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Hydrogen and Nickel Metabolism in Helicobacter Species
Author(s) -
Benoit Stéphane L.,
Maier Robert J.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1419.014
Subject(s) - hydrogenase , clostridia , bacteria , helicobacter pylori , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , helicobacter , biochemistry , anaerobic bacteria , microorganism , chemistry , genetics
Anaerobic microorganisms (such as clostridia) present in the large intestine of animals generate molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) by fermentation using “H 2 ‐evolving” hydrogenases. The gas can also be detected in other tissues in mice, including the stomach, liver, spleen, or small intestine. It is established that this available H 2 can in turn be used as a source of energy by some pathogenic bacteria, including Helicobacter species like H. pylori and H. hepaticus . Both species possess one hydrogenase, which has been studied for H 2 oxidation characteristics and for its role in conferring animal colonization. On the basis of available annotated gene sequences, other Helicobacter species also appear to have one well‐conserved respiratory, membrane‐bound, nickel‐iron‐containing [NiFe] hydrogenase. Although H. pylori has been well‐studied, many other (poorly studied) Helicobacter species likely represent a spectrum of emerging pathogens. The important role of hydrogenases in Helicobacter species is discussed, and the hydrogenases, their maturation/accessory factors, their regulation, as well as nickel transport and metabolism among the different species are compared.