Correlation between the Optimal Growth Pressures of Shewanella Species and the Stabilities of Their Proteins

Abstract

Shewanella species are mostly marine bacteria distributed widely from shallow- to deep-sea areas. The species from the deep-sea grow well under high pressure, exhibiting what is called ‘piezophilic growth’. In contrast, those from the shallow areas cannot grow under such high pressure, thus showing ‘piezo-sensitive growth’. Proteins from deep-sea piezophilic Shewanella must adapt to high pressure, which may otherwise affect protein structure. Proteins from both piezophilic and piezo-sensitive Shewanella species are useful tools for comparative analysis to understand the pressure adaptation mechanism of proteins. In this review, we presented some comparative studies on proteins from Shewanella and other related bacteria.