Characterization and Proteomic Analysis of Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA under Long-Term Electron-Donor Starvation

In previous studies we examined the effects of long-term TEA (fumarate) limitation, and in this study we examine long-term batch cultures under limiting electron donor. The microorganism survived under long-term electron donor (acetate) starvation, maintaining a stable population of ∼1–2 × 10 8 cells mL −1 for >650 days.

Proteins that varied in abundance with a high level of statistical significance ( p < 0.05) for stages between mid-log to survival phase (acetate starved) were identified using iTRAQ based mass spectroscopy. The most highly represented proteins that significantly increased in level in the survival phase cells are generally membrane-associated and are involved in energy metabolism and protein fate. These results document that changes in the outer and cytoplasmic membranes may help G. sulfurreducens survive during starvation through detection and transport of nutrients into the cell.