Phenotype Enhancement Screen of a Regulatory spx Mutant Unveils a Role for the ytpQ Gene in the Control of Iron Homeostasis Function of Spx Regulon
2011

Role of the ytpQ Gene in Iron Homeostasis in Bacillus subtilis

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zuber Peter, Chauhan Shefali, Pilaka Praseeda, Nakano Michiko M., Gurumoorthy Sairam, Lin Ann A., Barendt Skye M., Chi Bui Khanh, Antelmann Haike, Mäder Ulrike

Primary Institution: Oregon Health and Science University

Hypothesis

The ytpQ gene functions in the control of iron homeostasis in Bacillus subtilis.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the ytpQ gene is important for managing oxidative stress and iron homeostasis in Bacillus subtilis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The ytpQ mutant showed increased oxidative protein damage when exposed to methylglyoxal.
  • Transcriptomic analysis indicated that the ytpQ mutation caused derepression of the Fur and PerR regulons.
  • The ytpQ gene is part of a tricistronic operon that is under direct Spx control.
  • The study suggests that ytpQ functions in iron homeostasis, mimicking the phenotype of a fur mutation.

Takeaway

Researchers found that a gene called ytpQ helps bacteria manage iron levels and protect against damage from stress.

Methodology

The study used a gene-disruption library and proteomic and transcriptomic analyses to investigate the function of the ytpQ gene.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on a single gene and its interactions, which may not encompass the full complexity of iron homeostasis in Bacillus subtilis.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025066

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