A New Acyl-CoA Beta-Transaminase
Author Information
Author(s): Perret Alain, Lechaplais Christophe, Tricot Sabine, Perchat Nadia, Vergne Carine, Pellé Christine, Bastard Karine, Kreimeyer Annett, Vallenet David, Zaparucha Anne, Weissenbach Jean, Salanoubat Marcel
Primary Institution: Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Institut de Génomique, Genoscope, Evry, France
Hypothesis
Can uncultivated bacteria in a wastewater treatment plant exhibit alternative pathways for lysine fermentation?
Conclusion
A novel aminotransferase was characterized that suggests a new pathway for lysine fermentation in certain bacteria.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified a new gene that may participate in lysine fermentation.
- The characterized enzyme acts exclusively on Coenzyme A esters.
- The presence of this enzyme in different bacterial divisions suggests a wider occurrence.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new way that some bacteria can break down lysine, which is a building block of proteins.
Methodology
The study used metagenomic data from a municipal wastewater treatment plant to identify a new gene involved in lysine fermentation.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific metagenome and may not represent all bacterial diversity.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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