Proteomic Characterization of Cellular and Molecular Processes that Enable the Nanoarchaeum equitans-Ignicoccus hospitalis Relationship
2011

Proteomic Study of the Relationship Between Nanoarchaeum equitans and Ignicoccus hospitalis

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Giannone Richard J., Huber Harald, Karpinets Tatiana, Heimerl Thomas, Küper Ulf, Rachel Reinhard, Keller Martin, Hettich Robert L., Podar Mircea

Primary Institution: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Hypothesis

The molecular mechanisms that enable the relationship between Nanoarchaeum equitans and Ignicoccus hospitalis are unknown.

Conclusion

The study suggests that N. equitans diverts some of its host's metabolism to compensate for its own metabolic shortcomings.

Supporting Evidence

  • N. equitans is dependent on I. hospitalis for nutrients.
  • Proteomic analysis revealed significant changes in I. hospitalis when co-cultured with N. equitans.
  • Most genes in I. hospitalis are constitutively expressed.

Takeaway

N. equitans needs to be close to I. hospitalis to survive, and it takes some of the nutrients it needs from its host.

Methodology

Whole-cell proteomics using 2D-LC-MS/MS to analyze protein abundance in I. hospitalis and N. equitans.

Limitations

The study focused on a single stationary culture time point, which may not capture the full dynamics of the interaction.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022942

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication