Large-scale prediction of outer-membrane multiheme cytochromes uncovers hidden diversity of electroactive bacteria and underlying pathways.

ABSTRACT: Multi-heme cytochromes (MHCs), together with accessory proteins like porins and periplasmic cytochromes, enable microbes to transport electrons between the cytoplasmic membrane and extracellular substrates (e.g., minerals, electrodes, other cells). Extracellular electron transfer (EET) has been described in multiple systems; yet, the broad phylogenetic and mechanistic diversity of these pathways is less clear. One commonality in EET-capable systems is the involvement of MHCs, in the form of porin-cytochrome complexes, pili-like cytochrome polymers, and lipid-anchored extracellular cytochromes. Here, we put forth MHCscan-a software tool for identifying MHCs and identifying potential EET capability. Using MHCscan, we scanned ~60,000 bacterial and 2,000 archaeal assemblies, and identify a div

SUBMITTER: Garber AI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11475568 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature