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Genetic mechanisms of arsenic detoxification and metabolism in bacteria
Ge Yan1,2, Xingxiang Chen1, Shiming Du2
1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, China.
Abstract:
Arsenic, distributed pervasively in the natural environment, is an extremely toxic substance which can severely impair the normal functions of living cells. Research on the genetic mechanisms of arsenic metabolism is of great importance for remediating arsenic-contaminated environments. Many organisms, including bacteria, have developed various strategies to tolerate arsenic, by either detoxifying this harmful element or utilizing it for energy generation. This review summarizes arsenic detoxification as well as arsenic respiratory metabolic pathways in bacteria and discusses novel arsenic resistance pathways in various bacterial strains. This knowledge provides insights into the mechanisms of arsenic biotransformation in bacteria. Multiple detoxification strategies among bacteria imply possible functional relationships among different arsenic detoxification/metabolism pathways. In addition, this review sheds light on the bioremediation of arsenic-contaminated environments and prevention of antibiotic resistance.
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