A landscape of metallophore synthesis and uptake potential of the genus Staphylococcus Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Metals
Metals
Heavy metals influence microbial pathogenicity in two ways: they can be toxic to microbes by disrupting cellular functions and inducing oxidative stress, and they can be exploited by pathogens to enhance survival, resist treatment, and evade immunity. Understanding metal–microbe interactions supports better antimicrobial and public health strategies.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study explored the biosynthesis and uptake potential of metallophores in the Staphylococcus genus, focusing on the production and utilization of staphyloferrin A (SF-A), staphyloferrin B (SF-B), and staphylopine (STP). The research aimed to map the genetic landscape of metallophore biosynthesis across different Staphylococcus species, and how some species “cheat” by utilizing metallophores produced by others. A comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of over 1,800 strains and 77 representative species was conducted, analyzing their metallophore production and uptake capabilities.
Who was studied?
The study primarily focused on Staphylococcus species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, and other species within the Staphylococcus genus. Over 1,800 strains were analyzed to explore variations in metallophore synthesis and uptake, with specific attention given to differences in the ability to produce and acquire metals such as iron, manganese, and zinc via metallophores.
What were the most important findings?
The study revealed significant diversity in metallophore synthesis across the Staphylococcus genus. While SF-A biosynthesis was widespread, occurring in nearly all species, several species had truncated SF-A biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), rendering them non-functional. In these species, novel metallophore BGCs, yet to be fully characterized, may compensate for the loss of SF-A production. SF-B production was more restricted, with a few S. aureus strains and closely related species possessing the necessary biosynthetic genes. Staphylopine (STP), responsible for manganese and zinc binding, was found in 39% of species across the genus, while some species like S. lugdunensis exhibited a “cheating” behavior by encoding metallophore uptake systems without producing their own metallophores. This suggests a metabolic dependency on the metal-sourcing capabilities of other species. The research also highlighted the complexity of metallophore acquisition systems, with several species exhibiting variations in metallophore receptors, such as HtsA and CntA, leading to distinct strategies for acquiring metals from the environment and competing with other organisms in metal-limited environments.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The findings underscore the importance of metallophore-driven metal acquisition in Staphylococcus species, which plays a crucial role in bacterial competition and cooperation within the human microbiome. Understanding the diversity of metallophore systems and their role in microbial community dynamics could have significant implications for developing strategies to manipulate metal availability in pathogenic bacteria. This could lead to novel therapeutic approaches targeting bacterial metal acquisition systems, especially for infections caused by S. aureus and other staphylococcal species. Additionally, the study’s findings on “cheating” species, which exploit the metallophore production of other bacteria, could provide insights into the ecological interactions within microbial communities and how such mechanisms influence bacterial virulence and resistance.