Work

From gatekeepers to mitochondrial mischief: how bacterial outer membrane proteins crash the host cell party

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Gram-negative bacteria are equipped with a unique cell envelope structure that includes an outer membrane populated by diverse outer membrane proteins (OMPs). These OMPs are not only essential for bacterial survival, mediating critical functions such as nutrient transport, antibiotic resistance, and structural integrity, but they also play pivotal roles as virulence factors during host-pathogen interactions. Recent research highlights the ability of OMPs to manipulate host cellular processes, often targeting mitochondria to induce cell death or modulate immune responses. This review explores the multifunctional roles of bacterial OMPs, emphasizing their structural features, biogenesis, and pathogenic mechanisms. Furthermore, it delves into how bacterial OMPs exploit host cell machinery, particularly mitochondria, to promote infection, as well as their potential as targets for innovative antimicrobial strategies. Specifically, this review focuses on β-barrel OMPs that reach host mitochondria, detailing their delivery routes and mechanisms of organelle manipulation, while excluding non-β-barrel toxins and secretion-system effectors, to provide a defined perspective on mitochondria-targeting OMP virulence mechanisms.

Source: FEMS Microbiology Reviews

DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaf062

Authors: Paloma Osset-Trenor, Markus Proft, Amparo Pascual-Ahuir

Institutions: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Centro de Investigacion Principe Felipe, Universitat Politècnica de València

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,297