Prokaryotic Organelles: Bacterial Microcompartments in E. coli and Salmonella

Abstract

Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are proteinaceous organelles consisting of a metabolic pathway encapsulated within a selectively permeable protein shell. Hundreds of species of bacteria produce MCPs of at least nine different types, and MCP metabolism is associated with enteric pathogenesis, cancer, and heart disease. This review focuses chiefly on the four types of catabolic MCPs (metabolosomes) found in Escherichia coli and Salmonella : the propanediol utilization ( pdu ), ethanolamine utilization ( eut ), choline utilization ( cut ), and glycyl radical propanediol ( grp ) MCPs. Although the great majority of work done on catabolic MCPs has been carried out with Salmonella and E. coli , research outside the group is mentioned where necessary for a comprehensive understanding. Salient characteristics found across MCPs are discussed, including enzymatic reactions and shell composition, with particular attention paid to key differences between classes of MCPs. We also highlight relevant research on the dynamic processes of MCP assembly, protein targeting, and the mechanisms that underlie selective permeability. Lastly, we discuss emerging biotechnology applications based on MCP principles and point out challenges, unanswered questions, and future directions.