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Cloning of thermostable DNA polymerases from hyperthermophilic marine Archaea with emphasis on Thermococcus sp. 9 degrees N-7 and mutations affecting 3'-5' exonuclease activity.

Five extremely thermophilic Archaea from hydrothermal vents were isolated, and their DNA polymerases were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Protein splicing elements (inteins) are present in many archaeal DNA polymerases, but only the DNA polymerase from strain GB-C contained an intein. Of the five cloned DNA polymerases, the Thermococcus sp. 9 degrees N-7 DNA polymerase was chosen for biochemical characterization. Thermococcus sp. 9 degrees N-7 DNA polymerase exhibited temperature-sensitive strand displacement activity and apparent Km values for DNA and dNTP similar to those of Thermococcus litoralis DNA polymerase. Six substitutions in the 3'-5' exonuclease motif I were constructed in an attempt to reduce the 3'-5' exonuclease activity of Thermococcus sp. 9 degrees N-7 DNA polymerase. Five mutants resulted in no detectable 3'-5' exonuclease activity, while one mutant (Glul43Asp) had <1% of wild-type activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Fidelity of DNA synthesis by the Thermococcus litoralis DNA polymerase--an extremely heat stable enzyme with proofreading activity.

We demonstrate that the DNA polymerase isolated from Thermococcus litoralis (VentTM DNA polymerase) is the first thermostable DNA polymerase reported having a 3'----5' proofreading exonuclease activity. This facilitates a highly accurate DNA synthesis in vitro by the polymerase. Mutational frequencies observed in the base substitution fidelity assays were in the range of 30 x 10(-6). These values were 5-10 times lower compared to other thermostable DNA polymerases lacking the proofreading activity. All classes of DNA polymerase errors (transitions, transversions, frameshift mutations) were assayed using the forward mutational assay (1). The mutation frequencies of Thermococcus litoralis DNA polymerase varied between 15-35 x 10(-4) being 2-4 times lower than the respective values obtained using enzymes without proofreading activity. We also noticed that the fidelity of the DNA polymerase from Thermococcus litoralis responds to changes in dNTP concentration, units of enzyme used per one reaction and the concentration of MgSO4 relative to the total concentration of dNTPs present in the reaction. The high fidelity DNA synthesis in vitro by Thermococcus litoralis DNA polymerase provides good possibilities for maintaining the genetic information of original target DNA sequences intact in the DNA amplification applications.

Archaea↗

Small heat shock protein of a hyperthermophilic archaeum, Thermococcus sp. strain KS-1, exists as a spherical 24 mer and its expression is highly induced under heat-stress conditions.

Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) are the most ubiquitous molecular chaperones. Several sHsps have been shown to exhibit chaperone activity and protect proteins from thermal and chemical aggregation. We have characterized a small heat shock protein from a hyperthermophilic archaeum, Thermococcus sp. strain KS-1. Electron microscopy revealed that the protein exists as a spherical oligomer with a diameter of 14+/-1 nm. The molecular weight of the oligomer was determined to be 478.6 kDa by size exclusion chromatography-multiangle laser light scattering. Thus, the Thermococcus sHsp is likely to exist as a spherical 24meric oligomer with almost the same structure as the Methanococcus jannaschii sHsp. The Thermococcus sHsp homo-oligomer protected porcine heart citrate synthase from thermal aggregation. It also slightly enhanced the refolding of acid-denatured green fluorescent protein. While the Thermococcus sHsp could not be detected in cells grown at the optimal growth temperature or lower, the expression of the protein was highly induced when the cells were grown at temperatures higher than the optimal growth temperature. Since only group II chaperonins and sHsps exist in hyperthermophilic archaea as molecular chaperones, sHsps should have an important role in protecting cells from lesions caused by aggregates of thermally denatured cellular proteins.

Journal Article↗

Thermococcus peptonophilus sp. nov., a fast-growing, extremely thermophilic archaebacterium isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

Two extremely thermophilic archaebacteria, strains OG-1 and SM-2, were isolated from newly discovered deep-sea hydrothermal vent areas in the western Pacific ocean. These strains were cocci, obligately anaerobic Archaea about 0.7-2 microm in diameter. Optimum growth conditions for OG-1 and SM-2 were at 85-90 degrees C (range 60-100 degrees C), pH 6 (range pH 4-8), a NaCl concentration of 3% (range 1-5%), and a nutrient concentration (tryptone plus yeast extract) of 0.2% (range 0.005-5%). Elemental sulfur stimulated the growth rate fourfold. Ammonium slightly stimulated growth. Both tryptone and yeast extract allowed growth as sole carbon sources; these isolates were not able to utilize or grow exclusively on sucrose, glucose, maltose, succinate, pyruvate, propionate, acetate, or free amino acids. OG-1 showed the fastest growth rate within the genus Thermococcus. Growth was inhibited by rifampicin. The DNA G+C content was 52 mol%. Sequencing of their 16S rDNA gene fragment indicated that these isolates belonged to the genus Thermococcus. OG-1 and SM-2 were different than the described Thermococcus species. We propose that OG-1 belongs to a new species: Thermococcus peptonophilus.

Archaea↗

Thermococcus waiotapuensis sp. nov., an extremely thermophilic archaeon isolated from a freshwater hot spring.

An extremely thermophilic, sulfur-dependent archaeon, strain WT1, was isolated from a freshwater hot spring in the Lake Taupo area of North Island, New Zealand. The cells are flagellated, strictly anaerobic cocci that grow optimally at 85 degrees C and 5.4 g NaCl l(-1). The strain grows heterotrophically on complex proteinaceous substrates or on appropriate salts plus amino acid mixtures and is also able to utilize maltose, starch, and pyruvate. Elemental sulfur could be replaced by cystine or thioglycollate. The range of temperatures allowing growth is from 60 to 90 degrees C; the pH supporting growth ranges from 5 to 8 (optimum, pH 7). Strain WT1 grew in a defined medium containing amino acids as the sole carbon and energy sources. The required amino acids were: Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Phe, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, and Val. Strain WT1 showed sensitivity to rifampicin. DNA G+C content was 50.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence encoding the 16S rRNA gene indicated that this isolate is a member of the Thermococcales. DNA/DNA hybridization studies revealed no similarity to several species of Thermococcus and Pyrococcus, with the exception of Thermococcus zilligii. Based on the reported results, we propose strain WT1 as a new species to be named Thermococcus waiotapuensis sp. nov.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

Isolation and characterization of Thermococcus barossii, sp. nov., a hyperthermophilic archaeon isolated from a hydrothermal vent flange formation.

A new hyperthermophilic microorganism, Thermococcus barossii, was isolated from rock fragments of a hydrothermal vent flange formation, located along the East Pacific Rise of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. This organism is obligately anaerobic and grows over a temperature range of at least 60-92 degrees C in artificial seawater-based media, containing elemental sulfur, tryptone and yeast extract. The addition of a maltooligosaccharide mixture and tungsten to this medium improved growth to some extent. At the Topt for growth (82.5 degrees C), cell densities as high as 4 x 10(8) cells/ml could be obtained in 18-liter batch fermentations, with a doubling time of approximately 40 minutes, if culture access to elemental sulfur was sufficient. In continuous culture at the same temperature, comparable cell densities could be obtained but only at slower growth rates. Morphologically, T. barossii is coccoid-shaped, forming irregularly-shaped spheres; under optimal conditions, these coccoids become more regular and smaller, a characteristic of other hyperthermophilic archaea. Negatively-stained preparations showed no pili or flagella associated with the cell surface. 16S rRNA sequencing reveals that T. barossii is most similar to Thermococcus celer (99.7%). Yet, further comparisons with T. celer showed that T. barossii is a new Thermococcus species: different growth temperature optimum (82.5 degrees C vs. 88 degrees C), obligate requirement for sulfur, higher G + C content (60% vs. 56.7%) and 47.7% DNA-DNA hybridization. The nucleotide and translated amino acid sequence for the gene encoding a DNA polymerase from T. barossii was compared to sequences of related genes from other Thermacoccales. The polymerase phylogenies were congruent with those obtained from the 16S rRNA phylogenetic analyses. Based on the high degree of similarity among members of the genus Termococcus for the criteria used thus far, aspects of enzymology may be an important mechanism of differenting one species from another.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Thermococcus coalescens sp. nov., a cell-fusing hyperthermophilic archaeon from Suiyo Seamount.

A cell-fusing hyperthermophilic archaeon was isolated from hydrothermal fluid obtained from Suiyo Seamount of the Izu-Bonin Arc. The isolate, TS1(T), is an irregular coccus, usually 0.5-2 microm in diameter and motile with a polar tuft of flagella. Cells in the exponential phase of growth fused at room temperature in the presence of DNA-intercalating dye to become as large as 5 microm in diameter. Fused cells showed dark spots that moved along in the cytoplasm. Large cells with a similar appearance were also observed upon culture at 87 degrees C, suggesting the occurrence of similar cell fusions during growth. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that cells in the exponential phase possessed a thin and electron-lucent cell envelope that could be lost subsequently during culture. The fragile cell envelope must be related to cell fusion. The cells grew at 57-90 degrees C, pH 5.2-8.7 and at NaCl concentrations of 1.5-4.5 %, with the optima being 87 degrees C, pH 6.5 and 2.5 % NaCl. The isolate was an anaerobic chemo-organotroph that grew on either yeast extract or tryptone as the sole growth substrate. The genomic DNA G+C content was 53.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the isolate was closely related to Thermococcus species. However, no significant DNA-DNA hybridization was observed between genomic DNA of strain TS1(T) and phylogenetically related Thermococcus species. We propose that isolate TS1(T) represents a novel species, Thermococcus coalescens sp. nov., with the name reflecting the cell fusion activity observed in the strain. The type strain is TS1(T) (=JCM 12540T=DSM 16538T).

Base Composition↗

Purification and sequence analysis of a novel NADP(H)-dependent type III alcohol dehydrogenase from Thermococcus strain AN1.

An NADP(H)-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase was isolated from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus strain AN1. This enzyme is a homotetramer with a subunit molecular weight of 46,700. The enzyme oxidizes a series of primary linear alcohols but not methanol. The pH and temperature optima with ethanol as the substrate are 6.8 to 7.0 and 85 degrees C, respectively. The enzyme readily reduced acetaldehyde with NADPH as the cofactor. The gene encoding this enzyme has been cloned and sequenced. An open reading frame of 1,218 bp, starting with ATG and ending with TGA, was identified and corresponded to 406 amino acids. Sequence comparisons show that this Thermococcus strain AN1 enzyme has significant homologies with enzymes from the newly defined type III alcohol dehydrogenase family. Thermococcus strain AN1 alcohol dehydrogenase is the first archaeal enzyme belonging to this family.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Crystal structure of a pol alpha family DNA polymerase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus sp. 9 degrees N-7.

The 2.25 A resolution crystal structure of a pol alpha family (family B) DNA polymerase from the hyperthermophilic marine archaeon Thermococcus sp. 9 degrees N-7 (9 degrees N-7 pol) provides new insight into the mechanism of pol alpha family polymerases that include essentially all of the eukaryotic replicative and viral DNA polymerases. The structure is folded into NH(2)- terminal, editing 3'-5' exonuclease, and polymerase domains that are topologically similar to the two other known pol alpha family structures (bacteriophage RB69 and the recently determined Thermococcus gorgonarius), but differ in their relative orientation and conformation. The 9 degrees N-7 polymerase domain structure is reminiscent of the "closed" conformation characteristic of ternary complexes of the pol I polymerase family obtained in the presence of their dNTP and DNA substrates. In the apo-9 degrees N-7 structure, this conformation appears to be stabilized by an ion pair. Thus far, the other apo-pol alpha structures that have been determined adopt open conformations. These results therefore suggest that the pol alpha polymerases undergo a series of conformational transitions during the catalytic cycle similar to those proposed for the pol I family. Furthermore, comparison of the orientations of the fingers and exonuclease (sub)domains relative to the palm subdomain that contains the pol active site suggests that the exonuclease domain and the fingers subdomain of the polymerase can move as a unit and may do so as part of the catalytic cycle. This provides a possible structural explanation for the interdependence of polymerization and editing exonuclease activities unique to pol alpha family polymerases. We suggest that the NH(2)-terminal domain of 9 degrees N-7 pol may be structurally related to an RNA-binding motif, which appears to be conserved among archaeal polymerases. The presence of such a putative RNA- binding domain suggests a mechanism for the observed autoregulation of bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase synthesis by binding to its own mRNA. Furthermore, conservation of this domain could indicate that such regulation of pol expression may be a characteristic of archaea. Comparion of the 9 degrees N-7 pol structure to its mesostable homolog from bacteriophage RB69 suggests that thermostability is achieved by shortening loops, forming two disulfide bridges, and increasing electrostatic interactions at subdomain interfaces.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Cloning, expression, and characterization of DNA polymerase I from the hyperthermophilic archaea Thermococcus fumicolans.

The DNA polymerase I gene of a newly described deep-sea hydrothermal vent Archaea species, Thermococcus fumicolans, from IFREMERS's collection of hyperthermophiles has been cloned in Escherichia coli. As in Thermococcus litoralis, the gene is split by two intervening sequences (IVS) encoding inteins inserted in sites A and C of family B DNA polymerases. The entire DNA polymerase gene, containing both inteins, was expressed at 30 degrees C in E. coli strain BL21(DE3)pLysS using the pARHS2 expression vector. The native polypeptide precursor of 170kDa was obtained, and intein splicing as well as ligation of the three exteins was observed in vitro after heat exposure. The recombinant enzyme was purified and some of its activities were characterized: polymerization, thermostability, exonuclease activities, and fidelity.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Thermococcus acidaminovorans sp. nov., a new hyperthermophilic alkalophilic archaeon growing on amino acids.

From a shallow marine hydrothermal system at Vulcano (Italy), a new hyperthermophilic member of the Archaea was isolated. The cells are coccoid - shaped and possess up to five flagella. They grow between 56 degrees and 93 degrees C (optimum 85 degrees C) and pH 5.0-9.5 (optimum 9.0). The organism is strictly anaerobic and grows heterotrophically on defined amino acids and complex organic substrates such as casamino acids, yeast extract, peptone, meat extract, tryptone, and casein. Polysulfide and elemental sulfur are reduced to H2S. In the absence of polysulfide or elemental sulfur, the isolate grows at a significantly reduced rate. Growth is not influenced by the presence of H2. DNA- DNA hybridization and 16S rRNA partial sequences indicated that the new isolate belongs to the genus Thermococcus, and represents a new species, Thermococcus acidaminovorans. The type stain is isolate AEDII10 (DSM 11906).

Amino Acids↗

Thermococcus siculi sp. nov., a novel hyperthermophilic archaeon isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent at the Mid-Okinawa Trough.

A novel coccoid-shaped, hyperthermophilic, anaerobic archaeon, strain RG-20, was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent fluid sample taken at 1394-m depth at the Mid-Okinawa Trough (27 degrees 32.7'N, 126 degrees 58.5'E). Cells of this isolate occur singly or in pairs and are about 0.8 to 2 microm in diameter. Growth was observed at temperatures between 50 degrees and 93 degrees C, with an optimum at 85 degrees C. The pH range for growth is 5.0-9.0, with an optimum around 7.0. Strain RG-20 requires 1%-4% of NaCl for growth, and cell lysis occurs at concentrations below 1%. The newly isolated strain grows preferentially in the presence of elemental sulfur on proteinaceous substrates such as yeast extract, peptone, or tryptone, and no growth was observed on carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, alcohols, or lipids. This microorganism is resistant to streptomycin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and kanamycin at concentrations up to 150 microg/ ml, but is susceptible to rifampicin. Analysis of the hydrolyzed core lipids by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) revealed the presence of archaeol and caldarchaeol. The mol% G+C content of the DNA is 55.8. Partial sequencing of the 16S rDNA indicates that strain RG-20 belongs to the genus Thermococcus. Considering these data and on the basis of the results from DNA-DNA hybridization studies, we propose that this strain should be classified as a new species named Thermococcus siculi (si'cu.li. L. gen. n. siculi, of the deep-sea [siculum, deep-sea in literature of Ovid], referring to the location of the sample site, a deep-sea hydrothermal vent). The type strain is isolate RG-20 (DSM No. 12349).

DNA, Archaeal↗

Extremely thermostable glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) from the freshwater archaeon Thermococcus waiotapuensis: cloning and comparison with two marine hyperthermophilic GDHs.

Glutamate dehydrogenases (GDHs) from fresh-water and marine hyperthermophilic Archaea were compared with respect to their responses to different salt concentrations. A gene encoding GDH from the terrestrial hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus waiotapuensis (Twaio) was cloned, sequenced, and expressed at a high level in Escherichia coli. The deduced amino acid sequence, which consists of 418 amino acid residues, revealed a high degree of similarity with GDHs from related marine strains such as Thermococcus litoralis (Tl) and Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu). Recombinant Twaio GDH was purified 27-fold to homogeneity. The enzyme is hexameric with a molecular weight of 259,000. The effects of several salts (KCl, CaCl, MgSO4), temperature, and pH on enzyme activity were determined and compared in three hyperthermophilic GDHs, including T. waiotapuensis, and GDHs from two marine species, T. litoralis and P. furiosus. Kinetic studies suggested a biosynthetic role for the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate- (NADP-) specific Twaio GDH in the cell. Interestingly, Twaio GDH revealed no salt responses, whereas the two marine GDHs showed substantial enhancement of activity as well as thermostability at increasing salt concentrations. Because electrostatic interactions between charged amino acid residues are thought to be a key feature of structural integrity and thermostability in hyperthermophilic GDHs, salt availability and its effects on marine enzymes could partially explain a higher thermal stability in marine species than in phyletically related fresh-water species.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning, expression, and characterization of a methionyl aminopeptidase from a hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus sp. NA1.

Genomic analysis of a hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus sp. NA1 revealed the presence of an 885-bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 295 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 32,981 Da. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence showed that amino acid residues important for catalytic activity and the metal binding ligands conserved in all of methionyl aminopeptidases (MetAP) were also conserved and belonged to type IIa MetAP. The protein, designated TNA1_MetAP (Thermococcus sp. NA1 MetAP), was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme was a Mn(2+)-, Ni(2+)-, Fe(2+)-, or Co(2+)-dependent metallopeptidase. Optimal MetAP activity against L: -methionine p-nitroanilide (Met-pNA) (K (m) = 0.68 mM) occurred at pH 7.0 and 80 to 90 degrees C. The MetAP was very unstable compared to Pyrococcus furiosus MetAP, which was completely inactivated by heating at 80 degrees C for 5 min. It seemed likely that the cysteine residue (Cys53) played a critical role in regulating the thermostability of TNA1_MetAP.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning, expression, and characterization of a DNA ligase from a hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus sp.

Genomic analysis of a hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus sp. NA1, revealed an ORF of 1689 bases encoding 562 amino acids that showed a high similarity to DNA ligases from other hyperthermophilic archaea. The ligase, which was designated TNA1_lig (Thermococcus sp. NA1 ligase), was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant TNA1_lig was purified by metal affinity chromatography. The optimum ligase activity of the recombinant TNA1_lig occurred at 80 degrees C and pH 7.5. The enzyme was activated by MgCl2 and ZnCl2 but was inhibited by MnCl2 and NiCl2. Additionally, the enzyme was activated by either ATP or NAD+.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Isolation, cloning, and overexpression of a chitinase gene fragment from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus chitonophagus: semi-denaturing purification of the recombinant peptide and investigation of its relation with other chitinases.

A 189-bp sequence was isolated from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus chitonophagus and was found to present strong homology with a large number of chitinase genes from a variety of organisms and particularly with the chitinaseA gene from Pyrococcus kodakaraensis (Pk-chiA). This fragment was subcloned to an expression vector and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The E. coli BLR21(DE3)pLysS transformant, harbouring the gene on the pET-31b plasmid vector, was found to overproduce the target protein at high levels. The 63 aminoacid-long peptide was efficiently purified to homogeneity, with a one-step, semi-denaturing affinity chromatography, on a metal chelation resin and was used for the production of a specific, polyclonal antibody from rabbits. The produced antibody was demonstrated to display strong and specific affinity for the chitinase A from Serratia marcescens (Sm-chiA), as well as the membrane-bound chitinase70 from Thermococcus chitonophagus (Tc-Chi70). The strong sequence homology, in combination with the demonstrated specific immunochemical affinity, indicates that the isolated peptide is part of a chitinolytic enzyme of T. chitonophagus. In particular, it could belong to the membrane-bound chi70, or to a distinct chitinase, coded by a different gene, or even by the same gene, following post-transcriptional or post-translational modifications.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Alpha- and beta-subunits of a V-type membrane ATPase in a hyperthermophilic sulfur-dependent archaeum, Thermococcus sp. KI.

The genes encoding alpha- and beta-subunits of a V-type ATPase in a sulfur-dependent hyperthermophilic archaeum, Thermococcus sp. KI, were cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences were approximately 60, 50 and 25% identical to those of other archaeal, eukaryotic V-type and E. coli F-type ATPase, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Thermococcus ATPase was closely related to that of Thermus, and those of Methanosarcina and Halobacterium.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

FKBP-type peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase from a sulfur-dependent hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus sp. KS-1.

A gene encoding an FK506 binding protein (FKBP)-type peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) was cloned from a hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus sp. KS-1, and sequenced. This gene encoded an FKBP with 159 amino-acid residues with a molecular mass of 17.6kDa. Two insertion sequences with 13 and 44 amino acids were found in the regions corresponding to the bulge and flap regions of human FKBP-12, respectively. Comparison with other archaeal FKBP sequences obtained from reported genome sequences revealed that the insertion sequences in the bulge and flap regions were common to archaeal FKBPs. It was also revealed that archaeal FKBPs are classified into two groups: one is approx. 17kDa and the other 27kDa. This Thermococcus FKBP (TcFK) belonged to the smaller archaeal FKBP. In this TcFK, 9 out of 15 amino acid residues forming the FK506 binding pocket of human FKBP12 were found. This gene was expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant protein was purified. The purified protein showed PPIase activity and its activity was inhibited by FK506 with an IC50 of 7 microM. This enzyme showed high kinetic stability with a half-life of 40 min at 100 degrees C. Catalytic efficiency of this recombinant PPIase was 1.2-times higher with the substrate N-succinyl-A-L-P-F-p-nitroanilide than with N-succinyl-A-A-P-F-p-nitroanilide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗