Structural and molecular basis for phosphate recognition by SAR11 bacteria.

ABSTRACT: Phosphorus is a critical limiting nutrient that constrains the survival, growth, and reproduction of marine microorganisms in nutrient-limited ecosystems. Phosphorus exists in the environment in both organic and inorganic forms, with phosphate being the predominant form of inorganic phosphorus. SAR11 bacteria, a group of oligotrophic marine bacteria, possess high-affinity transporters for limiting nutrients such as phosphate, nitrogen, and organic carbon, enabling them to dominate in nutrient-depleted environments. Despite their ecological significance, the molecular mechanisms underlying phosphate transport and metabolism in SAR11 bacteria remain elusive. Here, we investigated the phosphate transport system in Candidatus Pelagibacter sp. HTCC7211, a representative SAR11 bacterium,

SUBMITTER: Zhu W-J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12421899 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature