The sugar-specific adhesion/deadhesion apparatus of the marine bacterium is a sensorium that continuously monitors nutrient levels in the environment
Year: 1987
Type: article
Abstract: Our earlier studies on cell adhesion to immobilized carbohydrates are extended here to a marine bacterium, Vibrio furnissii. Apparently one lectin mediates the binding of these cells to glycosides of N-acetylglucosamine, mannose, and glucose covalently linked to Agarose beads. Kinetic studies show that protein synthesis is required for initiating and for maintaining adhesion to the glycosides. Furthermore, a pro- mutant binds to GlcNAc-beads at Pro concentrations insufficient to support cell growth. Expression of the functional lectin therefore predominates under conditions of limiting protein synthesis. Thus, cells adhere to the sugars in an environment compatible with protein synthesis, and deadhere when depleted of any required nutrient, presumably to migrate to a more favorable locale. The adhesion-deadhesion apparatus thereby permits constant monitoring of the surrounding environment, comprising a "nutrient sensorium".
Authors: Charles Yu, Andy M. Lee, Saul Roseman
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,110
OpenAlex ID: W2045010874