Recombinant Nitrosomonas europaea Probable phosphoketolase (NE2135), partial

Introduction to Recombinant Nitrosomonas europaea Probable Phosphoketolase (NE2135), Partial

Recombinant Nitrosomonas europaea Probable phosphoketolase (NE2135), partial, refers to a genetically engineered version of the phosphoketolase enzyme found in the bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea. Phosphoketolase is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of sugars, specifically in the conversion of xylulose-5-phosphate into glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and acetyl phosphate. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), which is essential for generating energy and reducing power in the form of NADPH for various cellular processes.

Role of Phosphoketolase in Metabolism

Phosphoketolase is key in the PPP, allowing bacteria like Nitrosomonas europaea to utilize alternative carbon sources efficiently. In N. europaea, this enzyme is particularly important as it helps in adapting to different environmental conditions, such as changes in salinity or nutrient availability. The PPP is crucial for producing NADPH, which is used in biosynthetic reactions and for maintaining cellular redox balance.

Research Findings on NE2135

Research on Nitrosomonas europaea exposed to high salinity conditions (30 mS cm^-1) has shown significant changes in the abundance of various enzymes, including those involved in the PPP. Specifically, a twofold increase in the abundance of a probable phosphoketolase was observed under these conditions . This increase suggests that N. europaea enhances its PPP activity to cope with stress, potentially using phosphoketolase to optimize energy production and maintain cellular homeostasis.

Table 1: Changes in Enzyme Abundance in N. europaea Under High Salinity

Genetic Engineering and Recombinant Forms

Recombinant forms of enzymes like phosphoketolase are created by inserting the gene encoding the enzyme into a suitable host organism. This allows for the production of large quantities of the enzyme for research or industrial applications. The recombinant version of phosphoketolase from N. europaea (NE2135) could be used to study its biochemical properties or to develop novel biotechnological tools.

Potential Applications

The recombinant phosphoketolase from N. europaea could have several applications:

• Biotechnology: It could be used in biotechnological processes to enhance the efficiency of sugar metabolism in industrial microorganisms.

• Environmental Monitoring: Given N. europaea's role in nitrification, recombinant enzymes could be used in biosensors for monitoring environmental pollutants.

• Basic Research: Studying this enzyme can provide insights into the metabolic adaptations of N. europaea under different environmental conditions.