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When protons attack: microbial strategies of acid adaptation
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama, College of Medicine, Mobile, AL 36688, USA. fosterj@sungcg.usouthal.edu
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|May 14, 1999
Summary
Microorganisms can develop inducible tolerance to extreme pH levels as a survival mechanism. This pH response is linked to microbial virulence and involves specific genes and regulatory pathways.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Inducible tolerance to pH extremes is a crucial survival strategy for microorganisms.
- Understanding microbial pH responses is vital for various biological and medical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding microbial inducible tolerance to acidic and alkaline environments.
- To highlight the connection between pH response mechanisms and microbial virulence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent developments in microbial pH tolerance.
- Analysis of identified regulatory genes and tolerance mechanisms.
- Examination of evidence linking pH responses to virulence.
Main Results:
- Identification of key regulatory genes involved in pH tolerance.
- Elucidation of specific molecular mechanisms conferring tolerance.
- Significant evidence supporting the link between pH adaptation and virulence.
Conclusions:
- Microbial pH tolerance is a complex phenomenon involving specific genetic and regulatory elements.
- The interplay between pH response and virulence has significant implications for understanding microbial pathogenesis.