Proteome of Radiation-Resistant Microbe

Investigators have reported identifying 61% (1,900) of the possible predicted set of proteins of a radiation-resistant microbe that has been called the world's toughest bacterium. The microbe is of interest because it can survive extreme environments and has potential for bioremediation. The research was reported in the August 20, 2002, issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

To identify proteins involved in various functions, the researchers exposed the microbe, D radiodurans, to different stresses and environments: heat shock, cold shock, exposure to chemicals that damage DNA such as trichloroethylene, exposure to ionizing radiation, and starvation. They found the microbe can withstand high levels of radiation and has good DNA repair capabilities. To identify so many proteins, the researchers used a high-throughput mass spectrometer based on Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance, developed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL, Richland, WA, USA), where the research was conducted.

"We've been able to see more of the proteins, especially those proteins that exist in small quantities,” said Mary Lipton, PNNL senior research scientist and lead author. "Because our coverage is unprecedented, we're now able to provide biologists with protein-level information they never had access to before.”





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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory