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Mycobacterial Iron Acquisition Mechanisms

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Iron Acquisition by the Genus Mycobacterium

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Molecular Science ((SB BIOMETALS))

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Abstract

In both pathogenic and saprophytic mycobacteria, many of the genes and systems required for high affinity iron acquisition have been identified, including siderophore production, uptake of ferric-siderophores, production of iron storage proteins, and uptake of heme. Production and function of iron uptake mechanisms is controlled by a regulatory protein. Possible low affinity acquisition through multiple function porins also has been described. In pathogenic mycobacteria, most of the high affinity systems appear necessary for maintenance of an infection. Greater definition of the functions of both the identified genes and genes yet to be discovered will refine our understanding of mycobacterial iron acquisition and the interplay between components of the iron systems.

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  1. The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA

    B. Rowe Byers

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Correspondence to B. Rowe Byers .

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  1. , Microbiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Ingleside Drive 291, Madison, 39110, Mississippi, USA

    B. Rowe Byers

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Byers, B.R. (2013). Mycobacterial Iron Acquisition Mechanisms. In: Byers, B. (eds) Iron Acquisition by the Genus Mycobacterium. SpringerBriefs in Molecular Science(). Springer, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-00303-0_3

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