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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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Manganese uptake and streptococcal virulence

Bart A Eijkelkamp1, Christopher A McDevitt, Todd Kitten

  • 1Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.

Biometals : an International Journal on the Role of Metal Ions in Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine
|February 6, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcal solute-binding proteins (SBPs) are vital metal ion transporters. Understanding their role, especially manganese acquisition, is key to developing new strategies against streptococcal diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Streptococcal solute-binding proteins (SBPs) linked to ATP-binding cassette transporters have been studied as adhesins, virulence factors, and metal ion transporters.
  • Over 35 studies provide structural, biochemical, and physiological data on SBPs in diverse bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the cellular functions of SBPs in streptococci.
  • To elucidate their role in metal ion homeostasis and streptococcal virulence.
  • To highlight recent findings on manganese's biological significance in streptococci.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of structural, biochemical, and physiological data on SBPs.
  • Analysis of existing studies on SBP functions and metal specificity.
  • Focus on recent research concerning manganese and streptococci.

Main Results:

  • SBPs are crucial for metal ion transport and homeostasis in streptococci.
  • Specific focus on manganese acquisition reveals its importance in streptococcal biology.
  • Data clarifies previously contentious findings on metal specificity.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding SBP functions, particularly manganese transport, is essential for combating streptococcal diseases.
  • Targeting manganese acquisition pathways presents a potential therapeutic strategy.
  • Further research on SBPs will advance strategies against serious streptococcal infections.

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