1
|
Knop JM, Mukherjee S, Jaworek MW, Kriegler S, Manisegaran M, Fetahaj Z, Ostermeier L, Oliva R, Gault S, Cockell CS, Winter R. Life in Multi-Extreme Environments: Brines, Osmotic and Hydrostatic Pressure─A Physicochemical View. Chem Rev 2023; 123:73-104. [PMID: 36260784 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the details of the formation, stability, interactions, and reactivity of biomolecular systems under extreme environmental conditions, including high salt concentrations in brines and high osmotic and high hydrostatic pressures, is of fundamental biological, astrobiological, and biotechnological importance. Bacteria and archaea are able to survive in the deep ocean or subsurface of Earth, where pressures of up to 1 kbar are reached. The deep subsurface of Mars may host high concentrations of ions in brines, such as perchlorates, but we know little about how these conditions and the resulting osmotic stress conditions would affect the habitability of such environments for cellular life. We discuss the combined effects of osmotic (salts, organic cosolvents) and hydrostatic pressures on the structure, stability, and reactivity of biomolecular systems, including membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids. To this end, a variety of biophysical techniques have been applied, including calorimetry, UV/vis, FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopy, and neutron and X-ray scattering, in conjunction with high pressure techniques. Knowledge of these effects is essential to our understanding of life exposed to such harsh conditions, and of the physical limits of life in general. Finally, we discuss strategies that not only help us understand the adaptive mechanisms of organisms that thrive in such harsh geological settings but could also have important ramifications in biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jim-Marcel Knop
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, TU Dortmund University, D-44221Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sanjib Mukherjee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, TU Dortmund University, D-44221Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michel W Jaworek
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, TU Dortmund University, D-44221Dortmund, Germany
| | - Simon Kriegler
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, TU Dortmund University, D-44221Dortmund, Germany
| | - Magiliny Manisegaran
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, TU Dortmund University, D-44221Dortmund, Germany
| | - Zamira Fetahaj
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, TU Dortmund University, D-44221Dortmund, Germany
| | - Lena Ostermeier
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, TU Dortmund University, D-44221Dortmund, Germany
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, TU Dortmund University, D-44221Dortmund, Germany.,Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126Naples, Italy
| | - Stewart Gault
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, SUPA School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, James Clerk Maxwell Building, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, EH9 3FDEdinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Charles S Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, SUPA School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, James Clerk Maxwell Building, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, EH9 3FDEdinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Winter
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, TU Dortmund University, D-44221Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Avagyan S, Makhatadze GI. Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure on the Thermodynamics of CspB-Bs Interactions with the ssDNA Template. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3086-3097. [PMID: 34613715 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the thermodynamic mechanisms of adaptation of biomacromolecules to high hydrostatic pressure can help shed light on how piezophilic organisms can survive at pressures reaching over 1000 atmospheres. Interaction of proteins with nucleic acids is one of the central processes that allow information flow encoded in the sequence of DNA. Here, we report the results of a study on the interaction of cold shock protein B from Bacillus subtilis (CspB-Bs) with heptadeoxythymine template (pDT7) as a function of temperature and hydrostatic pressure. Experimental data collected at different CspB-Bs:pDT7 ratios were analyzed using a thermodynamic linkage model that accounts for both protein unfolding and CspB-Bs:pDT7 binding. The global fit to the model provided estimates of the stability of CspB-Bs, ΔGProto, the volume change upon CspB-Bs unfolding, ΔVProt, the association constant for CspB-Bs:pDT7 complex, Kao, and the volume changes upon pDT7 single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) template binding, ΔVBind. The protein, CspB-Bs, unfolds with an increase in hydrostatic pressure (ΔVProt < 0). Surprisingly, our study showed that ΔVBind < 0, which means that the binding of CspB-Bs to ssDNA is stabilized by an increase in hydrostatic pressure. Thus, CspB-Bs binding to pDT7 represents a case of linked equilibrium in which folding and binding react differently upon an increase in hydrostatic pressure: protein folding/unfolding equilibrium favors the unfolded state, while protein-ligand binding equilibrium favors the bound state. These opposing effects set a "maximum attainable" pressure tolerance to the protein-ssDNA complex under given conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samvel Avagyan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States.,Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - George I Makhatadze
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States.,Department on Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States.,Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gangwar M, Jha R, Goyal M, Srivastava M. Biochemical characterization of Recombinase A from Wolbachia endosymbiont of filarial nematode Brugia malayi (wBmRecA). Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:841-853. [PMID: 34273392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating disease that affects over 890 million people in 49 countries. A lack of vaccines, non-availability of adulticidal drugs, the threat of emerging drug resistance against available chemotherapeutics and an incomplete understanding of the immunobiology of the disease have sustained the problem. Characterization of Wolbachia proteins, the bacterial endosymbiont which helps in the growth and development of filarial worms, regulates fecundity in female worms and mediates immunopathogenesis of Lymphatic Filariasis, is an important approach to gain insights into the immunopathogenesis of the disease. In this study, we carried out extensive biochemical characterization of Recombinase A from Wolbachia of the filarial nematode Brugia malayi (wBmRecA) using an Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay, an ATP binding and hydrolysis assay, DNA strand exchange reactions, DAPI displacement assay and confocal microscopy, and evaluated anti-filarial activity of RecA inhibitors. Confocal studies showed that wBmRecA was expressed and localised within B. malayi microfilariae (Mf) and uteri and lateral chord of adult females. Recombinant wBmRecA was biochemically active and showed intrinsic binding capacity towards both single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA that were enhanced by ATP, suggesting ATP-induced cooperativity. wBmRecA promoted ATP hydrolysis and DNA strand exchange reactions in a concentration-dependent manner, and its binding to DNA was sensitive to temperature, pH and salt concentration. Importantly, the anti-parasitic drug Suramin, and Phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (PcTs)-based inhibitors Fe-PcTs and 3,4-Cu-PcTs, inhibited wBmRecA activity and affected the motility and viability of Mf. The addition of Doxycycline further enhanced microfilaricidal activity of wBmRecA, suggesting potential synergism. Taken together, the omnipresence of wBmRecA in B. malayi life stages and the potent microfilaricidal activity of RecA inhibitors suggest an important role of wBmRecA in filarial pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Gangwar
- Molecular Parasitology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Ruchi Jha
- Molecular Parasitology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Manish Goyal
- Molecular Parasitology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
| | - Mrigank Srivastava
- Molecular Parasitology and Immunology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Choi JW, Vasamsetti BMK, Choo J, Kim HY. Analysis of deoxyribonuclease activity by conjugation-free fluorescence polarisation in sub-nanolitre droplets. Analyst 2020; 145:3222-3228. [PMID: 32118224 DOI: 10.1039/c9an02380a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We report the analysis of deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity by conjugation-free fluorescence polarisation in a droplet-based microfluidic chip. DNase is a DNA cleaving enzyme and its activity is important in the maintenance of normal cellular functions. Alterations in DNase activity have been implicated as the cause of various cancers and autoimmune diseases. To date, various methods for the analysis of DNase activity have been reported. However, they are not cost effective due to the requirement of large sample volumes and the need for the conjugation of fluorescent dyes. In this study, we have used ethidium bromide (EtBr), a DNA intercalating reagent, as a fluorescent reporter without any prior conjugation or modification of DNA. Degradation of DNA by DNase 1 was monitored at a steady state by making changes in the fluorescence polarisation of EtBr in droplets with a volume of 330 picolitre at a 40 hertz frequency under visible light. Using this technique, we successfully determined the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for the inhibition of DNase 1 activity to be 1.56 ± 0.91 mM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Won Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Singaraju GS, Sagar A, Kumar A, Samuel JS, Hazra JP, Sannigrahi MK, Yennamalli RM, Ashish , Rakshit S. Structural basis of the strong cell-cell junction formed by cadherin-23. FEBS J 2019; 287:2328-2347. [PMID: 31729176 PMCID: PMC7317872 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Cadherin-23, a giant atypical cadherin, forms homophilic interactions at the cell-cell junction of epithelial cells and heterophilic interactions with protocadherin-15 at the tip-links of neuroepithelial cells. While the molecular structure of the heterodimer is solved, the homodimer structure is yet to be resolved. The homodimers play an essential role in cell-cell adhesion as the downregulation of cadherin-23 in cancers loosen the intercellular junction resulting in faster-migration of cancer cells and a significant drop in patient survival. In vitro studies have measured a stronger aggregation-propensity of cadherin-23 compared to typical E-cadherin. Here, we deciphered the unique trans-homodimer structure of cadherin-23 in solution, and show that it consists of two electrostatic-based interfaces extended up to two terminal domains. The interface is robust, with a low off-rate of ~8x10-4 s-1 that supports its strong aggregation-propensity. We identified a point-mutation, E78K, that disrupts this binding. Interestingly, a mutation at the interface was reported in skin cancer. Overall, the structural basis of the strong cadherin-23 adhesion may have far-reaching applications in the fields of mechanobiology and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri S. Singaraju
- Department of Chemical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliPunjabIndia
| | - Amin Sagar
- Department of Chemical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliPunjabIndia
| | - Anuj Kumar
- Department of Physical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliPunjabIndia
| | - Jesse S. Samuel
- Department of Chemical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliPunjabIndia
| | - Jagadish P. Hazra
- Department of Chemical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliPunjabIndia
| | - Malay K. Sannigrahi
- Department of Chemical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliPunjabIndia
| | - Ragothaman M. Yennamalli
- Department of Biotechnology and BioinformaticsJaypee University of Information TechnologyWaknaghatIndia
| | - Ashish
- Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR)ChandigarhIndia
| | - Sabyasachi Rakshit
- Department of Chemical SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliPunjabIndia
- Centre for Protein Science Design and EngineeringIndian Institute of Science Education and Research MohaliPunjabIndia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nepal S, Kumar P. Dynamics of phenotypic switching of bacterial cells with temporal fluctuations in pressure. Phys Rev E 2018; 97:052411. [PMID: 29906911 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.97.052411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic switching is one of the mechanisms by which bacteria thrive in ever changing environmental conditions around them. Earlier studies have shown that the application of steady high hydrostatic pressure leads to stochastic switching of mesophilic bacteria from a cellular phenotype having a normal cell cycle to another phenotype lacking cell division. Here, we have studied the dynamics of this phenotypic switching with fluctuating periodic pressure using a set of experiments and a theoretical model. Our results suggest that the phenotypic switching rate from high-pressure phenotype to low-pressure phenotype in the reversible regime is larger as compared to the switching rate from low-pressure phenotype to high-pressure phenotype. Furthermore, we find that even though the cell division and elongation are presumably regulated by a large number of genes the underlying physics of the dynamics of stochastic switching at high pressure is captured reasonably well by a simple two-state model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Nepal
- Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lassalle L, Engilberge S, Madern D, Vauclare P, Franzetti B, Girard E. New insights into the mechanism of substrates trafficking in Glyoxylate/Hydroxypyruvate reductases. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20629. [PMID: 26865263 PMCID: PMC4749974 DOI: 10.1038/srep20629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyoxylate accumulation within cells is highly toxic. In humans, it is associated with hyperoxaluria type 2 (PH2) leading to renal failure. The glyoxylate content within cells is regulated by the NADPH/NADH dependent glyoxylate/hydroxypyruvate reductases (GRHPR). These are highly conserved enzymes with a dual activity as they are able to reduce glyoxylate to glycolate and to convert hydroxypyruvate into D-glycerate. Despite the determination of high-resolution X-ray structures, the substrate recognition mode of this class of enzymes remains unclear. We determined the structure at 2.0 Å resolution of a thermostable GRHPR from Archaea as a ternary complex in the presence of D-glycerate and NADPH. This shows a binding mode conserved between human and archeal enzymes. We also determined the first structure of GRHPR in presence of glyoxylate at 1.40 Å resolution. This revealed the pivotal role of Leu53 and Trp138 in substrate trafficking. These residues act as gatekeepers at the entrance of a tunnel connecting the active site to protein surface. Taken together, these results allowed us to propose a general model for GRHPR mode of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Lassalle
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CNRS, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CEA, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvain Engilberge
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CNRS, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CEA, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France
| | - Dominique Madern
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CNRS, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CEA, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre Vauclare
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CNRS, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CEA, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France
| | - Bruno Franzetti
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CNRS, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CEA, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France
| | - Eric Girard
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CNRS, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France.,CEA, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Itävaara M, Salavirta H, Marjamaa K, Ruskeeniemi T. Geomicrobiology and Metagenomics of Terrestrial Deep Subsurface Microbiomes. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2016; 94:1-77. [PMID: 26917241 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Fractures in the deep subsurface of Earth's crust are inhabited by diverse microbial communities that participate in biogeochemical cycles of the Earth. Life on Earth, which arose c. 3.5-4.0 billion years ago, reaches down at least 5 km in the crust. Deep mines, caves, and boreholes have provided scientists with opportunities to sample deep subsurface microbiomes and to obtain information on the species diversity and functions. A wide variety of bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and viruses are now known to reside in the crust, but their functions are still largely unknown. The crust at different depths has varying geological composition and hosts endemic microbiomes accordingly. The diversity is driven by geological formations and gases evolving from deeper depths. Cooperation among different species is still mostly unexplored, but viruses are known to restrict density of bacterial and archaeal populations. Due to the complex growth requirements of the deep subsurface microbiomes, the new knowledge about their diversity and functions is mostly obtained by molecular methods, eg, meta'omics'. Geomicrobiology is a multidisciplinary research area combining disciplines from geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, and microbiology. Geomicrobiology is concerned with the interaction of microorganisms and geological processes. At the surface of mineralogical or rock surfaces, geomicrobial processes occur mainly under aerobic conditions. In the deep subsurface, however, the environmental conditions are reducing and anaerobic. The present chapter describes the world of microbiomes in deep terrestrial geological environments as well as metagenomic and metatranscriptomic methods suitable for studies of these enigmatic communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Itävaara
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Espoo, Finland
| | - H Salavirta
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Espoo, Finland
| | - K Marjamaa
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Espoo, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Le S, Yao M, Chen J, Efremov AK, Azimi S, Yan J. Disturbance-free rapid solution exchange for magnetic tweezers single-molecule studies. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:e113. [PMID: 26007651 PMCID: PMC4787821 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-molecule manipulation technologies have been extensively applied to studies of the structures and interactions of DNA and proteins. An important aspect of such studies is to obtain the dynamics of interactions; however the initial binding is often difficult to obtain due to large mechanical perturbation during solution introduction. Here, we report a simple disturbance-free rapid solution exchange method for magnetic tweezers single-molecule manipulation experiments, which is achieved by tethering the molecules inside microwells (typical dimensions–diameter (D): 40–50 μm, height (H): 100 μm; H:D∼2:1). Our simulations and experiments show that the flow speed can be reduced by several orders of magnitude near the bottom of the microwells from that in the flow chamber, effectively eliminating the flow disturbance to molecules tethered in the microwells. We demonstrate a wide scope of applications of this method by measuring the force dependent DNA structural transitions in response to solution condition change, and polymerization dynamics of RecA on ssDNA/SSB-coated ssDNA/dsDNA of various tether lengths under constant forces, as well as the dynamics of vinculin binding to α-catenin at a constant force (< 5 pN) applied to the α-catenin protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Le
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Mingxi Yao
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Jin Chen
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Artem K Efremov
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Sara Azimi
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117557, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Takahashi S, Sugimoto N. Pressure-dependent formation of i-motif and G-quadruplex DNA structures. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 17:31004-10. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cp04727g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pressure is an important physical stimulus that can influence the fate of cells by causing structural changes in biomolecules such as DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Takahashi
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER)
- Konan University
- Kobe 650-0047
- Japan
| | - N. Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER)
- Konan University
- Kobe 650-0047
- Japan
- Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kumar P, Libchaber A. Pressure and temperature dependence of growth and morphology of Escherichia coli: experiments and stochastic model. Biophys J 2014; 105:783-93. [PMID: 23931326 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated the growth of Escherichia coli, a mesophilic bacterium, as a function of pressure (P) and temperature (T). Escherichia coli can grow and divide in a wide range of pressure (1-400 atm) and temperature (23-40°C). For T > 30°C, the doubling time of E. coli increases exponentially with pressure and exhibits a departure from exponential behavior at pressures between 250 and 400 atm for all the temperatures studied in our experiments. The sharp change in doubling time is followed by a sharp change in phenotypic transition of E. coli at high pressures where bacterial cells switch to an elongating cell type. We propose a model that this phenotypic change in bacteria at high pressures is an irreversible stochastic process, whereas the switching probability to elongating cell type increases with increasing pressure. The model fits well the experimental data. We discuss our experimental results in the light of structural and thus functional changes in proteins and membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Takahashi S, Sugimoto N. Effect of pressure on thermal stability of g-quadruplex DNA and double-stranded DNA structures. Molecules 2013; 18:13297-319. [PMID: 24172240 PMCID: PMC6270079 DOI: 10.3390/molecules181113297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pressure is a thermodynamic parameter that can induce structural changes in biomolecules due to a volumetric decrease. Although most proteins are denatured by pressure over 100 MPa because they have the large cavities inside their structures, the double-stranded structure of DNA is stabilized or destabilized only marginally depending on the sequence and salt conditions. The thermal stability of the G-quadruplex DNA structure, an important non-canonical structure that likely impacts gene expression in cells, remarkably decreases with increasing pressure. Volumetric analysis revealed that human telomeric DNA changed by more than 50 cm3 mol-1 during the transition from a random coil to a quadruplex form. This value is approximately ten times larger than that for duplex DNA under similar conditions. The volumetric analysis also suggested that the formation of G-quadruplex DNA involves significant hydration changes. The presence of a cosolute such as poly(ethylene glycol) largely repressed the pressure effect on the stability of G-quadruplex due to alteration in stabilities of the interactions with hydrating water. This review discusses the importance of local perturbations of pressure on DNA structures involved in regulation of gene expression and highlights the potential for application of high-pressure chemistry in nucleic acid-based nanotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuntaro Takahashi
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; E-Mail:
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; E-Mail:
- Faculty of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +81-774-98-2580; Fax: +81-774-98-2585
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Defining the functional potential and active community members of a sediment microbial community in a high-arctic hypersaline subzero spring. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:3637-48. [PMID: 23563939 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00153-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Lost Hammer (LH) Spring is the coldest and saltiest terrestrial spring discovered to date and is characterized by perennial discharges at subzero temperatures (-5°C), hypersalinity (salinity, 24%), and reducing (≈-165 mV), microoxic, and oligotrophic conditions. It is rich in sulfates (10.0%, wt/wt), dissolved H2S/sulfides (up to 25 ppm), ammonia (≈381 μM), and methane (11.1 g day(-1)). To determine its total functional and genetic potential and to identify its active microbial components, we performed metagenomic analyses of the LH Spring outlet microbial community and pyrosequencing analyses of the cDNA of its 16S rRNA genes. Reads related to Cyanobacteria (19.7%), Bacteroidetes (13.3%), and Proteobacteria (6.6%) represented the dominant phyla identified among the classified sequences. Reconstruction of the enzyme pathways responsible for bacterial nitrification/denitrification/ammonification and sulfate reduction appeared nearly complete in the metagenomic data set. In the cDNA profile of the LH Spring active community, ammonia oxidizers (Thaumarchaeota), denitrifiers (Pseudomonas spp.), sulfate reducers (Desulfobulbus spp.), and other sulfur oxidizers (Thermoprotei) were present, highlighting their involvement in nitrogen and sulfur cycling. Stress response genes for adapting to cold, osmotic stress, and oxidative stress were also abundant in the metagenome. Comparison of the composition of the functional community of the LH Spring to metagenomes from other saline/subzero environments revealed a close association between the LH Spring and another Canadian high-Arctic permafrost environment, particularly in genes related to sulfur metabolism and dormancy. Overall, this study provides insights into the metabolic potential and the active microbial populations that exist in this hypersaline cryoenvironment and contributes to our understanding of microbial ecology in extreme environments.
Collapse
|
14
|
Volume of Hsp90 ligand binding and the unfolding phase diagram as a function of pressure and temperature. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2013; 42:355-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00249-012-0884-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
15
|
Bacterial motility measured by a miniature chamber for high-pressure microscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:9225-9239. [PMID: 22942763 PMCID: PMC3430294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13079225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrostatic pressure is one of the physical stimuli that characterize the environment of living matter. Many microorganisms thrive under high pressure and may even physically or geochemically require this extreme environmental condition. In contrast, application of pressure is detrimental to most life on Earth; especially to living organisms under ambient pressure conditions. To study the mechanism of how living things adapt to high-pressure conditions, it is necessary to monitor directly the organism of interest under various pressure conditions. Here, we report a miniature chamber for high-pressure microscopy. The chamber was equipped with a built-in separator, in which water pressure was properly transduced to that of the sample solution. The apparatus developed could apply pressure up to 150 MPa, and enabled us to acquire bright-field and epifluorescence images at various pressures and temperatures. We demonstrated that the application of pressure acted directly and reversibly on the swimming motility of Escherichia coli cells. The present technique should be applicable to a wide range of dynamic biological processes that depend on applied pressures.
Collapse
|