0000000000084117
AUTHOR
Bernhard Schlott
Genes and derived amino acid sequences of S-layer proteins from mesophilic, thermophilic, and extremely thermophilic methanococci
Cells of methanococci are covered by a single layer of protein subunits (S-layer) in hexagonal arrangement, which are directly exposed to the environment and which cannot be stabilized by cellular components. We have isolated S-layer proteins from cells of Methanococcus vannielii ( T(opt.)=37 degrees C), Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus ( T(opt.)=65 degrees C), and Methanococcus jannaschii ( T(opt.)=85 degrees C). The primary structure of the S-layer proteins was determined by sequencing the corresponding genes. According to the predicted amino acid sequence, the molecular masses of the S-layer proteins of the different methanococci are in a small range between 59,064 and 60,547 Da. Compa…
Molecular organization of selected prokaryotic S-layer proteins.
Regular crystalline surface layers (S-layers) are widespread among prokaryotes and probably represent the earliest cell wall structures. S-layer genes have been found in approximately 400 different species of the prokaryotic domains bacteria and archaea. S-layers usually consist of a single (glyco-)protein species with molecular masses ranging from about 40 to 200 kDa that form lattices of oblique, tetragonal, or hexagonal architecture. The primary sequen ces of hyperthermophilic archaeal species exhibit some characteristic signatures. Further adaptations to their specific environments occur by various post-translational modifications, such as linkage of glycans, lipids, phosphate, and sulf…