Signal-sensing triggers the shutdown of HemKR, regulating heme and iron metabolism in the spirochete Leptospira biflexa.

ABSTRACT: Heme and iron metabolic pathways are highly intertwined, both compounds being essential for key biological processes, yet becoming toxic if overabundant. Their concentrations are exquisitely regulated, including via dedicated two-component systems (TCSs) that sense signals and regulate adaptive responses. HemKR is a TCS present in both saprophytic and pathogenic Leptospira species, involved in the control of heme metabolism. However, the molecular means by which HemKR is switched on/off in a signal-dependent way, are still unknown. Moreover, a comprehensive list of HemKR-regulated genes, potentially overlapped with iron-responsive targets, is also missing. Using the saprophytic species Leptospira biflexa as a model, we now show that 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) triggers the shutdown of the

SUBMITTER: Imelio JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11426443 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature