Annual Review 2024-2025

A N N U A L R E V I E W 2 0 2 4 / 2 5 B I O L O G I C A L C RY O - I M A G I N G G R O U P 10 Unveiling magnetosome formation: insights from CryoSXT on iron uptake dynamics Iron plays several essential roles in bacteria, making it a crucial element for their survival and function. In magnetotactic bacteria like Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense, iron plays a central role in the formation of magnetosomes. These peculiar bacteria possess the capability to orient themselves along the Earth’s magnetic field lines, thanks to very specific type of intracellular magnetic nanoparticles called magnetosomes. These magnetosomes are mainly composed of magnetite crystals. Some mechanisms such as the internalisation and the transformation of iron into magnetite crystals are still poorly understood. To study the formation of these magnetosomes in bacteria, researchers from Aston University performed CryoSIM and CryoSXT experiments on the B24 beamline at Diamond. The eBIC Group This research paves the way for further studies on the functional roles of PAPs and their contributions to chloroplast transcription. The potential applications of this research are vast. Understanding the structure and function of PEP can lead to advancements in agricultural biotechnology. For instance, manipulating the PEP complex could enhance photosynthetic efficiency and stress tolerance in crops, leading to higher yields and better resilience to environmental changes. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.036