A predator unmasked: life cycle of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus from a genomic perspective

Predatory bacteria remain molecularly enigmatic, despite their presence in many microbial communities. Here we report the complete genome of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100, a predatory Gram-negative bacterium that invades and consumes other Gram-negative bacteria. Its surprisingly large genome shows no evidence of recent gene transfer from its prey. A plethora of paralogous gene families coding for enzymes, such as hydrolases and transporters, are used throughout the life cycle of B. bacteriovorus for prey entry, prey killing, and the uptake of complex molecules.     

Wilson's disease: identification of an abnormal copper-binding protein

The metal-binding protein metallothionein was isolated from the livers of Wilson's disease patients and control subjects. The metals were removed from the native protein to produce the apoprotein, and copperthionein was prepared by equilibrium dialysis. Copperthionein from Wilson's disease patients had a copper-binding constant four times as great as that of the protein from control subjects. These results suggest that the alterations in copper homeostasis in Wilson's disease result from the synthesis of an abnormal metal-binding protein with an increased affinity for copper.