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Manganese homeostasis and utilization in pathogenic bacteria
Author(s) -
Juttukonda Lillian J.,
Skaar Eric P.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1111/mmi.13034
Subject(s) - biology , bacteria , virulence , microbiology and biotechnology , pathogen , extracellular , intracellular , host (biology) , intracellular parasite , biochemistry , genetics , gene
Summary Manganese ( M n) is a required cofactor for all forms of life. Given the importance of M n to bacteria, the host has devised strategies to sequester M n from invaders. In the macrophage phagosome, NRAMP1 removes M n and other essential metals to starve intracellular pathogens; in the extracellular space, calprotectin chelates M n and Z n. Calprotectin‐mediated M n sequestration is a newly appreciated host defense mechanism, and recent findings are highlighted herein. In order to acquire M n when extracellular concentrations are low, bacteria have evolved efficient M n acquisition systems that are under elegant transcriptional control. To counteract M n overload, some bacteria possess M n‐specific export systems that are important in vivo , presumably for control of intracellular M n levels. M n transporters, their transcriptional regulators and some M n‐requiring enzymes are necessary for virulence of certain bacterial pathogens, as revealed by animal models of infection. Furthermore, M n is an important facet of the cellular response to oxidative stress, a host antibacterial strategy. The battle for M n between host and pathogen is now appreciated to be a major determinant of the outcome of infection. In this MicroReview, the contribution of M n to the host–pathogen interaction is reviewed, and key questions are proposed for future study.