Active Transport of Biotin in Escherichia coli K-12

The transport of [(14)C]biotin into cells of a biotin prototroph, Escherichia coli K-12 strain Y10-1, was investigated. The vitamin taken up by the cells in this strain existed primarily in the free form. Addition of glucose enhanced the rate of uptake six- to eightfold and the steady level was reached in 2 to 3 min resulting in accumulation of biotin against a concentration gradient. The uptake showed marked dependence on temperature (Q(10), 2.3; optimum, 37 C) and pH (optimum 6.6) and was inhibited by iodoacetate. Energy of activation for glucose-dependent uptake was calculated to be 16,200 cal per mol. The rate of biotin uptake with increasing biotin concentrations showed saturation kinetics with an apparent K(m) and V(max) values of 1.4 x 10(-7) M and 6.6 pmol per mg of dry cells per min respectively. The cells also accumulated biotin against a concentration gradient in the absence of added glucose, although at a much lower rate. This accumulation was much more susceptible to inhibition by azide and uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation suggesting that the energy source was supplied through the electron-transport chain. Inhibition studies with a number of biotin analogues indicated the requirement for an intact ureido ring. The biotin uptake was inhibited in cells grown in biotin-containing medium and was shown to be the result of repression of the transport system, suggesting the control of the biotin transport.