Nitric Oxide Toxicity in Borrelia burgdorferi
Author Information
Author(s): Travis J Bourret, Julie A Boylan, Kevin A Lawrence, Frank C Gherardini
Primary Institution: Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
How do reactive nitrogen species (RNS) affect Borrelia burgdorferi cells?
Conclusion
Nitrosative damage to proteins, particularly those with free or zinc-bound cysteine thiols, is the primary cause of nitric oxide toxicity in Borrelia burgdorferi.
Supporting Evidence
- B. burgdorferi cells treated with DEA/NO showed significant cell death.
- DNA damage was not observed in B. burgdorferi exposed to RNS.
- Proteins with free or zinc-bound cysteine thiols were identified as primary targets of RNS.
Takeaway
This study found that nitric oxide can harm the bacteria that cause Lyme disease by damaging important proteins instead of their DNA or cell membranes.
Methodology
The study used diethylamine NONOate (DEA/NO) to assess the effects of reactive nitrogen species on Borrelia burgdorferi, examining cell survival and protein modifications.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on specific proteins and did not explore the full range of potential cellular targets affected by RNS.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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