Open AccessAcquisition of Iron by Alkaliphilic Bacillus Species
Author(s) -
Duncan G. G. McMillan,
Imelda Velasquez,
Brook L. Nunn,
David R. Goodlett,
Keith A. Hunter,
Iain L. Lamont,
Sylvia G. Sander,
Gregory M. Cook
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
applied and environmental microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.552
H-Index - 324
eISSN - 1070-6291
pISSN - 0099-2240
DOI - 10.1128/aem.01393-10
Subject(s) - siderophore , catechol , chelation , chemistry , bacteria , manganese , bacillus subtilis , fragmentation (computing) , metal , biochemistry , stereochemistry , biology , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , genetics , ecology , gene
The biochemical and molecular mechanisms used by alkaliphilic bacteria to acquire iron are unknown. We demonstrate that alkaliphilic (pH > 9)Bacillus species are sensitive to artificial iron (Fe3+ ) chelators and produce iron-chelating molecules. These alkaliphilic siderophores contain catechol and hydroxamate moieties, and their synthesis is stimulated by manganese(II) salts and suppressed by FeCl3 addition. Purification and mass spectrometric characterization of the siderophore produced byCaldalkalibacillus thermarum failed to identify any matches to previously observed fragmentation spectra of known siderophores, suggesting a novel structure.