Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
12:36
High-throughput Siderophore Screening from Environmental Samples: Plant Tissues, Bulk Soils, and Rhizosphere Soils
Published on: February 9, 2019
Siderophore-based iron acquisition and pathogen control
Marcus Miethke1, Mohamed A Marahiel
1Philipps Universität Marburg, FB Chemie Biochemie, Hans Meerwein Strasse, D-35032 Marburg, Germany.
Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR
|September 7, 2007
Summary
Siderophores are crucial for iron uptake in microbes. This review covers iron acquisition, pathogen-host interactions, and novel therapeutic strategies targeting siderophore pathways for infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- High-affinity iron acquisition via siderophore pathways is essential for most bacteria and fungi.
- Siderophore functions include synthesis, secretion, iron scavenging, and uptake.
- Regulation of siderophore pathways involves complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review siderophore-mediated iron acquisition mechanisms.
- To discuss pathogen-host interactions concerning iron.
- To explore current and future therapeutic strategies targeting siderophore pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of siderophore biology and iron metabolism.
- Analysis of pathogen-host iron dynamics.
- Evaluation of therapeutic approaches, including siderophore-antibiotic conjugates and pathway inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Siderophores play a critical role in microbial virulence and pathogen-host coevolution.
- Hosts have evolved mechanisms for iron delivery and utilization involving siderophores.
- Novel therapeutic strategies show promise in inhibiting pathogens by targeting siderophore pathways.
Conclusions:
- Siderophore pathways are central to microbial iron acquisition and virulence.
- Understanding iron-related host-pathogen interactions is key for developing new treatments.
- Targeting siderophore pathways offers a promising avenue for controlling infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Microbial activity plays a pivotal role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron and manganese, especially at the redox gradients characteristic of stratified aquatic environments. These cycles are driven by microbial transformations between oxidized and reduced forms of the metals, allowing organisms to exploit them for metabolic energy and structural purposes.Iron Cycling Across Redox GradientsIn neutral, oxygen-rich surface waters, iron is predominantly found in its oxidized, insoluble ferric...
01:28Microbial Nutrition
Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...
01:21Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...
01:23Antimicrobial Proteins
Antimicrobial proteins are important components of the immune system. They aid the body in combating pathogens by either killing them directly or hindering their replication processes. Four main types of antimicrobial substances are interferons, the complement system, iron-binding proteins, and antimicrobial proteins.
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
01:27Microbial Leaching
Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...
01:19Acid Mine Drainage
Mining activities that disturb sulfide-rich rocks, particularly those containing pyrite (FeS₂), initiate a cascade of geochemical and microbiological processes with serious environmental implications. When exposed to air and water, pyrite undergoes oxidation, releasing sulfate, ultimately forming sulfuric acid and mobilizing heavy metals into surrounding water systems. This phenomenon, known as acid mine drainage (AMD), results in low pH waters laden with toxic elements that threaten aquatic...