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Transferrin as a source of iron for Campylobacter rectus
Daniel Grenier1, Shin-Ichi Tanabe
1Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
Journal of Oral Microbiology
|May 7, 2011
Summary
Campylobacter rectus can use iron from transferrin for growth in periodontal sites. This iron assimilation is facilitated by a surface-associated ferric reductase activity, crucial for periodontopathogen survival.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Periodontology
- Bacterial Physiology
Background:
- Campylobacter rectus is a key bacterium in periodontitis.
- Periodontal sites contain iron-binding proteins like transferrin.
- Transferrin may provide essential iron for periodontopathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Campylobacter rectus can utilize iron bound to transferrin.
- To understand the growth-supporting capacity of transferrin-bound iron for C. rectus.
Main Methods:
- Growth studies in iron-restricted media with various iron sources.
- Monitoring iron uptake using (55)Fe-transferrin.
- Assessing transferrin-binding, proteolytic activity, and ferric reductase activity.
Main Results:
- Holotransferrin supported C. rectus growth, while apotransferrin did not.
- C. rectus cells removed iron from holotransferrin and showed intracellular iron uptake.
- Iron uptake increased under iron-limiting conditions, mediated by surface ferric reductase activity.
Conclusions:
- Campylobacter rectus assimilates iron from transferrin to support growth in periodontal environments.
- Iron uptake mechanism involves a surface-associated ferric reductase pathway.
- Efficient iron-scavenging is vital for periodontopathogen survival and multiplication.
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