Abstract
Vibrio cholerae, a Gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of cholera and colonizes the upper small intestine where sodium bicarbonate is present at a high concentration. Sodium bicarbonate is a potential inducer of virulence gene expression. Bacteria can increase cytosolic bicarbonate levels through the existence of transporter family proteins or through the action of metalloenzymes, called carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1). Vibrio cholerae, lacking of transporter proteins in its genome, utilizes the CA system to accumulate bicarbonate into the cell suggesting a pivotal role of this metalloenzymes in the microbial virulence. Here, we report for the first time the characterization of the α-CA of V. cholerae (VchCA), which has been identified by translated genome inspection. The α-CA encoding gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant protein purified to homogeneity. This investigation aimed to study the biochemical properties of VchCA and to provide preliminary insights in the field of this pathogen virulence. VchCA has a low esterase activity with 4-nitrophenyl acetate as substrate, and a high activity for the hydration of CO2 to bicarbonate.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callMore From: Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry
Disclaimer: 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.
