Date: August 24, 2017
Source: University of Exeter
Summary: Scientists have made
a crucial new discovery into how a group of ancient microbes that can survive
in some of the world's harshest environments, propel themselves forward.
Scientists have made a crucial
new discovery into how a group of ancient microbes that can survive in some of
the world's harshest environments, propel themselves forward.
An international team of
experts, led by Dr Bertram Daum of the University of Exeter's Living System
Institute, have revealed the structure of the unique whip-like appendage found
on archaea, which rotates like a propeller to enable these cells to swim.
The structure, called the
archaellum, is used for movement and also to allow the microbes to adhere
themselves to surfaces, helping them flourish in their current environments and
also to colonise new ones.
The researchers studied a
particular type of archaea called Pyrococcus furiosus, which thrive without
needing oxygen and at a temperature of 100° C -- the boiling point of water.
Using state-of-the-art
electron cryo-microscopy at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics in Frankfurt
(Germany), the research team have visualised this vital, yet previously poorly
understood propelling motor in 3D and at so-far unachieved resolution. They say
that the new research will pave the way for a deeper, molecular understanding
of the swimming motion of the archaea.
The study is published in
scientific journal eLife.
Dr Daum, a Research Fellow
from the University of Exeter's College of Engineering, Mathematics and
Physical Sciences said: "the machinery that drives these microorganisms
can appear strikingly simple but it is extremely difficult to study in depth.
This new research has allowed us to create, for the first time, a detailed
model of the structure that propels the archaea, and as such helps them to
thrive and survive in places that so much of life would perish.
"More than that, this
could have an incredible impact on synthetic biology and by understanding how
archaea move, we are able to provide a new idea for future medical practices.
Understanding the molecular propeller in detail could help scientists create
motors for minute artificial capsules, small enough to explore inside the human
body and help combat infectious diseases or cancer."
As well as thriving in diverse
and often harsh habitats across the world, such as boiling hot springs, salt
lakes or deep sea vents, archaea are also found in the human digestive system
and have been implicated as playing a role in obesity.
Dr Daum added: "We are
really excited about our structure of the archaellum machinery because it has
many downstream implications. Not only does it teach us about how life can
exist at extreme conditions here on earth and potentially elsewhere in the
universe, but it also provides us with a powerful and versatile tool to create
revolutionary technology that works at the level of molecules."
Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Exeter. Note: Content may be edited for style
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