Enhanced H2 production by deletion of the Tfx family DNA-binding protein in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus onnurineus NA1. (14th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Seong Hyuk; Lee, Sung-Mok; Kang, Sung Gyun; Lee, Hyun Sook
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 71(2021)
• Page Start: 35189
• Page End: 35197
• Publication Date: 2021-10-14
• Subjects: Thermococcus onnurineus NA1 -- Tfx family DNA-Binding protein -- Hydrogenase -- H2 production; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.08.075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: A gene encoding an archaeal transcription regulator (TON_1525) homologous to the Tfx family DNA-binding protein has been identified to affect gene expression of carbon monoxide metabolism in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus onnurineus NA1. To broadly understand gene regulation by the TON_1525 gene, a gene deletion mutant (Δ1525) was constructed and transcriptome changes were investigated. A total of 351 genes were found to be differentially expressed in the Δ1525 mutant. The expression levels of the hydrogenase genes were significantly changed; mbh (membrane-bound hydrogenase) and mch (membrane-bound carbon monoxide-dependent hydrogenase) genes were increased, and mfh 2 (membrane-bound formate-dependent hydrogenase) and soluble hydrogenase genes were decreased. The Δ1525 mutant was cultured in a medium supplemented with maltodextrin or carbon monoxide to investigate whether changes in gene expression lead to physiological changes. The maximum H2 production rates of the Δ1525 mutant were significantly enhanced on both substrates compared to the wild-type strain. These results indicate that the TON_1525 gene can affect the expression of various genes including mbh and mch, consequently regulating the metabolism of T. onnurineus NA1. This study expands our understanding of the functional role of the Tfx family DNA-binding proteins. Highlights: Functional studies on the role of the Tfx family DNA-binding protein are limited. Deletion of the TON_1525 gene caused expression changes in various genes. The Δ1525 mutant showed enhanced H2 production by upregulation of H2 evolving hydrogenase genes.