Open AccessGenomic analysis of zinc homeostasis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Author(s) -
Riccardi Giovanna,
Milano Anna,
Pasca Maria Rosalia,
Nies Dietrich H.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2008.01320.x
Subject(s) - mycobacterium tuberculosis , zinc , biology , siderophore , tuberculosis , pathogenicity , microbiology and biotechnology , iron homeostasis , homeostasis , bacteria , metabolism , genetics , chemistry , biochemistry , medicine , organic chemistry , pathology
Zn 2+ is involved in several cellular processes and the maintenance of cellular Zn 2+ status is essential for life. Therefore, an improved understanding of zinc acquisition and metabolism is of great significance, especially in important pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis whose capacity to survive within the phagosomal compartment is fundamental for its pathogenicity. A crucial point is the bacterial ability to compete with the host for nutrients, and the acquisition of metal ions, such as iron and zinc.