Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Biomolecular Engineering & Marine Biotechnology Lab.
Clarification of biomineral formation mechanism
Magnet-producing microorganisms
Magnetotactic bacteria are microorganisms that synthesize nano-sized magnetic particulates in their cells. With these magnetic particulates, they sense the Earth’s magnetic field and move along magnetic field lines. Research so far has confirmed that magnetic particulates synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria are monocrystals of magnetite (Fe3O4) coated by lipid bimolecular membrane. Magnetotactic bacteria exist in our surrounding environment, such as the ocean, river and pond. So far, various types of magnetotactic bacteria in the shapes of spiral, coccus and bacillus have been discovered. In addition, it has been learnt that the morphology of magnetic particulates differs depending on the bacterial species. So far, our laboratory has succeeded in the single cell isolation of several magnetotactic bacteria.
Towards the clarification of the magnetic particulate formation mechanism of magnetotactic bacteria
Our laboratory is the first in the world to have succeeded in the whole genome sequencing of magnetotactic bacteria. With the whole genome information, the comprehensive analysis of genes and proteins involved in the formation mechanism of magnetic particulates are now possible. Several novel proteins directly involved in the formation of magnetic particulates were identified through the proteomic analysis of proteins in the membrane enclosing magnetic particulates.
Engineering application of proteins identified from magnetic particulates
Our laboratory is conducting the research on the engineering application of proteins identified from pure research aimed at the clarification of the formation mechanism of magnetic particulates. By using recombinant proteins of crystal-controlling proteins identified from magnetic particulates, the precise control of the size and morphology of magnetic crystals can be performed under a mild condition.