Physiological roles of trehalose in bacteria and yeasts: a comparative analysis

Authors
Citation
Jc. Arguelles, Physiological roles of trehalose in bacteria and yeasts: a comparative analysis, ARCH MICROB, 174(4), 2000, pp. 217-224
Citations number
64
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Review
Categorie Soggetti
Microbiology
Journal title
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
ISSN journal
0302-8933 → ACNP
Volume
174
Issue
4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
217 - 224
Database
ISI
SICI code
0302-8933(200010)174:4<217:PROTIB>2.0.ZU;2-T
Abstract
The disaccharide trehalose is widely distributed in nature and can be found in many organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, invertebrates and ma mmals. Due to its particular physical features, trehalose is able to protec t the integrity of the cell against a variety of environmental injuries and nutritional limitations. In addition, data available on several species of bacteria and yeast suggest specific functions for trehalose in these organ isms. Bacteria can use exogenous trehalose as the sole source of carbon and energy as well as synthesize enormous amounts of the disaccharide as compa tible solute. This ability to accumulate trehalose is the result of an elab orate genetic system, which is regulated by osmolarity. Some mycobacteria c ontain sterified trehalose as a structural component of the cell wall, wher eas yeast cells are largely unable to grow on trehalose as carbon source. I n these lower eukaryotes, trehalose appears to play a dual function: as a r eserve compound, mainly stored in vegetative resting cells and reproductive structures, and as a stress metabolite. Recent findings also point to impo rtant biotechnological applications for trehalose.