Open AccessLactoferrin receptors in Gram-negative bacteria: an evolutionary perspective
Author(s) -
Nicholas Ostan,
Trevor F. Moraes,
Anthony B. Schryvers
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
biochemistry and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.843
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1208-6002
pISSN - 0829-8211
DOI - 10.1139/bcb-2020-0079
Subject(s) - lactoferrin , biology , bacteria , gram negative bacteria , receptor , innate immune system , bacterial protein , microbiology and biotechnology , computational biology , biochemistry , gene , genetics , escherichia coli
In this short review, we outline the major events that led to the development of iron acquisition systems in Gram-negative bacteria and mammals since the beginning of life on earth. Naturally, the interaction between these organisms led to the development of a wonderfully complex set of protein systems used for competition over a once prevalent (but no longer) biocatalytic cofactor. These events led to the appearance of the lactoferrin gene, which has since been exploited into adopting countless new functions, including the provision of highly bactericidal degradation products. In parallel to lactoferrin’s evolution, evolving bacterial receptors have countered the bactericidal properties of this innate immunity protein.