Bacterial catabolism of membrane phospholipids links marine biogeochemical cycles.

ABSTRACT: In marine systems, the availability of inorganic phosphate can limit primary production leading to bacterial and phytoplankton utilization of the plethora of organic forms available. Among these are phospholipids that form the lipid bilayer of all cells as well as released extracellular vesicles. However, information on phospholipid degradation is almost nonexistent despite their relevance for biogeochemical cycling. Here, we identify complete catabolic pathways for the degradation of the common phospholipid headgroups phosphocholine (PC) and phosphorylethanolamine (PE) in marine bacteria. Using Phaeobacter sp. MED193 as a model, we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that extracellular hydrolysis of phospholipids liberates the nitrogen-containing substrates ethanolamine and ch

SUBMITTER: Westermann LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10132767 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature