Copper Metabolism in Naegleria gruberi and Its Deadly Relative Naegleria fowleri.

ABSTRACT: Although copper is an essential nutrient crucial for many biological processes, an excessive concentration can be toxic and lead to cell death. The metabolism of this two-faced metal must be strictly regulated at the cell level. In this study, we investigated copper homeostasis in two related unicellular organisms: nonpathogenic Naegleria gruberi and the "brain-eating amoeba" Naegleria fowleri. We identified and confirmed the function of their specific copper transporters securing the main pathway of copper acquisition. Adjusting to different environments with varying copper levels during the life cycle of these organisms requires various metabolic adaptations. Using comparative proteomic analyses, measuring oxygen consumption, and enzymatic determination of NADH dehydrogenas

SUBMITTER: Zeniskova K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9035749 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature