Studies on Selected Enzymes Involved in Ubiquinone Biosynthesis in Escherichia Coli

Studies on Selected Enzymes Involved in Ubiquinone Biosynthesis in Escherichia Coli
Author: Debarati Ghose
Publisher:
Total Pages: 113
Release: 2018
Genre: Microbiology
ISBN: 9780438391796

Escherichia coli synthesize an important component of the electron transport chain, Coenzyme Q (Ubiquinone; Q) from the shikimate pathway intermediate, chorismate. Two isofunctional enzymes UbiD and UbiX are responsible for the decarboxylation step in Q biosynthesis. It was shown by Gulmezian et al. (2007) that the loss of ubiX+ gene leads to a reduction in growth in both rich and minimal media as well as decrease in Q. They further reported that UbiX is responsible for controlling the activity of UbiG O-methyltransferase, involved in two O-methylation reactions in Q biosynthesis. Contrary to these results, in this study we show that the [Delta]ubiX had no effect on the growth of E. coli in succinate minimal medium and on Q biosynthesis. The growth and levels of Q, were however drastically decreased when the gene ubiD+ was deleted. The decreased levels of Q synthesized by [Delta]ubiD is due to the activity of UbiX. It was further shown that UbiX was not involved in controlling the activity of UbiG, since the expression of UbiG was not affected in the [Delta]ubiX deletion mutant. Phylogenetic analysis of the two methyltrasferases, UbiG and UbiE demonstrated the possibility of horizontal gene transfer between closely related bacteria. The first of the three hydroxylations in Q biosynthesis, contrary to previous studies was shown to be carried out by UbiI (VisC) by Chehade et al. (2013). In this study we demonstrate that a [Delta]visC deletion mutant grew to wild-type levels on succinate minimal medium and synthesized wild-type levels of Q, proving that VisC was not involved in the aerobic biosynthesis of Q. Our results show that, [Delta]ubiB deletion mutant failed to grow on succinate minimal medium and accumulated 2-octaprenylphenol, the substrate for this hydroxylation step. It was recently reported that, in Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), VisC is required for biofilm formation and expression of Type I pili resulting in increased virulence under aerobic conditions (Floyd et al., 2016). The prenyl sidechain in Q is synthesized in most bacteria using the non-mevalonate or methylerythritol-phosphate (MEP) pathway (Rodriguez-Concepcion and Boronat, 2002), whereas humans and a few genera of bacteria use the mevalonate pathway (Endo, 1992). This difference was utilized in designing novel antimicrobials targeted against the various enzymes of the MEP pathway. Our study involved the anti-bacterial testing of over 350 such compounds against nine potential bacteria including pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Over 200 compounds were found to have inhibitory effects on multiple bacteria and this will contribute to research for new antibiotics, which is the need of the hour.

Coenzyme Q in Aging

Coenzyme Q in Aging
Author: Guillermo López Lluch
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2020-08-07
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9783030456412

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of research on the essential relationship of the coenzyme Q10 and the process of aging in living organisms. CoQ10 is an important factor in two main aspects of cell physiology: bioenergetics and antioxidant protection. While primary deficiency of CoQ10 is associated with severe and lethal disease, secondary deficiency can be associated with the progression of mitochondrial dysfunction linked to the lessening of biological activities during aging. The book is organized in four sections. The first offers an overview of the function of CoQ10, highlighting the two main functions of CoQ10 in cells: its essential role as electron transport chain member in mitochondria, and the protection of cell membranes against oxidation as one of the main endogenous-synthesized antioxidants. The second section covers research on Coenzyme 10. Topics include studies involving invertebrate models, mammal studies and the influence of CoQ on longevity. Also covered is research involving the role of CoQ in senescence-accelerated mice. Section three examines the effects of reduced CoQ in human aging, as evident in mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders, immunosenescence and fertility and reproduction. The final section, Prolongevity effectors and Coenzyme Q, explores research into slowing or stopping the aging process. Coverage includes strategies including calorie restriction, and modulation of CoQ10 levels by induction of synthesis or by supplementation. Coenzyme Q in Aging benefits a broad readership of researchers, clinicians, educators and students interested in the biochemical and physiological effects of coenzyme Q and the importance of this molecule in aging process.