Genes are controlling factor of various physiological responses as we all know. Is there any model or general procedure behind determination of particular gene responsible for bioremediation? Have you worked or are you working on this kind of project? Please add your comment from your knowledge or experience.
Regards,
Shankhadeep
I can suggest a number of possible ways. If you have the genome available you can mine for known genes. Alternatively, you can look for transcripts that are up- or down-regulated in the presence of toxic metals. You can develop assays/screens/selections based on the tolerance of the microbes to such toxic metals. It depends on what type of equipment/facilities you have available to address these questions.
Hi Shankhadeep,
I work with Mn-oxidizing bacteria and fungi, which are considered bioremediators. I know that for Mn oxidation, multicopper oxidases and manganese peroxidases have been widely shown to oxidize Mn, so most researchers that find a Mn-oxidizer will test for one of those genes. There are a few other pathways to oxidize Mn such as producing superoxide, but not all superoxide producers oxidize Mn, so it gets a little complicated. For most of the research regarding Mn oxidation, researchers will find the gene and perform some enzymatic tests to compare the Mn-oxidizing ability of the enzyme to its tolerance of Mn and other heavy metals. Cheers!
Most of these genes are in plasmids in case of bacteria. Plasmid curing can be done to confirm that, then screening for metal resistance.
Bioremediation of metals is based on change of metal valence, i. e metal is getting oxidized or reduced. Thus, you should look for functional genes encoding relevant specific enzymes. They vary for specific metals involved,
Am am currently trying to also determine which genes are responsible for resistance of heavy metals in microbes. Am using rPCR to determine gene expression following exposure to varied concentration of heavy metals. I am hoping to further determine proteins that are down regulated or up regulated following exposure.
I will appreciate further inside that will help me results.
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