Ser/Thr/Tyr Protein Phosphorylation in the Archaeon Halobacterium salinarum—A Representative of the Third Domain of Life Archaeal Phosphoproteome
2009

Phosphorylation in the Archaeon Halobacterium salinarum

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Aivaliotis Michalis, Macek Boris, Gnad Florian, Reichelt Peter, Mann Matthias, Oesterhelt Dieter

Primary Institution: Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany

Hypothesis

Archaea, like eukaryotes, utilize Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylation for protein regulation.

Conclusion

The study identifies 90 unique phosphopeptides from 69 proteins in Halobacterium salinarum, demonstrating the presence of Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylation in archaea.

Supporting Evidence

  • 90 unique phosphopeptides from 69 proteins were identified.
  • Phosphorylation was found to be involved in various cellular processes.
  • The study provides the largest set of archaeal proteins phosphorylated on Ser/Thr/Tyr residues to date.
  • Phosphorylation is suggested to play a fundamental regulatory role in archaea.

Takeaway

Scientists found that a tiny organism called Halobacterium salinarum can change its proteins using a special process called phosphorylation, just like more complex life forms do.

Methodology

Genome-wide, gel-free, and site-specific phosphoproteome analysis using high accuracy mass spectrometry.

Limitations

Only a limited number of archaeal phosphoproteins have been identified, and the functional roles of many remain unknown.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004777

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