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Molecular Mechanisms of Magnetosome Formation

2007; Annual Reviews; Volume: 76; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1146/annurev.biochem.74.082803.133444

1545-4509

Arash Komeili,

Geology and Paleoclimatology Research

Magnetotactic bacteria are a diverse group of microorganisms with the ability to use geomagnetic fields for direction sensing. This unique feat is accomplished with the help of magnetosomes, nanometer-sized magnetic crystals surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane and organized into chains via a dedicated cytoskeleton within the cell. Because of the special properties of these magnetic crystals, magnetotactic bacteria have been exploited for a variety of applications in diverse disciplines from geobiology to biotechnology. In addition, magnetosomes have served as a powerful model system for the study of biomineralization and cell biology in bacteria. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of magnetosome formation and magnetite biomineralization.