forms cytoplasmic inclusions in frog erythrocytes. blast comparisons with GenBank 16S rRNA and gyrB sequences showed that both 'A. ranarum' genes were most similar (91% and 67% identity) to those of Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, a bacterium in the family Flavobacteriaceae. In contrast, 'A. ranarum' 16S rRNA shared only 61% identity with Aegyptianella pullorum. Phylogenetic analyses of these genes using phylip supported 'A. ranarum' as a member of Flavobacteriaceae, but suggested that its cladistic sibling may be Bergeyella zoohelcum or Weeksella virosa, rather than C. meningosepticum. We propose to classify 'Aegyptianella ranarum' as 'Candidatus Hemobacterium ranarum' in the family Flavobacteriaceae. Our results provide a starting point for studies of related intraerythrocytic bacterial infections in frogs.

Anaplasmataceae↗

Characterization of outer membrane vesicles released by the psychrotolerant bacterium Pseudoalteromonas antarctica NF3.

Pseudoalteromonas antarctica NF3 is an Antarctic psychrotolerant Gram-negative bacterium that accumulates large amounts of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) with high protein content. Transmission electron microscopy analysis after high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution (HPF-FS) shows that the EPS is composed of a capsular polymer and large numbers of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). These vesicles are bilayered structures and predominantly spherical in shape, with an average diameter of 25-70 nm, which is similar to what has been observed in OMVs from other Gram-negative bacteria. Analyses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phospholipids and protein profiles of OMVs are consistent with the bacterial outer membrane origin of these vesicles. In an initial attempt to elucidate the functions of OMVs proteins, we conducted a proteomic analysis on 1D SDS-PAGE bands. Those proteins putatively identified match with outer membrane proteins and proteins related to nutrient processing and transport in Gram-negative bacteria. This approach suggests that OMVs present in the EPS from P. antarctica NF3, might function to deliver proteins to the external media, and therefore play an important role in the survival of the bacterium in the extreme Antarctic environment.

Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins↗

Characterization of a sialic acid- and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1-independent adhesin activity in the granulocytotropic bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the aetiologic agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, is an obligate intracellular bacterium that colonizes neutrophils and neutrophil precursors. The granulocytotropic bacterium uses multiple adhesins that cooperatively bind to the N-terminal region of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) and to sialyl Lewis x (sLe(x)) expressed on myeloid cell surfaces. Recognition of sLe(x) occurs through interactions with alpha2,3-sialic acid and alpha1,3-fucose. It is unknown whether other bacteria-host cell interactions are involved. In this study, we have enriched for A. phagocytophilum organisms that do not rely on sialic acid for cellular adhesion and entry by maintaining strain NCH-1 in HL-60 cells that are severely undersialylated. The selected bacteria, termed NCH-1A, also exhibit lessened dependencies on PSGL-1 and alpha1,3-fucose. Optimal adhesion and invasion by NCH-1A require interactions with the known determinants (sialic acid, PSGL-1 and alpha1,3-fucose), but none of them is absolutely necessary. NCH-1A binding to sLe(x)-modified PSGL-1 requires recognition of the known determinants in the same manners as other A. phagocytophilum strains. These data suggest that A. phagocytophilum expresses a separate adhesin from those targeting sialic acid, alpha1,3-fucose and the N-terminal region of PSGL-1. We propose that NCH-1A upregulates expression of this adhesin.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

The global regulator Lrp contributes to mutualism, pathogenesis and phenotypic variation in the bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila.

Xenorhabdus nematophila is a Gram-negative bacterium that leads both pathogenic and mutualistic lifestyles. In this study, we examine the role of Lrp, the leucine-responsive regulatory protein, in regulating both of these lifestyles. lrp mutants have attenuated virulence towards Manduca sexta insects and are defective in suppression of both cellular and humoral insect immunity. In addition, an lrp mutant is deficient in initiating colonization of and growth within mutualistic host nematodes. Furthermore, nematodes reared on lrp mutant lawns exhibit decreased overall numbers of nematode progeny. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of virulence attenuation associated with an lrp mutation in any bacterium, as well as the first report of a factor involved in both X. nematophila symbioses. Protein profiles of wild-type and mutant cells indicate that Lrp is a global regulator of expression in X. nematophila, affecting approximately 65% of 290 proteins. We show that Lrp binds to the promoter regions of genes known to be involved in basic metabolism, mutualism and pathogenesis, demonstrating that the regulation of at least some host interaction factors is likely direct. Finally, we demonstrate that Lrp influences aspects of X. nematophila phenotypic variation, a spontaneous process that occurs during prolonged growth in stationary phase.

Animals↗

Biological activity and colonization pattern of the bioluminescence-labeled plant growth-promoting bacterium Kluyvera ascorbata SUD165/26.

Kluyvera ascorbata SUD165/26 is a spontaneous siderophore-overproducing mutant of K. ascorbata SUD165, which was previously isolated from nickel-contaminated soil and shown to significantly enhance plant growth in soil contaminated with high levels of heavy metals. To develop a better understanding of the functioning of K. ascorbata SUD165/26 in the environment, and to trace its distribution in the rhizosphere, isolates of this bacterium were labeled with either green fluorescent protein or luciferase. When the plant growth-promoting activities of the labeled strains were assayed and compared with the activities of the unlabeled strain, none of the monitored parameters had changed to any significant extent. When the spatial colonization patterns of the labeled bacteria on canola roots were determined after seed application, it was observed that the bacterium was tightly attached to the surface of both roots and seeds, and formed aggregates. The majority of the bacterial population inhabited the upper two thirds of the roots, with no bacteria detected around the root tips.

Journal Article↗

Purification of form L2 RubisCO from a marine obligately autotrophic hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium, Hydrogenovibrio marinus strain MH-110.

Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) was purified from an obligately autotrophic hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium, Hydrogenovibrio marinus MH-110. The protein has a M(r) value of approximately 110,000, and is composed of two identical subunits of 55,000. To our knowledge, the existence of L2-form RubisCO in a chemolithoautotrophic bacterium is first reported in this paper. The N-terminal amino acid sequence determination of the purified enzyme showed high homology with those of the L2-form RubisCO of Rhodospirillum rubrum and the Lx-form RubisCO from Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Phylogenetic analysis of a novel sulfate-reducing magnetic bacterium, RS-1, demonstrates its membership of the delta-Proteobacteria.

Most of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of a sulfate-reducing magnetic bacterium, RS-1, was sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was carried out. The results suggest that RS-1 is a member of the delta-Proteobacteria, and it appears to represent a new genus. RS-1 is the first bacterium reported outside the alpha-Proteobacteria that contains magnetite inclusions. RS-1 therefore disrupts the correlation between the alpha-Proteobacteria and possession of magnetite inclusions, and that between the delta-Proteobacteria and possession of greigite inclusions. The existence of RS-1 also suggests that intracellular magnetite biomineralization is of multiple evolutionary origins.

Bacteria↗

An integron of class 1 is present on the plasmid pCG4 from gram-positive bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum.

The streptomycin/spectinomycin resistance determinant of the 29-kb plasmid pCG4 from Corynebacterium glutamicum was found to be a part of a typical class 1 integron. The sequence analysis revealed that the integron (designated InCg) identified in this Gram-positive bacterium is almost identical to the integron InC present on the plasmid pSA1700 from the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Differences in only two base pairs were found in the 3.8-kb sequence. One base substitution (G-->C) is present in the streptomycin/spectinomycin resistance determinant which is thus identical to the aadA2a gene from the integron In6 of the broad-host-range plasmid pSa. The other one (C-->G) is present in the extended -10 region of the integron promoter involved in expression of the antibiotic resistance gene. It was shown that this novel version of the integron promoter displays five times higher activity in both C. glutamicum and Escherichia coli than the original one.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Identification of cytochrome c oxidase in the alkaliphilic, obligately chemolithoautotrophic, sulfur-oxidizing bacterium 'Thioalcalomicrobium aerophilum' strain AL 3.

Cytochrome c oxidase from the novel alkaliphilic autotrophic sulfur bacterium 'Thioalcalomicrobium aerophilum' strain AL 3 was isolated and purified 87-fold. Spectroscopic analysis revealed the presence of both c- and b-type hemes as well as copper in a ratio of 3:2:1. The purified enzyme consists of three subunits with apparent molecular masses of 41, 34 and 32 kDa. The two small subunits contain covalently bound heme c. With TMPD as a substrate the pH optimum was determined to be pH 8.0. In the presence of monovalent cations the specific activity of the purified oxidase increased significantly. The enzyme was not able to oxidize external cytochrome c, but accepted electron from its native electron donor. The latter was separated from the other membrane cytochromes during anion-exchange chromatography and was identified as a high potential cytochrome c(551). Overall the data indicate that the cytochrome c oxidase from this alkaliphilic autotrophic bacterium belongs to the heme-copper oxidase superfamily; regarding its subunit composition and content of prosthetic groups, the enzyme is similar in many aspects to the cbb(3)-type cytochrome c oxidases described for several neutrophilic bacteria, including anaerobic phototrophic and aerobic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.

Journal Article↗

Studies on the cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase activity of the Antarctic psychrotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae.

The Antarctic psychrotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae contains a 66-kDa cytoplasmic protein which was found to by phosphorylated on a tyrosine residue [Ray, M.K. et al. (1994) FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 122, pp. 49-54]. To investigate the nature of the cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase and its role in the bacterial physiology, we carried out some biochemical studies of the enzyme in vitro in the presence of exogenous peptide substrates and expression studies in vivo at low and high temperature during various phases of growth. The results suggest that the protein tyrosine kinase associated with the cytoplasmic fraction of the bacterium has certain similarities and dissimilarities with the known eukaryotic tyrosine kinases. The protein tyrosine kinase could phosphorylate exogenous substrate corresponding to the N-terminal peptide of p34cdc2 kinase but could not do so on poly(Glu:Tyr). The enzyme could not be inhibited by genistein, staurosporine and dimethyl aminopurine, but could be inhibited by piceatannol which is a known competitive inhibitor of the peptide binding site of mammalian protein tyrosine kinases. The enzyme activity in the cytoplasm is uniquely inhibited by sodium orthovanadate (IC50 = 20 microM) which is a known protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. The expression studies show that the enzyme is produced more at a higher temperature (22 degrees C) of growth than at lower temperature (4 degrees C) and during the stationary phase of growth of P. syringae.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A gram-negative bacterium, identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa AL98, is a potent degrader of natural rubber and synthetic cis-1, 4-polyisoprene.

A Gram-negative bacterium, strain AL98, was isolated from foul water inside of a deteriorated car tire on a farmer's field in Münster, Germany. The strain was able to considerably disintegrate natural rubber (NR), either in the raw state as NR latex concentrate or in the vulcanized state as NR latex glove, as well as raw synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene (IR). Determination of carbon dioxide evolution and living cell number during batch cultivation with each of the materials as sole source of carbon, revealed mineralization of the rubber polymer during biomass increase. Surface investigation by scanning electron microscopy gave evidence for an adhesive growth behavior of the strain proceeding by colonizing the rubber surface, merging into the rubber and forming a biofilm prior to disintegration of the material. Schiff's reagent staining performed with NR latex gloves indicated production and accumulation of aldehyde groups during colonization. The solid glove substrate disappeared completely after a prolonged cultivation period as a result of continuous degradation. Taxonomic analyses of the strain, which were also based on similarity examination of the complete 16S rRNA gene, revealed classification of strain AL98 as a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is the first report about the isolation of a Gram-negative bacterium exhibiting strong rubber decomposing properties.

Automobiles↗

Plasmid curing from an acidophilic bacterium of the genus Acidocella.

Preservation of the acidophilic heterotroph, Acidocella sp. strain GS19h, at 4 degrees C in stab culture eliminated all indigenous plasmids from this bacterium. Growth at 42 degrees C initially caused changes in the plasmid profile followed by total elimination of plasmids after 10 cycles of growth. Concomitant to this loss of all plasmids, the cured derivatives became sensitive to CdSO(4) and ZnSO(4), and the MIC value of the salts dropped from 1 M for each in the case of parental strain to 2 mM and 5 mM, respectively, suggesting plasmid-mediated inheritance of metal resistance in this bacterium. The cured derivatives could not utilise lactose, indicating this metabolic activity to be plasmid-associated in this strain.

Bacteria↗

Cloning of mpd gene from a chlorpyrifos-degrading bacterium and use of this strain in bioremediation of contaminated soil.

An effective chlorpyrifos-degrading bacterium (named strain YC-1) was isolated from the sludge of the wastewater treating system of an organophosphorus pesticides manufacturer. Based on the results of phenotypic features, phylogenetic similarity of 16S rRNA gene sequences and BIOLOG test, strain YC-1 was identified as the genus Stenotrophomonas. The isolate utilized chlorpyrifos as the sole source of carbon and phosphorus for its growth and hydrolyzed chlorpyrifos to 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol. Parathion, methyl parathion, and fenitrothion also could be degraded by strain YC-1 when provided as the sole source of carbon and phosphorus. The gene encoding the organophosphorus hydrolase was cloned using a PCR cloning strategy based on the known methyl parathion degrading (mpd) gene of Plesiomonas sp. M6. Sequence blast result indicated this gene has 99% similar to mpd. The inoculation of strain YC-1 (10(6) cells g(-1)) to soil treated with 100 mg kg(-1) chlorpyrifos resulted in a higher degradation rate than in noninoculated soils. Theses results highlight the potential of this bacterium to be used in the cleanup of contaminated pesticide waste in the environment.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Dense populations of a giant sulfur bacterium in Namibian shelf sediments.

A previously unknown giant sulfur bacterium is abundant in sediments underlying the oxygen minimum zone of the Benguela Current upwelling system. The bacterium has a spherical cell that exceeds by up to 100-fold the biovolume of the largest known prokaryotes. On the basis of 16S ribosomal DNA sequence data, these bacteria are closely related to the marine filamentous sulfur bacteria Thioploca, abundant in the upwelling area off Chile and Peru. Similar to Thioploca, the giant bacteria oxidize sulfide with nitrate that is accumulated to </=800 millimolar in a central vacuole.

Bacteria↗