Metaproteomics reveals abundant transposase expression in mutualistic endosymbionts

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2013 · mBio (Online)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00223-13· OSTI ID:1088125

Kleiner, Manuel ^[1]; Young, Jacque C ^[2]; Shah, Manesh B ^[2]; Verberkmoes, Nathan C ^[2]; Dubilier, Nicole ^[1]

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1. Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology
2. ORNL

Transposases, enzymes that catalyze the movement of mobile genetic elements, are the most abundant genes in nature. While many bacteria encode an abundance of transposases in their genomes, the current paradigm is that transposase gene expression is tightly regulated and generally low due to its severe mutagenic effects. In the current study, we detected the highest number of transposase proteins ever reported in bacteria, in symbionts of the gutless marine worm Olavius algarvensis using metaproteomics. At least 26 different transposases from 12 different families were detected and genomic and proteomic analyses suggest many of these are active. This high expression of transposases indicates that the mechanisms for their tight regulation have been disabled or destroyed. Based on recent studies on other symbionts and pathogens that showed high transposase transcription, we speculate that abundant transposase expression might be common in symbionts and pathogens.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: DE-AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1088125
• Journal Information: mBio (Online), Vol. 4, Issue 3; ISSN 2150-7511
• Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English