Shared and distinct mechanisms of iron acquisition by bacterial and fungal pathogens of humans Original paper
Researched by:
-
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.
-
Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
-
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 investigates the mechanisms used by Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterial pathogen, to acquire iron from different host sources. Iron is an essential nutrient for pathogens, and its availability is tightly controlled by the host, leading to “nutritional immunity.” The study specifically examines how L. monocytogenes competes with the host for iron, focusing on the pathogen’s ability to acquire iron from host proteins such as transferrin, lactoferrin, and ferritin, and its use of siderophores from external sources.
Who was studied?
The study focused on Listeria monocytogenes and its strategies for iron acquisition. This pathogen, known for its intracellular lifestyle, utilizes various mechanisms to acquire iron from the host, which is essential for its survival and virulence. The research compares these mechanisms in L. monocytogenes with those of other pathogens, particularly focusing on iron acquisition systems in bacteria and fungi.
What were the most important findings?
The study highlights that Listeria monocytogenes does not secrete its own siderophores but instead hijacks siderophores from other organisms, including hydroxamate siderophores such as ferrichrome, ferrichrome A, and ferrioxamine B. It uses specific transport systems, such as the FhuCDBG system, to acquire these iron-bound compounds. Additionally, the bacterium can also extract iron from host proteins like transferrin and lactoferrin through receptor-mediated endocytosis. These findings underscore the pathogen’s sophisticated mechanisms for iron acquisition, which play a critical role in its virulence and ability to survive in the host’s iron-restricted environment.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study’s findings have significant implications for understanding Listeria monocytogenes pathogenesis and its ability to thrive in the host during infection. By uncovering the bacterium’s reliance on external siderophores and host iron-binding proteins, the research sheds light on potential therapeutic targets for controlling infections caused by L. monocytogenes. Interfering with these iron acquisition pathways could help mitigate the pathogen’s ability to cause disease, offering new avenues for drug development and therapeutic interventions.