Distribution and functions of TonB-dependent transporters in marine bacteria and environments: implications for dissolved organic matter utilization.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bacteria play critical roles in marine nutrient cycles by incorporating and redistributing dissolved organic matter (DOM) and inorganic nutrients in the ocean. TonB-dependent transporter (TBDT) proteins allow Gram-negative bacteria to take up scarce resources from nutrient-limiting environments as well as siderophores, heme, vitamin B12, and recently identified carbohydrates. Thus, the characterization of TBDT distribution and functions is essential to better understand the contribution TBDT to DOM assimilation and its consequences on nutrient cycling in the environment.

Methodology/principal findings

This study presents the distribution of encoded known and putative TBDT proteins in the genomes of microorganisms and from the Global Ocean Survey data. Using a Lek

SUBMITTER: Tang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3400609 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature