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Comparative genomic analyses of trace element utilization and evolution
Author(s) -
Zhang Yan,
Gladyshev Vadim N
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.103.8
Subject(s) - trace element , selenium , archaea , metalloid , trace (psycholinguistics) , biology , bacteria , trace metal , environmental chemistry , evolutionary biology , chemistry , metal , genetics , linguistics , philosophy , organic chemistry
Trace elements are needed in minute quantities for proper growth, development, and physiology of organisms. Although many trace element‐containing proteins are well characterized, little is known about the global trends in trace element utilization. We carried out comparative genomic analyses to examine occurrence and evolution of the utilization of five trace elements, including copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se), in more than 700 sequenced prokaryotes and eukaryotes at the level of (i) transport and/or utilization traits, and (ii) trace element‐dependent proteins. Only few organisms were found to utilize all five elements whereas most intracellular symbionts and parasites lacked the ability to use any of them. Cu and Mo were the most frequently used elements in bacteria and archaea, respectively. The presence of metal transporters generally matched the occurrence of corresponding utilization traits. Se utilization was detected in less about 25% prokaryotes, revealing a scattered and reduced usage of this metalloid. In eukaryotes, the utilization of Cu, Mo and Se was found in at least half of sequenced species, whereas that of Ni and Co was limited. Investigation of the metalloproteomes and selenoproteomes suggested increased utilization of trace elements in some organisms. Finally, environmental factors appeared to affect the utilization of trace elements.