Recombinant Buchnera aphidicola subsp. Baizongia pistaciae NADH-quinone oxidoreductase subunit G (nuoG), partial

Introduction to Recombinant Buchnera aphidicola subsp. Baizongia pistaciae NADH-quinone Oxidoreductase Subunit G (nuoG), Partial

Recombinant Buchnera aphidicola subsp. Baizongia pistaciae NADH-quinone oxidoreductase subunit G (nuoG), partial, refers to a genetically engineered fragment of the nuoG subunit derived from Buchnera aphidicola subsp. Baizongia pistaciae . Buchnera aphidicola is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that exists as an obligate endosymbiont in aphids, providing essential nutrients that are lacking in the aphids' sap diet .

NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (Complex I) is a large enzyme complex found in the respiratory chain of many organisms, including bacteria and mitochondria . It catalyzes the transfer of electrons from NADH to quinone, coupled with the translocation of protons across the membrane, contributing to the generation of a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis . Subunit G (nuoG) is one of the subunits of this complex, playing a crucial role in the electron transfer process.

The term "partial" indicates that the recombinant protein represents only a fragment of the full-length NuoG subunit . This fragment is produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the gene encoding the subunit or a portion thereof is inserted into a host organism (e.g., E. coli) for expression and production . The recombinant protein can then be isolated and used for various research purposes.

Buchnera aphidicola as an Endosymbiont

Buchnera aphidicola are critical symbiotic bacteria that reside within specialized cells called bacteriocytes in aphids . These bacteria have co-evolved with aphids for millions of years, with different strains specific to different aphid lineages . Buchnera provides essential amino acids and other nutrients that are scarce in the phloem sap that aphids feed on . In return, the bacteria receive a stable and protected environment within the aphid host.

The Baizongia pistaciae subspecies of Buchnera aphidicola is found in aphids that feed on pistachio trees . The genome of this subspecies has been sequenced, revealing a high degree of gene-order conservation compared to other Buchnera strains, suggesting a long history of symbiotic association with aphids .

Function and Significance of NADH-quinone Oxidoreductase

NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (Complex I) is a vital enzyme complex in the respiratory chain of bacteria and mitochondria . It catalyzes the transfer of electrons from NADH to quinone, coupled with the translocation of protons across the membrane. This process contributes to the generation of a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

The enzyme complex consists of several subunits, each with a specific function. Subunit G (nuoG) is involved in the electron transfer process. The recombinant, partial subunit may be used to study the structure, function, and interactions of this subunit within the larger complex.

Recombinant Production and Applications

Recombinant Buchnera aphidicola subsp. Baizongia pistaciae NADH-quinone oxidoreductase subunit G (nuoG), partial is produced using recombinant DNA technology . The gene encoding the subunit or a portion thereof is inserted into a host organism (E. coli) for expression and production. The recombinant protein is then isolated and purified for research purposes.

Applications of the recombinant protein include:

• Structural studies: to determine the three-dimensional structure of the subunit and its interactions with other subunits in Complex I.

• Functional studies: to investigate the role of the subunit in electron transfer and proton translocation.

• Drug discovery: to identify compounds that inhibit the activity of Complex I, which could be useful as antibacterial agents.

• Immunological studies: to develop antibodies against the subunit for use in immunoassays and other applications.