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Ferrichrome in Schizosaccharomyces pombe--an iron transport and iron storage compound

Markus Schrettl1, Günther Winkelmann, Hubertus Haas

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.

Biometals : an International Journal on the Role of Metal Ions in Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine
|February 4, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Schizosaccharomyces pombe produces the hydroxamate siderophore ferrichrome, contrary to prior assumptions. This fission yeast accumulates ferrichrome intracellularly and excretes it, particularly under iron-limiting conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Yeast Genetics

Background:

  • Schizosaccharomyces pombe was previously believed to lack siderophore production capabilities.
  • Genomic analysis revealed the presence of hydroxamate siderophore biosynthetic genes in S. pombe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the actual production and excretion of siderophores by Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
  • To characterize the siderophore produced by S. pombe and its iron-bound forms.

Main Methods:

  • Bioassay using an Aspergillus nidulans strain deficient in siderophore biosynthesis.
  • Reversed-phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry for detection and analysis.
  • Comparison with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans.

Main Results:

  • Schizosaccharomyces pombe excretes and accumulates the hydroxamate-type siderophore ferrichrome.
  • Ferrichrome was detected in both desferri- (iron-limiting) and ferri- (iron-rich) forms.
  • Hydroxamate siderophores were not detected in Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Candida albicans.

Conclusions:

  • Schizosaccharomyces pombe actively produces and utilizes hydroxamate siderophores, specifically ferrichrome.
  • This finding challenges previous assumptions about siderophore synthesis in this yeast species.
  • S. pombe's siderophore production differs from that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans.

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