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miami1189685688.pdf (3.39 MB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
Identification and Characterization of Zn(II)-responsive Genes and Proteins in
E. coli
Author Info
Easton, James Allen
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1189685688
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2007, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Abstract
Transition metal ion homeostasis is absolutely crucial for the survival of all organisms. Zinc (Zn(II)) is perhaps one of the most important, yet least studied transition metals. Previous studies indicate that intracellular Zn(II) levels in E. coli are in the low millimolar range, yet there is less than one “free” Zn(II) ion per cell. All of the intracellular Zn(II) must then be bound and Zn(II) must be delivered from transporters and inserted into Zn(II)-metalloproteins. The cytoplasmic transport of transition metals, such as copper, iron, nickel, manganese, and arsenic, is accomplished by a group of proteins called metallochaperones. No such metallochaperone has been identified for Zn(II). In an effort to identify the Zn(II) metallochaperones in E. coli, proteomic and genomic studies were conducted. Proteomic studies were used to probe for the time-dependent response of E. coli to stress by Zn(II) excess. Genomic studies were used to probe for the transcriptional response of E. coli to stress by Zn(II) excess and deficiency. Several Zn(II)-metallochaperone candidates were identified, and these proteins were cloned, over-expressed, purified, and characterized. Trigger factor was found to be down-regulated at the proteomic level in response to excess Zn(II). Over-expression and characterization of trigger factor show that it tightly binds 0.5 Zn(II)/monomer; however, spectroscopic studies showed that Zn(II) binding is most likely adventitious. GatY/GatZ Zn(II)-responsive proteins that are part of the galactitol catabolic pathway. GatY was over-expressed and shown to bind 2 Zn(II) equivalents per enzyme. GatZ, reported to be necessary for GatY function, was tested for Zn(II)-binding and shown to not bind Zn(II). A transcript found to be highly up-regulated was ykgM. We cloned and over-expressed YkgM to elucidate why it is highly responsive to Zn(II). We determined that YkgM does not bind Zn(II), and may substitute for Zn(II)-containing ribosomal protein L31 in Zn(II)-limiting conditions. ZnuA was cloned, over-expressed, purified, and characterized. We found that ZnuA tightly binds 2 equivalents of Zn(II) per monomer. Our proteomic and genomic data suggest that there are no soluble, cytoplasmic Zn(II) metallochaperones in E. coli. Based on this conclusion, a novel model is hypothesized that explains Zn(II) transport in E. coli cytoplasm.
Committee
Michael Crowder (Advisor)
Pages
181 p.
Keywords
metallochaperone
;
Escherichia coli
;
zinc homeostasis
Recommended Citations
Refworks
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Citations
Easton, J. A. (2007).
Identification and Characterization of Zn(II)-responsive Genes and Proteins in
E. coli
[Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1189685688
APA Style (7th edition)
Easton, James.
Identification and Characterization of Zn(II)-responsive Genes and Proteins in
E. coli
.
2007. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1189685688.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Easton, James. "Identification and Characterization of Zn(II)-responsive Genes and Proteins in
E. coli
." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1189685688
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
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Document number:
miami1189685688
Download Count:
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Copyright Info
© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.