Characterization of membrane vesicles in <i>Alteromonas macleodii</i> indicates potential roles in their copiotrophic lifestyle.

ABSTRACT: Bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) are abundant in the oceans, but their potential functional roles remain unclear. In this study we characterized MV production and protein content of six strains of Alteromonas macleodii, a cosmopolitan marine bacterium. Alteromonas macleodii strains varied in their MV production rates, with some releasing up to 30 MVs per cell per generation. Microscopy imaging revealed heterogenous MV morphologies, including some MVs aggregated within larger membrane structures. Proteomic characterization revealed that A. macleodii MVs are rich in membrane proteins related to iron and phosphate uptake, as well as proteins with potential functions in biofilm formation. Furthermore, MVs harbored ectoenzymes, such as aminopeptidases and alkaline phosphat

SUBMITTER: Fadeev E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10117737 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature