Molecular Hydrogen Metabolism: a Widespread Trait of Pathogenic Bacteria and Protists.

ABSTRACT: Pathogenic microorganisms use various mechanisms to conserve energy in host tissues and environmental reservoirs. One widespread but often overlooked means of energy conservation is through the consumption or production of molecular hydrogen (H₂). Here, we comprehensively review the distribution, biochemistry, and physiology of H₂ metabolism in pathogens. Over 200 pathogens and pathobionts carry genes for hydrogenases, the enzymes responsible for H₂ oxidation and/or production. Furthermore, at least 46 of these species have been experimentally shown to consume or produce H₂ Several major human pathogens use the large amounts of H₂ produced by colonic microbiota as an energy source for aerobic or anaerobic respiration. This process has

SUBMITTER: Benoit SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7167206 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature