Engineering nanowires in bacteria to elucidate electron transport structural–functional relationships
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Bacterial pilin nanowires are protein complexes, suggested to possess electroactive capabilities forming part of the cells' bioenergetic programming. Their role is thought to be linked to facilitating electron transfer between cells and the external environment to permit metabolism and cell-to-cell communication. There is a significant debate, with varying hypotheses as to the nature of the proteins currently lying between type-IV pilin-based nanowires and polymerised cytochrome-based filaments. Importantly, to date, there is a very limited structure-function analysis of these structures within whole bacteria. In this work, we engineered Cupriavidus necator H16, a model autotrophic organism to express differing aromatic modifications of type-IV pilus proteins to establish structure-function relationships on conductivity and the effects this has on pili structure. This was achieved via a combination of high-resolution PeakForce tunnelling atomic force microscopy (PeakForce TUNA™) technology, alongside conventional electrochemical approaches enabling the elucidation of conductive nanowires emanating from whole bacterial cells. This work is the first example of functional type-IV pili protein nanowires produced under aerobic conditions using a Cupriavidus necator chassis. This work has far-reaching consequences in understanding the basis of bio-electrical communication between cells and with their external environment.
Source: Scientific Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,390
Awards: Equipment to support Nottingham's Research Fellows, G2955572540, G3420520797, G3559947993, SBRC NOTTINGHAM: Sustainable Routes to Platform Chemicals, Nanoengineering of bacteria to sense and control bioelectricity, Nottingham-Rothamsted Doctoral Training Partnership, G5621553766, Wireless communication with cells towards bioelectronic treatments of the future, G7777219632, G933792555
OpenAlex ID: W4378902192