Work

Interplay between tolerance mechanisms to copper and acid stress in Escherichia coli

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Significance Copper (Cu) is an essential trace metal nutrient in health and is increasingly recognized for its role in the control of infection. The pathogen Escherichia coli encounters host niches with mild to high acidity and elevated copper levels. Our study shows that this bacterium can alter its metabolism and harness the amino acid glutamine to suppress the effects of acid stress and copper toxicity. Given the abundance of glutamine in systemic circulation and its importance in the host immune system, our work provides a new insight into the ways in which bacterial pathogens can adapt and survive host-imposed antibacterial strategies.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1620232114

Authors: Karrera Y. Djoko, Minh-Duy Phan, Kate M. Peters, Mark J. Walker, Mark A. Schembri, Alastair G. McEwan

Institution: The University of Queensland

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Government, National Health and Medical Research Council

OpenAlex ID: W2625868250

FWCI: 4.09

Cites: 44

Cited by: 68

Related to: 10