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The binding and utilization of hemoglobin by Prevotella intermedia
K P Leung1, P S Subramaniam, M Okamoto
1Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. Kleung@dental.ufl.edu
FEMS Microbiology Letters
|June 17, 1998
Summary
Prevotella intermedia utilizes human hemoglobin as an iron source for growth. Specific bacterial receptors bind hemoglobin, indicating a mechanism for iron acquisition in periodontitis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Bacterial Physiology
Background:
- Prevotella intermedia is implicated in periodontitis.
- Iron is essential for bacterial growth.
- Hemoglobin in crevicular fluid is a potential iron source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Prevotella intermedia can utilize human hemoglobin as an iron source.
- To characterize the mechanism of hemoglobin uptake by P. intermedia.
Main Methods:
- Culturing P. intermedia in iron-depleted media with human hemoglobin.
- Using 125I-labeled human hemoglobin for direct binding studies.
- Performing Scatchard analysis to determine binding affinity.
- Conducting competitive inhibition assays with unlabeled hemoglobin and other heme compounds.
Main Results:
- P. intermedia successfully grew using human hemoglobin as an iron source.
- Direct binding studies confirmed hemoglobin attachment to P. intermedia.
- Scatchard analysis indicated a dissociation constant (Kd) of 2.53 x 10(-8) M.
- Binding was specific for hemoglobin, with the globin moiety being recognized.
Conclusions:
- Prevotella intermedia effectively acquires iron from human hemoglobin.
- Specific hemoglobin-binding receptors on P. intermedia facilitate iron uptake.
- This mechanism is relevant to P. intermedia's role in periodontitis.