Metal homeostasis and resistance in bacteria.
Metal ions are essential for many reactions, but excess metals can be toxic. In bacteria, metal limitation activates pathways that are involved in the import and mobilization of metals, whereas excess metals induce efflux and storage. In this Review, we highlight recent insights into metal homeostasis, including protein-based and RNA-based sensors that interact directly with metals or metal-containing cofactors. The resulting transcriptional response to metal stress takes place in a stepwise manner and is reinforced by post-transcriptional regulatory systems. Metal limitation and intoxication by the host are evolutionarily ancient strategies for limiting bacterial growth. The details of the resulting growth restriction are beginning to be understood and seem to be organism-specific.
Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Wing Hall, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Pete
P
Chandrangsu
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China.|Department of Agricultural Resource and Environment, College of Resources and the Environment, Fujian Agriculture &Forestry University, Boxbue Building, 15 Shangxiadian Road, Cangshan District, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China.|J. Craig Venter Institute, 4120 Capricorn Lane, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Christopher
C
Rensing
Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Wing Hall, 123 Wing Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
John D
JD
Helmann
D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D008345:Manganese / Q000378:metabolism*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D058928:Riboswitch / Q000235:genetics*; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C433792:MntR protein, bacteria; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D058928:Riboswitch; D008345:Manganese; D007501:Iron; D015032:Zinc