Open AccessLimitation of phosphate assimilation maintains cytoplasmic magnesium homeostasis
Author(s) -
Roberto E. Bruna,
Christopher G. Kendra,
Eduardo A. Groisman,
Mauricio H. Pontes
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2021370118
Subject(s) - assimilation (phonology) , bacteria , biochemistry , salmonella enterica , homeostasis , phosphate , intracellular , pi , adenosine triphosphate , nucleic acid , cytoplasm , biology , salmonella , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , philosophy , linguistics
Significance Phosphorus (P) is essential for life. As the fifth-most-abundant element in living cells, P is required for the synthesis of an array of biological molecules including (d)NTPs, nucleic acids, and membranes. Organisms typically acquire environmental P as inorganic phosphate (Pi). While essential for growth and viability, excess intracellular Pi is toxic for both bacteria and eukaryotes. Using the bacteriumSalmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium as a model, we establish that Pi cytotoxicity is manifested following its assimilation into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which acts as a chelating agent for Mg2+ and other cations. Our findings identify physiological processes disrupted by excessive Pi and how bacteria tune P assimilation to cytoplasmic Mg2+ levels.