Objective
Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are anaerobic prokaryotes characterized by sulfate-reduction into hydrogen sulfide as the major component of their metabolic process. Recently the vision of sulfate-reduction as a strict anaerobic process has changed, since SRB have been isolated from environments where oxygen is present. These SRB possess an arsenal of protection systems against the toxic effect of oxygen such as detoxification systems and oxygen reducing enzymes. SRB are very intriguing for ecological point of view; moreover, their metabolic diversity has been used in industry for bioremediation processes. SRB are able to reduce oxidized highly toxic heavy metals, such as uranium or chromate, in less soluble and less toxic forms. Regarding the great interest that SRB represent for ecologist and industrial, we need to get more insights into adaptive mechanisms of SRB to oxidative stress conditions. A better understanding of these mechanisms would help in optimizing use of these bacteria in biotechnological applications. While most of the studies have been performed using cDNA microarrays and proteomics analysis, we propose to analyze SRB response to oxidative stress by metabonomic approach, using Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough as model organism. This new approach would lead to identify and quantify metabolites changes in response to cells exposure to oxidative conditions, generated either by oxygen or heavy metals. Metabolites identification and quantification will be performed by combining both NMR and LC-Mass spectrometry. Related with proteome modifications, it would first help understanding changes observed at the genomic level and provide novel insights into the effect of oxidative stress conditions on anaerobic metabolism.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008
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Funding Scheme
MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG)Coordinator
75794 Paris
France