Analysis of Bacterial Carboxysomes

Our experts have a keen interest in the study of liquid-liquid and liquid-solid phase transitions in bacterial cells. We have cutting-edge super-resolution imaging or infinite diffraction microscopy apparently combined with single molecule trafficking methods, and computer analysis platforms to analyze key microbial biomolecular condensates undergoing LLPS, as well as the formation and organization of biomolecular condensates within the intracellular space. Here, CD BioSciences is committed to analyzing intrinsically disordered bacterial carboxysomes.

Introduction of Bacterial Microcompartments

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are a class of self-assembled supramolecular structures found in about 17% of bacterial species. BMCs are composed exclusively of proteins (10-20 different types of proteins) and are involved in a variety of biological processes formed by liquid-liquid phase separation or liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). BMCs are divided into the following main categories: carboxysomes (involved in anabolic processes) and metabolites (involved in catabolic processes). Carboxysomes are found in all cyanobacteria and some chemoautotrophic bacteria, and encapsulate ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and catalytic carbon fixation carbonic anhydrase within a protein shell, with both α and β isoforms. Due to their permeable protein shells, carboxysomes are not considered as typical membrane-less organelles. Nevertheless, their main constituent proteins were observed to form droplets in vitro.

Fig. 1. Overview of α- and β-carboxysome composition, operon structure, and prevalence in proteobacteria. (MacCready J S, et al., 2021)

Customized Services

BMCs are prevalent and important in bacterial metabolism, but little is known about the role of LLPS in BMC assembly, homeostasis, and function, or how liquid-like organelles are typically spatially regulated in bacteria. We offer carboxysomes from S. elongatus and H. neapolitanus as model systems to analyze the self-assembly of BMCs.

CD BioSciences offers professional services to analyze the structural dynamics and biochemical functions of intrinsically disordered carboxysomes in different bacteria. Our services include：

• Analysis of the Role of LLPS in Carboxysome Assembly
  We can help our clients to fully analyze the protein interactome and internal organization of α- and β-carboxysomes. Our technical team can analyze the LLPS of RuBisCo and CsoS2 proteins of α-carboxysomes and the LLPS of RuBisCo and CcmM and M35 of β-carboxysomes by cryoET, small-angle x-ray scattering, and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) techniques in vitro. Furthermore, our experts are developing cutting-edge strategies to characterize carboxysome LLPS in vivo.
• Analysis of the Role of LLPS in Carboxysome Localization
  Carboxysome distribution protein AB (McdAB) is required for the spatial organization of α- and β-carboxysomes. We have a cutting-edge imaging platform to characterize the LLPS of McdA and McdB, determine the material properties of McdA and McdB droplets, and analyze the impact of these material properties on carboxysome function.
• Development of Biotechnological BMCs
  Engineered BMCs have many potential applications, including their use as nano factories for biochemical production or as novel drug delivery devices. We offer a variety of strategies to realize the full potential of BMCs by modifying the shell, such as loading heterologous cargo, designing the permeability of the pores, and controlling the assembly process.
  To attract customers, our experts are committed to developing engineered modified BMCs shell protein nanoparticles for drug delivery systems and platforms for vaccines. In addition, we offer in vitro BMCs assembly for cytotoxic therapies for cancer treatment.

CD BioSciences offers a simple modular biomolecular platform to characterize the LLPS of intrinsically disordered carboxysomes. We aim to develop designs for bioengineering and synthesizing BMCs from carboxysomes for medical and biotechnological applications. If you have any special requirements for our services, please feel free to contact us.