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Metal-Limited Growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae for Characterization of Metal-Responsive Genes and Metal Acquisition from Host Ligands
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Physiological metal uptake by Nostoc punctiforme.

L Hudek1, S Rai, A Michalczyk

  • 1Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 181 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.

Biometals : an International Journal on the Role of Metal Ions in Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine
|May 18, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nostoc punctiforme efficiently manages trace metal uptake, discriminating between essential and toxic metals like cadmium. This cyanobacterium adjusts its metal acquisition to prevent toxicity and support cellular processes.

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Essential Metal Uptake in Gram-negative Bacteria: X-ray Fluorescence, Radioisotopes, and Cell Fractionation

Published on: February 1, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Trace metals are vital for cellular functions, necessitating efficient uptake mechanisms.
  • Metal acquisition involves surface adsorption followed by internalization, with varying efficiencies.
  • Cyanobacteria like Nostoc punctiforme play crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the uptake and toxicity of essential trace metals (Co2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) and cadmium (Cd2+) in Nostoc punctiforme.
  • To determine the differential uptake rates and competitive interactions among these metals.
  • To understand how Nostoc punctiforme discriminates between metals to avoid toxic effects.

Main Methods:

  • Dose-response studies to determine non-toxic metal concentrations.
  • Growth assays with single metals and metal combinations.
  • Measurement of intracellular and cell-surface bound metal levels over time.
  • Competitive uptake experiments using radiolabeled zinc (65Zn).

Main Results:

  • Identified highest non-toxic concentrations for Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+.
  • Observed reduced growth in Nostoc punctiforme when exposed to combinations of Zn2+ with Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+, or Ni2+.
  • Demonstrated differential metal binding and internalization, indicating distinct uptake pathways.
  • Showed that most metals inhibited Zn2+ uptake, while Co2+ enhanced it, highlighting metal-specific interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Nostoc punctiforme exhibits selective metal uptake, prioritizing essential elements and mitigating toxic metal accumulation.
  • The cyanobacterium employs distinct mechanisms to manage the influx of various divalent cations.
  • This metal discrimination ability is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and survival in metal-contaminated environments.