Characterization of Sulfurtransferases in E. coli
Author Information
Author(s): Cheng Hui Donahue, Janet L Battle, Scott E Ray, W. Keith Larson, Timothy J
Primary Institution: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Hypothesis
The study investigates the roles of the pspE and glpE genes in sulfur transfer and their contributions to rhodanese activity in Escherichia coli.
Conclusion
Neither the pspE nor glpE genes are essential for the production of sulfur-containing molecules in E. coli.
Supporting Evidence
- PspE provides 85% of total rhodanese activity in E. coli.
- GlpE contributes most of the remaining rhodanese activity.
- Neither pspE nor glpE is essential for the biosynthesis of sulfur-containing cofactors.
Takeaway
The study found that two genes in E. coli help with sulfur transfer, but the bacteria can still grow without them.
Methodology
Genetic and biochemical approaches were used to construct strains deficient in pspE and glpE and to assess their contributions to rhodanese activity.
Limitations
The physiological functions of other rhodanese proteins in E. coli remain to be defined.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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