The interaction of Nanoarchaeum equitans with Ignicoccus hospitalis: proteins in the contact site between two cells.
The two archaea Ignicoccus hospitalis and Nanoarchaeum equitans form a unique intimate association, the character of which is not yet fully understood. Electron microscopic investigations show that at least two modes of cell-cell interactions exist: (i) the two cells are interconnected via thin fibres; and (ii) the two cell surfaces are in direct contact with each other. In order to shed further light on the molecules involved, we isolated a protein complex, by using detergent-induced solubilization of cell envelopes, followed by a combination of chromatography steps. Analysis by MS and comparison with databases revealed that this fraction contained two dominant proteins, representing the respective major envelope proteins of the two archaea. In addition, a considerable set of membrane proteins is specifically associated with these proteins. They are now the focus of further biochemical and ultrastructural investigations.
Burghardt
Tillmann
T
Centre of Electron Microscopy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany.
Junglas
Benjamin
B
Siedler
Frank
F
Wirth
Reinhard
R
Huber
Harald
H
Rachel
Reinhard
R
D019843:Archaeal Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D046588:Nanoarchaeota / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D055550:Protein Stability; D012995:Solubility
D019843:Archaeal Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins