The pentameric vertex proteins are necessary for the icosahedral carboxysome shell to function as a CO2 leakage barrier.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Carboxysomes are polyhedral protein microcompartments found in many autotrophic bacteria; they encapsulate the CO(2) fixing enzyme, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) within a thin protein shell and provide an environment that enhances the catalytic capabilities of the enzyme. Two types of shell protein constituents are common to carboxysomes and related microcompartments of heterotrophic bacteria, and the genes for these proteins are found in a large variety of bacteria.

Methodology/principal findings

We have created a Halothiobacillus neapolitanus knockout mutant that does not produce the two paralogous CsoS4 proteins thought to occupy the vertices of the icosahedral carboxysomes and related microcompartments. Biochemical and ultrastructur

SUBMITTER: Cai F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2760150 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature