Two TonB-dependent transporters in < em > Methylosinus trichosporium < /em > OB3b are responsible for uptake of different forms of methanobactin and are involved in the canonical 'copper switch'

In this study, we demonstrate that different TonB-dependent transporters (TBDTs) in the model methanotroph Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b are responsible for uptake of either endogenous MB or exogenous MB. Interestingly, the presence of exogenous MB induces expression of its specific TBDT in M. trichosporium OB3b, suggesting that this methanotroph is able to actively take up MB produced by others. This work contributes to our understanding of how microbes collect and compete for copper, and also helps inform how such uptake coordinates the expression of different forms of methane monooxygenase. Such studies are likely to be very important to develop a better understanding of methanotrophic interactions via synthesis and secretion of secondary metabolites such as methanobactin and thus provide additional means whereby these microbes can be manipulated for a variety of environmental and industrial purposes.PMID:34669437 | DOI:10.1128/AEM.01793-21
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Source Type: research