Tools to study microbial iron homeostasis and oxidative stress: current techniques and methodological gaps

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Iron is a critical nutrient for microbial pathogens and eukaryotic hosts.
• Iron metabolism is integral to stress adaptation, symbiosis, virulence, and inflammatory diseases.
• Pathogens possess specialized iron acquisition systems linked to virulence and biofilm formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review laboratory methods for iron detection and quantification.
• To explore the dual role of iron in host-pathogen interactions and disease.
• To highlight the importance of iron metabolism in infection dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Review of current laboratory techniques for iron analysis.
• Analysis of iron acquisition strategies in microbial pathogens.
• Examination of iron's role in host-pathogen models and environmental samples.

Main Results:

• Pathogens utilize sophisticated systems to acquire iron, influencing virulence and biofilm development.
• Iron limitation in ESKAPEE pathogens promotes antibiotic-resistant biofilm formation and persistent infections.
• Pathogens manipulate host iron metabolism, worsening inflammation and disease progression.

Conclusions:

• Understanding iron's dual role (nutrient and toxin) is crucial for infection dynamics.
• Careful selection of analytical methods is needed to study microbial iron metabolism and host-pathogen interactions.
• Improved understanding can guide the development of novel therapeutic and environmental monitoring strategies.