Abstract
It has been claimed that citrate synthase, aconitase and isocitrate dehydrogenase activities are non-functional in Bordetella pertussis and that this might explain why this bacterium’s growth is sometimes associated with accumulation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and/or free fatty acids. However, the sequenced genome includes the entire citric acid pathway genes. Furthermore, these genes were expressed and the corresponding enzyme activities detected at high levels for the pathway when grown on a defined medium imitating the amino acid content of complex media often used for growth of this pathogenic microorganism. In addition, no significant PHB or fatty acids could be detected. Analysis of the carbon balance and stoichiometric flux analysis based on specific rates of amino acid consumption, and estimated biomass requirements coherent with the observed growth rate, clearly indicate that a fully functional tricarboxylic acid cycle operates in contrast to previous reports.
Highlights
The bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough
Sequencing analysis, RT-quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments and enzymatic assays strongly indicate that citrate synthase, aconitase and isocitrate dehydrogenase are functionally produced by B. pertussis strain Tohama I in the culture conditions used here
This is confirmed by a carbon stoichiometric flux analysis of B. pertussis metabolism using the experimental data from the same batch cultures
Summary
The bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough. This disease was responsible for high world-wide mortality prior to development of vaccination strategies, among children. Implementation of high-coverage vaccination from the first months of life of an infant has been the solution to decrease its incidence [1,2,3]. Over the past ten years, renewed outbreaks in whooping cough cases have appeared worldwide. The disease remains a major priority for pharmaceutical companies [1,4,5]. While effective in stimulating the immune response, cellular compounds such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced non-negligible and even life-threatening side effects [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
