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Manganese homeostasis and utilization in pathogenic bacteria

Lillian J Juttukonda1, Eric P Skaar1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.

Molecular Microbiology
|April 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

The battle for manganese (Mn) between hosts and pathogens is crucial for infection outcomes. Understanding bacterial Mn acquisition and host defense mechanisms like calprotectin is key to developing new treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Manganese (Mn) is essential for all life forms, acting as a vital cofactor.
  • Host defense mechanisms, including NRAMP1 in macrophages and calprotectin in extracellular spaces, sequester Mn to limit pathogen growth.
  • Bacteria have evolved sophisticated systems to acquire Mn when scarce and export it to manage overload.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of manganese in host-pathogen interactions.
  • To highlight recent findings on calprotectin-mediated Mn sequestration as a host defense strategy.
  • To explore bacterial strategies for Mn acquisition and export and their impact on virulence.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on manganese metabolism in host-pathogen interactions.
  • Analysis of bacterial Mn acquisition and export systems.
  • Examination of the role of Mn in oxidative stress response and bacterial virulence using animal models.

Main Results:

  • Calprotectin-mediated Mn sequestration is an emerging host defense mechanism.
  • Bacterial Mn acquisition systems are tightly regulated and crucial for virulence.
  • Bacterial Mn export systems help control intracellular Mn levels and are important in vivo.
  • Manganese plays a significant role in the host's cellular response to oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

  • The intricate battle for manganese between host and pathogen significantly influences infection outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay of Mn in host defense and bacterial pathogenesis.
  • Understanding these dynamics offers potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies.

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