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Studies from S. Kato et al in the area of gene therapy described
April 29th, 2008
2008 APR 29 -- According to a study from Japan, "Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain Delta H is a model hydrogenotrophic methanogen, for which the complete genome sequence and extensive biochemical information are available. Little is known, however, about how this organism regulates its cellular functions in response to environmental stimuli." "In this study, whole-genome oligonucleotide microarrays were constructed for M. thermautotrophicus and used to gain insights into how this organism responds to different environmental stimuli, including hydrogen depletion, shifts in pH and temperature and the occurrence of toxics (hydrogen peroxide and ammonia). Our analysis confirmed that methanogenesis genes (including mtd, mer, frh and mcr) were upregulated under hydrogen-limited conditions, while some of them were affected by other environmental stimuli. Concerning stress responses of this organism, several unique features were revealed. First, there was no universal stress response in this organism. Second, genes for alternative redox enzymes, such as rubrerythrin, were upregulated under the oxidative stress, but those for typical antioxidant enzymes were not. Third, genes relevant to the modification of cell surface structures were differentially expressed under stress conditions. Finally, energy-requiring CO2 assimilation systems were downregulated under stress conditions," wrote S. Kato and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "These findings suggest that M. thermautotrophicus has complex transcriptional regulation mechanisms that facilitate it to survive in unstable ecosystems such as an anaerobic digester." Kato and colleagues published the results of their research in Environmental Microbiology (Comparative transcriptome analysis of responses of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus to different environmental stimuli. Environmental Microbiology, 2008;10(4):893-905). For additional information, contact K. Watanabe, Marine Biotechnology Institute, Laboratory Applied Microbiology, Kamishi, Iwate 0260001, Japan. The publisher of the journal Environmental Microbiology can be contacted at: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England. Keywords: Japan, Biochemical, Biotechnology, Gene Therapy, RNA Research. This article was prepared by Science Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Science Letter via NewsRx.com.
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