A combined quantitative and isotope-tracking proteomics approach illuminates how scarce nitrogen is allocated to protein biosynthesis by members of an ocean-surface microbial community. We identify taxon-specific substrate preferences and a distinct subset of functions — particularly infrastructure for protein production, folding and turnover — that constitute the bulk of community nitrogen demand.
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This is a summary of: Zimmerman, A. E. et al. Tracking nitrogen allocation to proteome biosynthesis in a marine microbial community. Nat. Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-022-01303-9 (2023).
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Following nitrogen into proteins reveals microbial community nutrient allocations. Nat Microbiol 8, 371–372 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01323-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01323-z
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