Developing a bioenergetics framework for understanding stimulated electron flow using electron uptake in Shewanella oneidensis MR 1 as a model
Abstract
The conserved nature of aerobic electron transport chains between mitochondria and many Bacteria,makes quantitative understanding of microbial systems extendable to Eukaryotic systems, which are more challenging to study and lack tools for systems biology. The goal of our research is to understand the bioengetics underlying electron up take in Shewanella oneidensis, an important model microbe and chassis strain for systems biology. Our recent work shows that in addition to electrode reduction, this organism is also capable of electron uptake, or transfer of electrons from abiotic surfaces. These electrons can then be incorporated into the cells aerobic (oxygen respiring) cellular electron transport chain. This is the first evidence that an electrically charged or conductive surface can stimulate, or enhance electron flow and energy conservation in the canonical and nearly universal aerobic electron transport chain. To better understand this phenomenon in Shewanella, we propose to investigate the pathway(s), or network of proteins that link the known extracellular electron transport network (previously shown to interact with electrodes), to the canonical aerobic electron transport chain. The first aim will entail utilizing high throughput genetic screens from a transposon library in Shewanella. We will then couple use of gene deletion mutants in various electron transport chain components to quantitative measurements of electron flow, both in vivo, and from bulk biomass. These data will inform our final aim, which is a model of the cells ability to generate an electrochemical gradient (for ATP and NADH regeneration) under various electron uptake conditions based on bioenergetics. The overarching goal of these aims, is to enhance the potential for stimulating human respiratory performance by giving us insight into a biological protein network capable of interfacing with both electrodes, and aerobic electron transport chains.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501910305
Entities
People
- Annette R Rowe
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Cincinnati