title: Characterization of Spbhp-37, a Hemoglobin-Binding Protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
abstract: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive microorganism that is the cause of bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis and otitis media. This human pathogen also can cause invasive diseases such as meningitis, bacteremia and septicemia. Hemoglobin (Hb) and haem can support the growth and viability of S. pneumoniae as sole iron sources. Unfortunately, the acquisition mechanism of Hb and haem in this bacterium has been poorly studied. Previously we identified two proteins of 37 and 22 kDa as putative Hb- and haem-binding proteins (Spbhp-37 and Spbhp-22, respectively). The sequence of Spbhp-37 protein was database annotated as lipoprotein without any function or localization. Here it was immunolocalized in the surface cell by transmission electron microscopy using specific antibodies produced against the recombinant protein. The expression of Spbhp-37 was increased when bacteria were grown in media culture supplied with Hb. In addition, the affinity of Sphbp-37 for Hb was determined. Thus, in this work we are presenting new findings that attempt to explain the mechanism involved in iron acquisition of this pathogen. In the future these results could help to develop new therapy targets in order to avoid the secondary effects caused by the traditional therapies.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN México, México.
authors.forename: María E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Romero-Espejel
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN México, México.
authors.forename: Mario A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN México, México.
authors.forename: Bibiana
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chávez-Munguía
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Genómica, Proteómica y Metabolómica. LaNSE-CINVESTAV, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN México, México.
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ríos-Castro
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Bacteriología y Nanomedicina, Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México México, México.
authors.forename: José de Jesús
authors.initials: Jde J
authors.lastname: Olivares-Trejo
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001693:Biological Transport, Active / Q000502:physiology; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006418:Heme / Q000378:metabolism*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D011485:Protein Binding; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D006454:Hemoglobins; C017206:hemoglobin-binding protein, bacteria; D006418:Heme; D007501:Iron
keywords: Streptococcus pneumoniae; haem; haem-binding protein; iron; iron starvation