Proteomics of Colwellia psychrerythraea at subzero temperatures – a life with limited movement, flexible membranes and vital DNA repair

Nunn, B. L., Slattery, K. V., Cameron, K. A. , Timmins-Schiffman, E. and Junge, K. (2015) Proteomics of Colwellia psychrerythraea at subzero temperatures – a life with limited movement, flexible membranes and vital DNA repair. Environmental Microbiology, 17(7), pp. 2319-2335. (doi: 10.1111/1462-2920.12691) (PMID:25471130)

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Abstract

The mechanisms that allow psychrophilic bacteria to remain metabolically active at subzero temperatures result from form and function of their proteins. We present first proteomic evidence of physiological changes of the marine psychrophile Colwellia psychrerythraea 34H (Cp34H) after exposure to subzero temperatures (−1, and −10°C in ice) through 8 weeks. Protein abundance was compared between different treatments to understand the effects of temperature and time, independently and jointly, within cells transitioning to, and being maintained in ice. Parallel [3H]‐leucine and [3H]–thymidine incubations indicated active protein and DNA synthesis to −10°C. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics identified 1763 proteins across four experimental treatments. Proteins involved in osmolyte regulation and polymer secretion were found constitutively present across all treatments, suggesting that they are required for metabolic success below 0°C. Differentially abundant protein groups indicated a reallocation of resources from DNA binding to DNA repair and from motility to chemo‐taxis and sensing. Changes to iron and nitrogen metabolism, cellular membrane structures, and protein synthesis and folding were also revealed. By elucidating vital strategies during life in ice, this study provides novel insight into the extensive molecular adaptations that occur in cold‐adapted marine organisms to sustain cellular function in their habitat.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cameron, Dr Karen
Authors: Nunn, B. L., Slattery, K. V., Cameron, K. A., Timmins-Schiffman, E., and Junge, K.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Environmental Microbiology
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1462-2912
ISSN (Online):1462-2920
Published Online:04 December 2014

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