Abstract

The aim of this proposal is to gain a better understanding of what subsets of proteins are actually being expressed during neutrophilic, microbial iron (Fe)-oxidation. The recently isolated Mariprofundus ferrooxydans, strain PV-1, will be used as a marine model organism to investigate proteomic differences under different Fe substrates: aqueous Fe²⁺ and solid Fe⁰. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) and shotgun proteomic methods (LC-MS/MS) will be employed to obtain results from the cultures grown under different conditions. The research being proposed would constitute the foundation for the development of diagnostic tools for the accordance, distribution, and activity level of Fe-oxidation, a globally important biogeochemical process at and below the ocean floor.