Issue 6, 2015

Copper homeostasis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is a trace element essential for the growth and development of almost all organisms, including bacteria. However, Cu overload in most systems is toxic. Studies show Cu accumulates in macrophage phagosomes infected with bacteria, suggesting Cu provides an innate immune mechanism to combat invading pathogens. To counteract the host-supplied Cu, increasing evidence suggests that bacteria have evolved Cu resistance mechanisms to facilitate their pathogenesis. In particular, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, has evolved multiple pathways to respond to Cu. Here, we summarize what is currently known about Cu homeostasis in Mtb and discuss potential sources of Cu encountered by this and other pathogens in a mammalian host.

Graphical abstract: Copper homeostasis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Article information

Article type
Minireview
Submitted
24 Nov 2014
Accepted
24 Dec 2014
First published
14 Jan 2015

Metallomics, 2015,7, 929-934

Author version available

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