scholarly journals Stoichiometry and Turnover of the Bacterial Flagellar Switch Protein FliN

mBio ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas J. Delalez ◽  
Richard M. Berry ◽  
Judith P. Armitage
Keyword(s):  
Copy Number ◽  
Motor Proteins ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rotation Direction ◽  
Cell Measurement ◽  
Biological Complexes ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACTSome proteins in biological complexes exchange with pools of free proteins while the complex is functioning. Evidence is emerging that protein exchange can be part of an adaptive mechanism. The bacterial flagellar motor is one of the most complex biological machines and is an ideal model system to study protein dynamics in large multimeric complexes. Recent studies showed that the copy number of FliM in the switch complex and the fraction of FliM that exchanges vary with the direction of flagellar rotation. Here, we investigated the stoichiometry and turnover of another switch complex component, FliN, labeled with the fluorescent protein CyPet, inEscherichia coli. Our results confirm that,in vivo, FliM and FliN form a complex with stoichiometry of 1:4 and function as a unit. We estimated that wild-type motors contained 120 ± 26 FliN molecules. Motors that rotated only clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) contained 114 ± 17 and 144 ± 26 FliN molecules, respectively. The ratio of CCW-to-CW FliN copy numbers was 1.26, very close to that of 1.29 reported previously for FliM. We also measured the exchange of FliN molecules, which had a time scale and dependence upon rotation direction similar to those of FliM, consistent with an exchange of FliM-FliN as a unit. Our work confirms the highly dynamic nature of multimeric protein complexes and indicates that, under physiological conditions, these machines might not be the stable, complete structures suggested by averaged fixed methodologies but, rather, incomplete rings that can respond and adapt to changing environments.IMPORTANCEThe flagellum is one of the most complex structures in a bacterial cell, with the core motor proteins conserved across species. Evidence is now emerging that turnover of some of these motor proteins depends on motor activity, suggesting that turnover is important for function. The switch complex transmits the chemosensory signal to the rotor, and we show, by using single-cell measurement, that both the copy number and the fraction of exchanging molecules vary with the rotational bias of the rotor. When the motor is locked in counterclockwise rotation, the copy number is similar to that determined by averaged, fixed methodologies, but when locked in a clockwise direction, the number is much lower, suggesting that that the switch complex ring is incomplete. Our results suggest that motor remodeling is an important component in tuning responses and adaptation at the motor.

scholarly journals Ceftazidime-Avibactam Resistance Associated with Increased blaKPC-3 Gene Copy Number Mediated by pKpQIL Plasmid Derivatives in Sequence Type 258 Klebsiella pneumoniae

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Coppi ◽  
Vincenzo Di Pilato ◽  
Francesco Monaco ◽  
Tommaso Giani ◽  
Pier Giulio Conaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Copy Number ◽  
Acquired Resistance ◽  
Gene Copy Number ◽  
Gene Copy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Outer Membrane Porins ◽  
Long Read ◽  
Multiple Copies

ABSTRACT This study reports on the characterization of two ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA)-resistant KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains (KP-14159 and KP-8788) sequentially isolated from infections occurred in a patient never treated with CZA. Whole-genome sequencing characterization using a combined short- and long-read sequencing approach showed that both isolates belonged to the same ST258 strain, had altered outer membrane porins (a truncated OmpK35 and an Asp137Thr138 duplication in the L3 loop of OmpK36), and carried novel pKpQIL plasmid derivatives (pIT-14159 and pIT-8788, respectively) harboring two copies of the Tn4401a KPC-3-encoding transposon. Plasmid pIT-8788 was a cointegrate of pIT-14159 with a ColE replicon (that was also present in KP-14159) apparently evolved in vivo during infection. pIT-8788 was maintained at a higher copy number than pIT-14159 and, upon transfer to Escherichia coli DH10B, was able to increase the CZA MIC by 32-fold. The present findings provide novel insights about the mechanisms of acquired resistance to CZA, underscoring the role that the evolution of broadly disseminated pKpQIL plasmid derivatives may have in increasing the blaKPC gene copy number and KPC-3 expression in bacterial hosts. Although not self-transferable, similar elements, with multiple copies of Tn4401 and maintained at a high copy number, could mediate transferable CZA resistance upon mobilization.

scholarly journals In Vivo Indicators of Cytoplasmic, Vacuolar, and Extracellular pH Using pHluorin2 in Candida albicans

mSphere ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Tournu ◽  
Arturo Luna-Tapia ◽  
Brian M. Peters ◽  
Glen E. Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Intracellular Ph ◽  
Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Extracellular Ph ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Ph Homeostasis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
A Cell

ABSTRACT Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that colonizes the reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts of its human host. It can also invade the bloodstream and deeper organs of immunosuppressed individuals, and thus it encounters enormous variations in external pH in vivo. Accordingly, survival within such diverse niches necessitates robust adaptive responses to regulate intracellular pH. However, the impact of antifungal drugs upon these adaptive responses, and on intracellular pH in general, is not well characterized. Furthermore, the tools and methods currently available to directly monitor intracellular pH in C. albicans, as well as other fungal pathogens, have significant limitations. To address these issues, we developed a new and improved set of pH sensors based on the pH-responsive fluorescent protein pHluorin. This includes a cytoplasmic sensor, a probe that localizes inside the fungal vacuole (an acidified compartment that plays a central role in intracellular pH homeostasis), and a cell surface probe that can detect changes in extracellular pH. These tools can be used to monitor pH within single C. albicans cells or in cell populations in real time through convenient and high-throughput assays. Environmental or chemically induced stresses often trigger physiological responses that regulate intracellular pH. As such, the capacity to detect pH changes in real time and within live cells is of fundamental importance to essentially all aspects of biology. In this respect, pHluorin, a pH-sensitive variant of green fluorescent protein, has provided an invaluable tool to detect such responses. Here, we report the adaptation of pHluorin2 (PHL2), a substantially brighter variant of pHluorin, for use with the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. As well as a cytoplasmic PHL2 indicator, we describe a version that specifically localizes within the fungal vacuole, an acidified subcellular compartment with important functions in nutrient storage and pH homeostasis. In addition, by means of a glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored PHL2-fusion protein, we generated a cell surface pH sensor. We demonstrated the utility of these tools in several applications, including accurate intracellular and extracellular pH measurements in individual cells via flow cytometry and in cell populations via a convenient plate reader-based protocol. The PHL2 tools can also be used for endpoint as well as time course experiments and to conduct chemical screens to identify drugs that alter normal pH homeostasis. These tools enable observation of the highly dynamic intracellular pH shifts that occur throughout the fungal growth cycle, as well as in response to various chemical treatments. IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that colonizes the reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts of its human host. It can also invade the bloodstream and deeper organs of immunosuppressed individuals, and thus it encounters enormous variations in external pH in vivo. Accordingly, survival within such diverse niches necessitates robust adaptive responses to regulate intracellular pH. However, the impact of antifungal drugs upon these adaptive responses, and on intracellular pH in general, is not well characterized. Furthermore, the tools and methods currently available to directly monitor intracellular pH in C. albicans, as well as other fungal pathogens, have significant limitations. To address these issues, we developed a new and improved set of pH sensors based on the pH-responsive fluorescent protein pHluorin. This includes a cytoplasmic sensor, a probe that localizes inside the fungal vacuole (an acidified compartment that plays a central role in intracellular pH homeostasis), and a cell surface probe that can detect changes in extracellular pH. These tools can be used to monitor pH within single C. albicans cells or in cell populations in real time through convenient and high-throughput assays.

scholarly journals MS1, a direct target of MS188, regulates the expression of key sporophytic pollen coat protein genes in Arabidopsis

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (16) ◽  
pp. 4877-4889
Author(s):  
Jie-Yang Lu ◽  
Shuang-Xi Xiong ◽  
Wenzhe Yin ◽  
Xiao-Dong Teng ◽  
Yue Lou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Pollen Wall ◽  
Coat Proteins ◽  
Related Family ◽  
Regulatory Cascade ◽  
Pollen Coat ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function

Abstract Sporophytic pollen coat proteins (sPCPs) derived from the anther tapetum are deposited into pollen wall cavities and function in pollen–stigma interactions, pollen hydration, and environmental protection. In Arabidopsis, 13 highly abundant proteins have been identified in pollen coat, including seven major glycine-rich proteins GRP14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and GRP–oleosin; two caleosin-related family proteins (AT1G23240 and AT1G23250); three lipase proteins EXL4, EXL5 and EXL6, and ATA27/BGLU20. Here, we show that GRP14, 17, 18, 19, and EXL4 and EXL6 fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) are translated in the tapetum and then accumulate in the anther locule following tapetum degeneration. The expression of these sPCPs is dependent on two essential tapetum transcription factors, MALE STERILE188 (MS188) and MALE STERILITY 1 (MS1). The majority of sPCP genes are up-regulated within 30 h after MS1 induction and could be restored by MS1 expression driven by the MS188 promoter in ms188, indicating that MS1 is sufficient to activate their expression; however, additional MS1 downstream factors appear to be required for high-level sPCP expression. Our ChIP, in vivo transactivation assay, and EMSA data indicate that MS188 directly activates MS1. Together, these results reveal a regulatory cascade whereby outer pollen wall formation is regulated by MS188 followed by synthesis of sPCPs controlled by MS1.

scholarly journals Mutational Analysis of Residues in PriA and PriC Affecting Their Ability To Interact with SSB in Escherichia coli K-12

2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasiia N. Klimova ◽  
Steven J. Sandler
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Growth Defects ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
K 12 ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli PriA and PriC recognize abandoned replication forks and direct reloading of the DnaB replicative helicase onto the lagging-strand template coated with single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB). Both PriA and PriC have been shown by biochemical and structural studies to physically interact with the C terminus of SSB. In vitro, these interactions trigger remodeling of the SSB on ssDNA. priA341(R697A) and priC351(R155A) negated the SSB remodeling reaction in vitro. Plasmid-carried priC351(R155A) did not complement priC303::kan, and priA341(R697A) has not yet been tested for complementation. Here, we further studied the SSB-binding pockets of PriA and PriC by placing priA341(R697A), priA344(R697E), priA345(Q701E), and priC351(R155A) on the chromosome and characterizing the mutant strains. All three priA mutants behaved like the wild type. In a ΔpriB strain, the mutations caused modest increases in SOS expression, cell size, and defects in nucleoid partitioning (Par−). Overproduction of SSB partially suppressed these phenotypes for priA341(R697A) and priA344(R697E). The priC351(R155A) mutant behaved as expected: there was no phenotype in a single mutant, and there were severe growth defects when this mutation was combined with ΔpriB. Analysis of the priBC mutant revealed two populations of cells: those with wild-type phenotypes and those that were extremely filamentous and Par− and had high SOS expression. We conclude that in vivo, priC351(R155A) identified an essential residue and function for PriC, that PriA R697 and Q701 are important only in the absence of PriB, and that this region of the protein may have a complicated relationship with SSB. IMPORTANCE Escherichia coli PriA and PriC recruit the replication machinery to a collapsed replication fork after it is repaired and needs to be restarted. In vitro studies suggest that the C terminus of SSB interacts with certain residues in PriA and PriC to recruit those proteins to the repaired fork, where they help remodel it for restart. Here, we placed those mutations on the chromosome and tested the effect of mutating these residues in vivo. The priC mutation completely abolished function. The priA mutations had no effect by themselves. They did, however, display modest phenotypes in a priB-null strain. These phenotypes were partially suppressed by SSB overproduction. These studies give us further insight into the reactions needed for replication restart.

scholarly journals Coordinated Hsp110 and Hsp104 Activities Power Protein Disaggregation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayasankar Mohanakrishnan Kaimal ◽  
Ganapathi Kandasamy ◽  
Fabian Gasser ◽  
Claes Andréasson
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Protein Aggregation ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dependent Protein ◽  
And Function ◽  
Cellular Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Protein aggregation is intimately associated with cellular stress and is accelerated during aging, disease, and cellular dysfunction. Yeast cells rely on the ATP-consuming chaperone Hsp104 to disaggregate proteins together with Hsp70. Hsp110s are ancient and abundant chaperones that form complexes with Hsp70. Here we provide in vivo data showing that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hsp110s Sse1 and Sse2 are essential for Hsp104-dependent protein disaggregation. Following heat shock, complexes of Hsp110 and Hsp70 are recruited to protein aggregates and function together with Hsp104 in the disaggregation process. In the absence of Hsp110, targeting of Hsp70 and Hsp104 to the aggregates is impaired, and the residual Hsp104 that still reaches the aggregates fails to disaggregate. Thus, coordinated activities of both Hsp104 and Hsp110 are required to reactivate aggregated proteins. These findings have important implications for the understanding of how eukaryotic cells manage misfolded and amyloid proteins.

scholarly journals Dynamic Localization and Function of Bni1p at the Sites of Directed Growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

2001 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 827-839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumi Ozaki-Kuroda ◽  
Yasunori Yamamoto ◽  
Hidenori Nohara ◽  
Makoto Kinoshita ◽  
Takeshi Fujiwara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Cell Polarization ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Dynamic Localization ◽  
Directed Growth ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACT Formin homology (FH) proteins are implicated in cell polarization and cytokinesis through actin organization. There are two FH proteins in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bni1p and Bnr1p. Bni1p physically interacts with Rho family small G proteins (Rho1p and Cdc42p), actin, two actin-binding proteins (profilin and Bud6p), and a polarity protein (Spa2p). Here we analyzed the in vivo localization of Bni1p by using a time-lapse imaging system and investigated the regulatory mechanisms of Bni1p localization and function in relation to these interacting proteins. Bni1p fused with green fluorescent protein localized to the sites of cell growth throughout the cell cycle. In a small-budded cell, Bni1p moved along the bud cortex. This dynamic localization of Bni1p coincided with the apparent site of bud growth. Abni1-disrupted cell showed a defect in directed growth to the pre-bud site and to the bud tip (apical growth), causing its abnormally spherical cell shape and thick bud neck. Bni1p localization at the bud tips was absolutely dependent on Cdc42p, largely dependent on Spa2p and actin filaments, and partly dependent on Bud6p, but scarcely dependent on polarized cortical actin patches or Rho1p. These results indicate that Bni1p regulates polarized growth within the bud through its unique and dynamic pattern of localization, dependent on multiple factors, including Cdc42p, Spa2p, Bud6p, and the actin cytoskeleton.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of Mycobacterial Truncated Hemoglobin Promoters and thegroEL2Promoter in Free-Living and Intracellular Mycobacteria

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (18) ◽  
pp. 6499-6506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil V. Joseph ◽  
G. K. Madhavilatha ◽  
R. Ajay Kumar ◽  
Sathish Mundayoor
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Stress Conditions ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Truncated Hemoglobin ◽  
Oxygen Intermediates ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Points

ABSTRACTThe success ofMycobacterium tuberculosisdepends on its ability to withstand and survive the hazardous environment inside the macrophages that are created by reactive oxygen intermediates, reactive nitrogen intermediates, severe hypoxia, low pH, and high CO2levels. Therefore, an effective detoxification system is required for the pathogen to persistin vivo. The genome ofM. tuberculosiscontains a new family of hemoproteins named truncated hemoglobin O (trHbO) and truncated hemoglobin N (trHbN), encoded by theglbOandglbNgenes, respectively, important in the survival ofM. tuberculosisin macrophages. Mycobacterial heat shock proteins are known to undergo rapid upregulation under stress conditions. The expression profiles of the promoters of these genes were studied by constructing transcriptional fusions with green fluorescent protein and monitoring the promoter activity in both free-living and intracellular milieus at different time points. WhereasglbNshowed an early response to the oxidative and nitrosative stresses tested,glbOgave a lasting response to lower concentrations of both stresses. At all time points and under all stress conditions tested,groEL2showed higher expression than both trHb promoters and expression of both promoters showed an increase while inside the macrophages. Real-time PCR analysis of trHb andgroEL2mRNAs showed an initial upregulation at 24 h postinfection. The presence of theglbOprotein imparted an increased survival toM. smegmatisin THP-1 differentiated macrophages compared to that imparted by theglbNandhsp65proteins. The comparative upregulation shown by both trHb promoters while grown inside macrophages indicates the importance of these promoters for the survival ofM. tuberculosisin the hostile environment of the host.

scholarly journals Gel-Entrapped Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria as Models of Biofilm Infection Exhibit Growth in Dense Aggregates, Oxygen Limitation, Antibiotic Tolerance, and Heterogeneous Gene Expression

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (10) ◽  
pp. 6294-6301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breana Pabst ◽  
Betsey Pitts ◽  
Ellen Lauchnor ◽  
Philip S. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Specific Growth ◽  
Matrix Material ◽  
Antibiotic Tolerance ◽  
Glass Capillary ◽  
Host Matrix ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Biofilm Infection

ABSTRACTAn experimental model that mimicked the structure and characteristics ofin vivobiofilm infections, such as those occurring in the lung or in dermal wounds where no biomaterial surface is present, was developed. In these infections, microbial biofilm forms as cell aggregates interspersed in a layer of mucus or host matrix material. This structure was modeled by filling glass capillary tubes with an agarose gel that had been seeded withStaphylococcus aureusbacteria and then incubating the gel biofilm in medium for up to 30 h. Confocal microscopy showed that the bacteria formed in discrete pockets distributed throughout the gel matrix. These aggregates enlarged over time and also developed a size gradient, with the clusters being larger near the nutrient- and oxygen-supplied interface and smaller at greater depths. Bacteria entrapped in gels for 24 h grew slowly (specific growth rate, 0.06 h−1) and were much less susceptible to oxacillin, minocycline, or ciprofloxacin than planktonic cells. Microelectrode measurements showed that the oxygen concentration decreased with depth into the gel biofilm, falling to values less than 3% of air saturation at depths of 500 μm. An anaerobiosis-responsive green fluorescent protein reporter gene for lactate dehydrogenase was induced in the region of the gel where the measured oxygen concentrations were low, confirming biologically relevant hypoxia. These results show that the gel biofilm model captures key features of biofilm infection in mucus or compromised tissue: formation of dense, distinct aggregates, reduced specific growth rates, local hypoxia, and antibiotic tolerance.

scholarly journals Development of a Tetracycline-Inducible Gene Expression System for the Study of Helicobacter pylori Pathogenesis

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (23) ◽  
pp. 7351-7359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra W. Debowski ◽  
Phebe Verbrugghe ◽  
Miriam Sehnal ◽  
Barry James Marshall ◽  
Mohammed Benghezal
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Chronic Infection ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conditional Expression ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
Green Fluorescent

ABSTRACTDeletion mutants and animal models have been instrumental in the study ofHelicobacter pyloripathogenesis. Conditional mutants, however, would enable the study of the temporal gene requirement duringH. pyloricolonization and chronic infection. To achieve this goal, we adapted theEscherichia coliTn10-derived tetracycline-inducible expression system for use inH. pylori. TheureApromoter was modified by inserting one or twotetoperators to generate tetracycline-responsive promoters, nameduPtetO, and these promoters were then fused to the reportergfpmut2 and inserted into different loci. The expression of the tetracycline repressor (tetR) was placed under the control of one of three promoters and inserted into the chromosome. Conditional expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in strains harboringtetRanduPtetO-GFPwas characterized by measuring GFP activity and by immunoblotting. The twotet-responsiveuPtetOpromoters differ in strength, and induction of these promoters was inducer concentration and time dependent, with maximum expression achieved after induction for 8 to 16 h. Furthermore, the chromosomal location of theuPtetO-GFPconstruct and the nature of the promoter driving expression oftetRinfluenced the strength of theuPtetOpromoters upon induction. Integration ofuPtetO-GFPandtetRconstructs at different genomic loci was stablein vivoand did not affect colonization. Finally, we demonstrate tetracycline-dependent induction of GFP expressionin vivoduring chronic infection. These results open new experimental avenues for dissectingH. pyloripathogenesis using animal models and for testing the roles of specific genes in colonization of, adaptation to, and persistence in the host.

scholarly journals Immunogold Localization of Key Metabolic Enzymes in the Anammoxosome and on the Tubule-Like Structures of Kuenenia stuttgartiensis

2015 ◽  
Vol 197 (14) ◽  
pp. 2432-2441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi M. de Almeida ◽  
Sarah Neumann ◽  
Rob J. Mesman ◽  
Christina Ferousi ◽  
Jan T. Keltjens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Anammox Bacteria ◽  
Hydroxylamine Oxidoreductase ◽  
Terminal Electron Acceptor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Redox Partner ◽  
Nitrite Oxidoreductase ◽  
Cell Plan ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACTAnaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria oxidize ammonium with nitrite as the terminal electron acceptor to form dinitrogen gas in the absence of oxygen. Anammox bacteria have a compartmentalized cell plan with a central membrane-bound “prokaryotic organelle” called the anammoxosome. The anammoxosome occupies most of the cell volume, has a curved membrane, and contains conspicuous tubule-like structures of unknown identity and function. It was suggested previously that the catalytic reactions of the anammox pathway occur in the anammoxosome, and that proton motive force was established across its membrane. Here, we used antibodies raised against five key enzymes of the anammox catabolism to determine their cellular location. The antibodies were raised against purified native hydroxylamine oxidoreductase-like protein kustc0458 with its redox partner kustc0457, hydrazine dehydrogenase (HDH; kustc0694), hydroxylamine oxidase (HOX; kustc1061), nitrite oxidoreductase (NXR; kustd1700/03/04), and hydrazine synthase (HZS; kuste2859-61) of the anammox bacteriumKuenenia stuttgartiensis. We determined that all five protein complexes were exclusively located inside the anammoxosome matrix. Four of the protein complexes did not appear to form higher-order protein organizations. However, the present data indicated for the first time that NXR is part of the tubule-like structures, which may stretch the whole length of the anammoxosome. These findings support the anammoxosome as the locus of catabolic reactions of the anammox pathway.IMPORTANCEAnammox bacteria are environmentally relevant microorganisms that contribute significantly to the release of fixed nitrogen in nature. Furthermore, the anammox process is applied for nitrogen removal from wastewater as an environment-friendly and cost-effective technology. These microorganisms feature a unique cellular organelle, the anammoxosome, which was proposed to contain the energy metabolism of the cell and tubule-like structures with hitherto unknown function. Here, we purified five native enzymes catalyzing key reactions in the anammox metabolism and raised antibodies against these in order to localize them within the cell. We showed that all enzymes were located within the anammoxosome, and nitrite oxidoreductase was located exclusively at the tubule-like structures, providing the first insights into the function of these subcellular structures.

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