A predator unmasked: life cycle of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus from a genomic perspective

Science. 2004 Jan 30;303(5658):689-92. doi: 10.1126/science.1093027.

Abstract

Predatory bacteria remain molecularly enigmatic, despite their presence in many microbial communities. Here we report the complete genome of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100, a predatory Gram-negative bacterium that invades and consumes other Gram-negative bacteria. Its surprisingly large genome shows no evidence of recent gene transfer from its prey. A plethora of paralogous gene families coding for enzymes, such as hydrolases and transporters, are used throughout the life cycle of B. bacteriovorus for prey entry, prey killing, and the uptake of complex molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Bacterial Adhesion / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Bdellovibrio / cytology
  • Bdellovibrio / genetics*
  • Bdellovibrio / growth & development*
  • Bdellovibrio / physiology
  • Biological Transport
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Computational Biology
  • Cytosol / metabolism
  • Fimbriae, Bacterial / genetics
  • Fimbriae, Bacterial / physiology
  • Flagella / genetics
  • Flagella / physiology
  • Gene Transfer, Horizontal
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Genome, Bacterial*
  • Genomics
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria
  • Hydrolases / genetics
  • Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism
  • Open Reading Frames
  • Peptidoglycan / metabolism
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Peptidoglycan
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Hydrolases