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Manipulation of thiol contents in plants.

As sulfur constitutes one of the macronutrients necessary for the plant life cycle, sulfur uptake and assimilation in higher plants is one of the crucial factors determining plant growth and vigour, crop yield and even resistance to pests and stresses. Inorganic sulfate is mostly taken up as sulfate from the soil through the root system or to a lesser extent as volatile sulfur compounds from the air. In a cascade of enzymatic steps inorganic sulfur is converted to the nutritionally important sulfur-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine (Hell, 1997; Hell and Rennenberg, 1998; Saito, 1999). Sulfate uptake and allocation between plant organs or within the cell is mediated by specific transporters localised in plant membranes. Several functionally different sulfate transporters have to be postulated and have been already cloned from a number of plant species (Clarkson et al., 1993; Hawkesford and Smith, 1997; Takahashi et al., 1997; Yamaguchi, 1997). Following import into the plant and transport to the final site of reduction, the plastid, the chemically relatively inert sulfate molecule is activated through binding to ATP forming adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (APS). This enzymatic step is controlled through the enzyme ATP-sulfurylase (ATP-S). APS can be further phosphorylated to form 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) which serves as sulfate donor for the formation of sulfate esters such as the biosynthesis of sulfolipids (Schmidt and Jäger, 1992). However, most of the APS is reduced to sulfide through the enzymes APS-reductase (APR) and sulfite reductase (SIR). The carbon backbone of cysteine is provided through serine, thus directly coupling photosynthetic processes and nitrogen metabolism to sulfur assimilation. L-serine is activated by serine acetyltransferase (SAT) through the transfer to an acetyl-group from acetyl coenzyme A to form O-acetyl-L-serine (OAS) which is then sulhydrylated using sulfide through the enzyme O-acetyl-L-serine thiol lyase (OAS-TL) forming cysteine. Cysteine is the central precursor of all organic molecules containing reduced sulfur ranging from the amino acid methionine to peptides as glutathione or phytochelatines, proteines, vitamines, cofactors as SAM and hormones. Cysteine and derived metabolites display essential roles within plant metabolism such as protein stabilisation through disulfide bridges, stress tolerance to active oxygen species and metals, cofactors for enzymatic reactions as e.g. SAM as major methylgroup donor and plant development and signalling through the volatile hormone ethylene. Cysteine and other metabolites carrying free sulfhydryl groups are commonly termed thioles (confer Fig. 1). The physiological control of the sulfate reduction pathway in higher plants is still not completely understood in all details. The objective of this paper is to summarise the available data on the molecular analysis and control of cysteine biosynthesis in plants, and to discuss potentials for manipulating the pathway using transgenic approaches.

Acetyltransferases↗

Identification of biogenic dimethyl selenodisulfide in the headspace gases above genetically modified Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli JM109 cells were modified to express the genes encoded in a 3.8-kb chromosomal DNA fragment from a metalloid-resistant thermophile, Geobacillus stearothermophilus V. Manual headspace extraction was used to collect the gases for gas chromatography with fluorine-induced sulfur chemiluminescence analysis while solid-phase microextraction was used for sample collection in gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. When grown in the presence of selenate or selenite, these bacteria produced both organo-sulfur and organo-selenium in the headspace gases above the cultures. Organo-sulfur compounds detected were methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide. Organo-selenium compounds detected were dimethyl selenide and dimethyl diselenide. Two mixed sulfur-selenium compounds, dimethyl selenenyl sulfide and a chromatographically late-eluting compound, were detected. Dimethyl selenodisulfide, CH(3)SeSSCH(3), and dimethyl bis(thio)selenide, CH(3)SSeSCH(3), were synthesized and analyzed by GC/MS and fluorine-induced chemiluminescence to determine which corresponded to the late-eluting compound that was bacterially produced. CH(3)SeSSCH(3) was positively identified as the compound detected in bacterial headspace above Se-amended cultures. Using GC retention times, the boiling point of CH(3)SeSSCH(3) was estimated to be approximately 192 degrees C. This is the first report of CH(3)SeSSCH(3) produced by bacterial cultures.

Escherichia coli↗

PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE BY STREPTOMYCETES AND METHODS FOR ITS DETECTION.

The ability of streptomycetes to produce hydrogen sulfide is generally used for taxonomic purposes. It was found that the previously used method, the blackening of Peptone Iron Agar, does not clearly indicate formation of hydrogen sulfide. It was shown that the blackening of a lead acetate strip is the most accurate indicator for H(2)S-producing streptomycetes. A great variety of organic and inorganic sulfur compounds were examined and compared, and the choice of the most suitable sulfur source and method for the detection of hydrogen sulfide is discussed.

Agar↗

Microbiology and treatment of halitosis.

The prevalence of oral malodor is probably high in the United States, although precise epidemiological data are missing. The many thousands of individuals who experience oral malodor from the overgrowth of proteolytic, anaerobic bacteria on their tongue surfaces can be successfully treated by a regimen that includes tongue brushing, toothbrushing and possibly the usage of mouthrinses containing various agents. Several candidate mouthrinses containing essential oils (Listerine), ZnCl2, or an oil, water and cetylpyridum chloride mouthrinse have reduced the organoleptic scores of individuals with moderate levels of oral malodor in the absence of tongue brushing. Very few long-term data beyond 6 weeks of usage are available. Anecdotal evidence suggests that other agents such as chlorine dioxide may be helpful. These mouthrinses should be marketed as oral deodorants that are analogous in purpose to the usage of deodorant soaps to control and/or eliminate body malodors. In this way the mouthrinse could be considered as a cosmetic by the FDA, provided that there are data on the safety of the various ingredients in the mouthrinse. Mouthrinses containing zinc ions are able to reduce the levels of volatile sulfur compounds by converting these volatile compounds to non-volatile, and therefore, non-malodorous zinc sulfides, and this mode of action would appear to support a cosmetic claim.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

Volatile sulfur production by pig cecal bacteria in batch culture and screening inhibitors of sulfate reducing bacteria.

We studied the effects of specific inhibitors of methanogenesis (2-bromoethane sulfonate, BES) and sulfate reduction (sodium molybdate) on volatile sulfur production in batch cultures of pig cecal bacteria. The volatile sulfur concentration in headspace gas was determined by flame-photometric detector gas chromatography. BES stimulated production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methanethiol, and sodium molybdate completely inhibited the production of these volatile sulfur compounds. The results indicated that dissimilate sulfate reduction is mainly responsible for volatile sulfur production in the hindgut. Therefore the extracts of herbs, food colors, and aroma chemicals were tested for their inhibitory effects on H2S production by a dissimilatory sulfate-reducing bacteria. Desulfovibrio desulfuricans DSM642. H2S was measured by the chromatography of the headspace gas, using a flame photometric detector. Of 306 herbal extracts tested, 69 extracts from 38 herbs inhibited H2S production at 1.0 mg/mL. Sisymbrium officinale (hedge mustard) was the most potent inhibitor. Six pigments inhibited H2S release. Erythrosine and rose bengal showed inhibitory effects at 0.01 mg/mL. Peppermint oil and 96 aroma chemicals were assayed for their effects on H2S release. Thirty-two aroma chemicals suppressed H2S production at 0.1 mg/mL, and camphene, 1-decanol, and 2-nonanone were effective at 0.01 mg/mL.

Alkanesulfonic Acids↗

Thialkalivibrio halophilus sp. nov., a novel obligately chemolithoautotrophic, facultatively alkaliphilic, and extremely salt-tolerant, sulfur-oxidizing bacterium from a hypersaline alkaline lake.

A new chemolithoautotrophic, facultatively alkaliphilic, extremely salt-tolerant, sulfur-oxidizing bacterium was isolated from an alkaline hypersaline lake in the Altai Steppe (Siberia, Russia). According to 16S rDNA analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization, strain HL 17T was identified as a new species of the genus Thialkalivibrio belonging to the gamma subdivision of the Proteobacteria for which the name Thialkalivibrio halophilus is proposed. Strain HL 17T is an extremely salt-tolerant bacterium growing at sodium concentrations between 0.2 and 5 M, with an optimum of 2 M Na+. It grew at high concentrations of NaCl and of Na2CO3/NaHCO3 (soda). Strain HL 17T is a facultative alkaliphile growing at pH range 7.5-9.8, with a broad optimum between pH 8.0 and 9.0. It used reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (thiosulfate, sulfide, polysulfide, elemental sulfur, and tetrathionate) as energy sources and electron donors. In continuous culture under energy limitation, thiosulfate was stoichiometrically oxidized to sulfate. In sodium carbonate medium under alkaline conditions, the maximum growth rate was similar, while the biomass yield was lower as compared with the NaCl-grown culture. The maximum sulfur-oxidizing capacity measured in washed cells was higher in the soda buffer independent of the growth conditions. The compatible solute content of the biomass was higher in the sodium chloride-grown culture than in the sodium carbonate/bicarbonate-grown culture. The data suggest that the osmotic pressure differences between soda and NaCl solutions might be responsible for the difference observed in compatible solutes production. This may have important implications in overall energetic metabolism of high salt adaptation.

Chromatiaceae↗

Volatile compounds produced in cheese by Enterobacteriaceae strains of dairy origin.

The formation of volatile compounds in fresh cheese by 10 Enterobacteriaceae strains of dairy origin (4 Hafnia alvei, 2 Serratia liquefaciens, 1 Enterobacter cloacae, 1 Enterobacter sakazakii, and 2 Escherichia coli strains) was investigated. Small cheeses were made from pasteurized cow's milk separately inoculated with 1-3 x 10(3) CFU/ml of each of the Enterobacteriaceae strains, with glucono-8-lactone added to achieve a pH value of 5.2 in the curds. All strains reached counts close to 10(8) CFU/g in 1-day-old cheeses and survived well from day 1 to day 8. Cheeses were analyzed for volatile compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, after extraction by dynamic headspace using a purge and trap apparatus. Sixty-one volatile compounds were determined in cheeses, 31 of which were further investigated. Significant increases of aldehydes, sulfur compounds, and aromatic compounds were recorded from 2-h curd to 1-day-old cheese, and of ketones, alcohols, and acids from 2-h curd to 8-day-old cheese. Acetaldehyde, 2-methyl propanal, and 3-methyl butanal predominated among aldehydes; 2,3-butanedione, 2,3-pentanedione, and 3-hydroxy 2-butanone among ketones; ethanol, 2-methyl propanol, and 3-methyl butanol among alcohols; and ethyl acetate among esters. Hierarchical cluster analysis of strains using the data of 31 volatile compounds separated clearly the strain of E. sakazakii, which produced high amounts of volatile compounds, from the other Enterobacteriaceae strains.

Aldehydes↗

Identification and functional analysis of the gene encoding methionine-gamma-lyase in Brevibacterium linens.

The enzymatic degradation of L-methionine and subsequent formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) is believed to be essential for flavor development in cheese. L-methionine-gamma-lyase (MGL) can convert L-methionine to methanethiol (MTL), alpha-ketobutyrate, and ammonia. The mgl gene encoding MGL was cloned from the type strain Brevibacterium linens ATCC 9175 known to produce copious amounts of MTL and related VSCs. The disruption of the mgl gene, achieved in strain ATCC 9175, resulted in a 62% decrease in thiol-producing activity and a 97% decrease in total VSC production in the knockout strain. Our work shows that L-methionine degradation via gamma-elimination is a key step in the formation of VSCs in B. linens.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Metabolic response against sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds by the lignin-degrading basidiomycete Coriolus versicolor.

The fungal conversions of sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds were investigated using the lignin-degrading basidiomycete Coriolus versicolor. The fungus metabolized a series of sulfur compounds--25 structurally related thiophene derivatives--via several different pathways. Under primary metabolic conditions, C. versicolor utilized thiophenes, such as 2-hydroxymethyl-, 2-formyl-, and 2-carboxyl-thiophenes, as a nutrient sulfur source for growth; thus, the fungus degraded these compounds more effectively in a non-sulfur-containing medium than in conventional medium. The product analysis revealed that several redox reactions, decarboxylation reactions, and C-S cleavage reactions were involved in the fungal conversion of non-aromatic thiophenes. On the other hand, benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) skeletons were converted to water-soluble products. All the products and metabolic intermediates were more hydrophilic than the starting substrates. These metabolic actions seemed to be a chemical stress response against exogenously added xenobiotics. These metabolic reactions were optimized under ligninolytic conditions, also suggesting the occurrence of a fungal xenobiotic response. Furthermore, the fungus converted a series of BTs and DBTs via several different pathways, which seemed to be controlled by the chemical structure of the substrates. DBT, 4-methylDBT, 4, 6-dimethylDBT, 2-methylBT, and 7-methylBT were immediately oxidized to their S-oxides. BTs and DBTs with the hydroxymethyl substituent were converted to their xylosides without S-oxidation. Those with carboxyl and formyl substituents were reduced to form a hydroxymethyl group, then xylosidated. These observations strongly suggested the involvement of a fungal substrate-recognition and metabolic response mechanism in the metabolism of sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds by C. versicolor.

Benzaldehydes↗

Volatile metabolites from actinomycetes.

Twenty-six Streptomyces spp. were screened for their volatile production capacity on yeast starch agar. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were concentrated on a porous polymer throughout an 8-day growth period. VOCs were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and identified or characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 120 VOCs were characterized by retention index and mass spectra. Fifty-three compounds were characterized as terpenoid compounds, among which 18 could be identified. Among the VOCs were alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, esters, ketones, sulfur compounds, and isoprenoid compounds. Among the most frequently produced compounds were isoprene, acetone, 1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, cyclopentanone, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, 2-phenylethanol, and geosmin. The relationship between the excretion of geosmin and the production of spores was examined for one isolate. A good correlation between headspace geosmin and the number of spores was observed, suggesting that VOCs could be used to indicate the activity of these microorganisms in heterogeneous substrates.

Actinomycetales↗

Oxygen respiration by desulfovibrio species.

Throughout the first 90 years after their discovery, sulfate-reducing bacteria were thought to be strict anaerobes. During the last 15 years, however, it has turned out that they have manifold properties that enable them to cope with oxygen. Sulfate-reducing bacteria not only survive oxygen exposure for at least days, but many of them even reduce oxygen to water. This process can be a true respiration process when it is coupled to energy conservation. Various oxygen-reducing systems are present in Desulfovibrio species. In Desulfovibrio vulgaris and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, oxygen reduction was coupled to proton translocation and ATP conservation. In these species, the periplasmic fraction, which contains hydrogenase and cytochrome c3, was found to catalyze oxygen reduction with high rates. In Desulfovibrio gigas, a cytoplasmic rubredoxin oxidase was identified as an oxygen-reducing terminal oxidase. Generally, the same substrates as with sulfate are oxidized with oxygen. As additional electron donors, reduced sulfur compounds can be oxidized to sulfate. Sulfate-reducing bacteria are thus able to catalyze all reactions of a complete sulfur cycle. Despite a high respiration rate and energy coupling, aerobic growth of pure cultures is poor or absent. Instead, the respiration capacity appears to have a protective function. High numbers of sulfate-reducing bacteria are present in the oxic zones and near the oxic-anoxic boundaries of sediments and in stratified water bodies, microbial mats and termite guts. Community structure analyses and microbiological studies have shown that the populations in those zones are especially adapted to oxygen. How dissimilatory sulfate reduction can occur in the presence of oxygen is still enigmatic, because in pure culture oxygen blocks sulfate reduction. Behavioral responses to oxygen include aggregation, migration to anoxic zones, and aerotaxis. The latter leads to band formation in oxygen-containing zones at concentrations of </=20% air saturation.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Identification using versatile sampling and analytical methods of volatile compounds from Streptomyces albidoflavus grown on four humid building materials and one synthetic medium.

UNLABELLED: The Streptomyces spp. form a common group of bacteria found in the indoor air of water-damaged buildings. They are known for their capability to produce compounds, like geosmin, with low odor thresholds. In this study, two strains of Streptomyces albidoflavus were cultivated on pinewood, gypsum board, particle-board, sand and tryptone glucose extract agar (TGEA). Air samples from the cultures were collected on six different adsorbents and chemosorbents to sample a wide range of compounds such as VOCs, aldehydes, amines and lightweight organic acids. The samples were analyzed with gas chromatography, high-pressure liquid chromatography and ion chromatography. Mass spectrometry was used for identification of the compounds. Metabolites were found and identified in air samples from cultures on all materials except sand. Alcohols and ketones were the dominating compound groups produced by cultures grown on pinewood and gypsum board. Few metabolites were produced on particle-board. The culture growing on TGEA produced mainly sulfur compounds and sesquiterpenes. Ammonia, methylamine, diethylamine, ethylamine and one unidentifiable amine were also found from cultivation on TGEA. The growth medium was of crucial importance to the production of potentially irritating metabolites. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Microbial growth and the production of volatile metabolites is one possible explanation for building-related health problems. Streptomyces spp. are frequently found in water-damaged buildings. This study shows that Streptomyces spp. are able to produce not only odorous compounds like geosmin, but also potentially irritating compounds. This finding should be of interest in indoor air investigations.

Agar↗

Maillard reaction products as "natural antibrowning" agents in fruit and vegetable technology.

The effects of Maillard reaction products (MRPs), synthesized from a sugar (pentose, hexose, or disaccharide) and either a cysteine-related compound, an amino acid, or a sulfur compound, were investigated on polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity from apple, mushroom, and eggplant. The optimal conditions for the production of inhibitory MRPs were performed using two-factor and five-level central experimental designs. It resulted that thiol-derived MRPs were highly prone to give rise to inhibitory compounds of PPO activity. Technological assays were also performed to test the efficiency of selected MRPs in the prevention of enzymatic browning in raw and minimally processed fruits and vegetables.

Agaricales↗