Characterization of a Vibrio fischeri aminopeptidase and evidence for its influence on an early stage of squid colonization.

ABSTRACT: Vibrio fischeri cells are the sole colonists of a specialized light organ in the mantle cavity of the sepiolid squid Euprymna scolopes. The process begins when the bacteria aggregate in mucus secretions outside the light organ. The cells eventually leave the aggregate, enter the light organ, and encounter a rich supply of peptides. The need to dissociate from mucus and presumably utilize peptides led us to hypothesize that protease activity is integral to the colonization process. Protease activity associated with whole cells of Vibrio fischeri strain ES114 was identified as the product of a putative cell membrane-associated aminopeptidase (PepN). To characterize this activity, the aminopeptidase was cloned, overexpressed, and purified. Initial steady-state kinetic studies revealed that th

SUBMITTER: Fidopiastis PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3416539 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature