Thesis
Comparison of the mercury induced proteomes of Escherichia coli MG1655 with and without the NR1 plasmid
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101375
Abstract
Mercury, a naturally occurring metal, is found in varying amounts throughout the world. Exposure can result in neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and gastrointestinal toxicity with the severity depending on the form and quantity of mercury involved [1]. Increased levels of environmental mercury exist due to anthropogenic productions [2-4], and although it may be impossible to avoid contact with mercury, localized areas of high concentrations can be reduced to tolerable levels through remediation techniques. These processes group into physical, chemical and biological techniques; however, current research is moving toward use of already existing biological mechanisms for remediation of heavy metals. Resistance has been shown in some bacteria to be associated with the NR1 plasmid and the mer operon [5]. Here we describe a proteomics based strategy to understand the complex systems of Escherichia coli with or without the NR1 plasmid [6, 7]. This is the first large scale, all inclusive E. coli mercury-induced proteome identification using high-resolution mass spectrometric proteomic techniques to determine both the qualitative and quantitative protein. We were able to identify proteins associated with the mer operon of the NR1 plasmid, and several proteins that contained a bound phenyl mercury, with a high level of certainty. Also identified were proteins affected by the mercury which are involved in protein synthesis. Identification of proteins targeted directly and indirectly by mercury in E. coli is still in the beginning stages, but the progress we have shown here is enlightening. Future studies can be expected that will improve upon our techniques, and we can also start to expand into other organisms and cell types.
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Details
- Title
- Comparison of the mercury induced proteomes of Escherichia coli MG1655 with and without the NR1 plasmid
- Creators
- Erika Michelle Zink
- Contributors
- Mary S. Lipton (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Chemistry, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525389501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis