Elucidation of mechanism regulating microenvironment within prokaryotic organella

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15430
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 38020:Applied microbiology-related
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: Eguchi Yukako 金沢大学, ダイバーシティ推進機構, 特任助教 (60838506)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 原核細胞オルガネラ / オルガネラ内部環境 / 磁性細菌 / バイオミネラリゼーション

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Magnetotactic bacteria form prokaryotic organelles called “magnetosomes”, which function as magnetic compasses. The formation of magnetosomes is accomplished by the synthesis of magnetite nanocrystals within magnetosome vesicles. However, the mechanism of regulating the microenvironment within magnetosome vesicles during synthesis of magnetite crystals remains elusive. In this study, the basis for pH measurement and observation of ferric ion dynamics under the lack of proteins considered to be involved in pH regulation was constructed. This research will lead to the establishment of methods for analyzing redox potential and other biomolecular dynamics.

Free Research Field

微生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

オルガネラの内部環境の制御に関しては、真核細胞ではよく研究されているが、原核細胞オルガネラの内外の環境制御の研究については今後の展開が待たれる。本研究において、原核細胞オルガネラにおけるpH測定や鉄動態の観察に向けた基盤を構築した。この基盤により、その他の環境因子のイメージング技術の確立や、磁性細菌以外の細菌の持つオルガネラにおける環境制御のメカニズムの解析にも応用の可能性が広がる。