Evidence for methyl group transfer between the methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins in Bacillus subtilis

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1988 · J. Bacteriol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5272207

Bedale, W A; Nettleton, D O; Sopata, C S; Thoelke, M S; Ordal, G W

The authors present evidence for methyl (as methyl or methoxy) transfer from the methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins H1 and possibly H3 of Bacillus subtilis to the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein H2. This methyl transfer, which has been observed in vitro was strongly stimulated by the chemoattractant aspartate and thus may plan an important role in the sensory processing system of this organism. Although radiolabeling of H1 and H3 began at once after the addition of (/sup 3/H) methionine, radiolabeling of H2 showed a lag. Furthermore, the addition of excess nonradioactive methionine caused immediate exponential delabeling of H1 and H3 while labeling of H2 continued to increase. Methylation of H2 required the chemotactic methyltransferase, probably to first methylate H1 and H3. Aspartate caused increased labeling of H2 and strongly decreased labeling of H1 and H3 after the addition of nonradioactive methionine. Without the addition of nonradioactive methionine, aspartate caused demethylation of H1 and to a lesser extent H3, with an approximately equal increase of methylation of H2.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Illinois, Urbana
• OSTI ID: 5272207
• Journal Information: J. Bacteriol.; (United States), Vol. 170:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BACILLUS SUBTILIS
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
PROTEINS
METHYLATION
ASPARTIC ACID
LABELLING
METHIONINE
POST-TRANSLATION MODIFICATION
TRACER TECHNIQUES
TRITIUM COMPOUNDS
AMINO ACIDS
BACILLUS
BACTERIA
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DRUGS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
LIPOTROPIC FACTORS
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
550201* - Biochemistry- Tracer Techniques
550701 - Microbiology- Tracer Techniques