Transition metals and Enterococcus faecalis: Homeostasis, virulence and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Metal Homeostasis

Background:

• Enterococcus faecalis is a significant cause of various infections, including nosocomial and chronic conditions.
• The bacterium's ability to adapt to different transition metal levels is crucial for its survival in host environments.
• Recent advances have illuminated the critical role of transition metals in E. faecalis homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the roles of iron, manganese, zinc, and copper in E. faecalis physiology, metabolism, and pathogenicity.
• To elucidate the mechanisms of metal homeostasis in E. faecalis.
• To explore therapeutic strategies targeting metal acquisition and regulation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Enterococcus faecalis and transition metals.
• Analysis of the impact of metals on bacterial physiology and virulence.
• Examination of metal homeostasis systems and their regulation.

Main Results:

• Essential metals (iron, manganese, zinc, copper) are vital for E. faecalis energy production, oxidative stress response, and virulence.
• E. faecalis possesses sophisticated metal homeostasis systems to manage intracellular metal concentrations.
• These systems are key to surviving host defenses and contributing to polymicrobial infections.

Conclusions:

• Transition metals are indispensable for E. faecalis survival, metabolism, and pathogenesis.
• Metal homeostasis mechanisms are critical for E. faecalis adaptation and virulence.
• Targeting metal homeostasis presents a promising therapeutic avenue for combating E. faecalis infections.