Study of Ladderane Lipid Biosynthesis in Anammox Bacteria
Author Information
Author(s): Jayne E Rattray, Marc Strous, Huub JM op den Camp, Stefan Schouten, Mike SM Jetten, Jaap S Sinninghe Damsté
Primary Institution: NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
Hypothesis
Can the unusual gene clusters in Kuenenia stuttgartiensis encode a novel pathway for anaerobic polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis?
Conclusion
The study suggests that Kuenenia stuttgartiensis may have a unique pathway for producing polyunsaturated fatty acids that could lead to ladderane lipids.
Supporting Evidence
- Kuenenia stuttgartiensis contains unique gene clusters for fatty acid biosynthesis.
- Desulfotalea psychrophila showed synteny with Kuenenia stuttgartiensis but did not produce ladderane lipids.
- Polyunsaturated hydrocarbons were identified in Desulfotalea psychrophila, suggesting a related biosynthetic pathway.
Takeaway
Scientists looked at genes in a special type of bacteria to understand how they make unique fats called ladderane lipids, which are important for their survival.
Methodology
The study involved comparative genomics analysis of gene clusters related to fatty acid biosynthesis in Kuenenia stuttgartiensis and 137 other organisms.
Limitations
The study could not experimentally confirm ladderane production in Desulfotalea psychrophila.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website