INVESTIGADORES
ALVAREZ Hector Manuel
capítulos de libros
Título:
Physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of triacylglycerol accumulation by Rhodococcus
Autor/es:
ALVAREZ, HÉCTOR M
Libro:
Biology of Rhodococcus
Editorial:
Springer Verlag
Referencias:
Año: 2010; p. 263 - 290
Resumen:
Members
of Rhodococcus genus are specialists in the accumulation of
triacylglycerols (TAGs). Some of them can be considered oleaginous
microorganisms since they are able to produce significant
amounts of those lipids under certain conditions. In this context, R.
opacus strain PD630 has become a model among prokaryotes in this
research area. The basic knowledge generated for rhodococci could be
also extrapolated to other related microorganisms with clinical
importance, such as mycobacteria. The biosynthesis and accumulation of
TAGs by Rhodococcus members and other actinomycetes seems to be a
process linked to the stationary growth phase or as a response to
stress. The chemical structure of rhodococcal TAGs can be controlled by
the composition of the carbon source used. The biosynthesis and
accumulation of novel TAGs containing unusual components, such as
aromatic and isoprenoid fatty acids, by members of Rhodococcus and
related genera have been reported. The low specificity
of wax ester synthase/ diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WS/DGAT)
enzymes, which catalyze TAG biosynthesis in prokaryotes, may contribute
to the high variability of TAG composition. The occurrence of genes
coding for WS/DGAT enzymes is highly redundant in rhodococcal genomes.
The enrichment of genes and enzymes involved in TAG metabolism in
rhodococci suggests the important role of these lipids in the
physiology of these microorganisms. This article aims to summarize the
most relevant achievements of basic research in this field,
including the most recent knowledge that has emerged from studies on
TAG accumulation by rhodococci and some unpublished results.