Copper in microbial pathogenesis: Meddling with the metal Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Metals
Metals
OverviewHeavy metals play a significant and multifaceted role in the pathogenicity of microbial species. Their involvement can be viewed from two primary perspectives: the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes and the exploitation of heavy metals by microbial pathogens to establish infections and evade the host immune response. Understanding these aspects is critical for both […]
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Copper (Cu)
Copper (Cu)
Overview Copper (Cu) plays a dual role in microbial pathogenesis, acting both as an essential cofactor for critical bacterial enzymes and as a potent antimicrobial agent in the host’s immune response.[1] Many pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium, rely on copper for key enzymes such as cytochrome c oxidase and superoxide dismutase, […]
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study examines the role of copper (Cu) in microbial pathogenesis, particularly its dual role as both a necessary cofactor for microbial enzymes and a toxic element that the host uses to limit microbial growth. It reviews how the host utilizes Cu as a weapon and how pathogens have evolved mechanisms to resist its toxicity.
Who was studied?
This research focuses on a variety of pathogens, including bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica, as well as fungi such as Cryptococcus neoformans. The study explores how these microorganisms interact with copper during infection and how they have developed resistance strategies to cope with copper’s toxic effects.
Most important findings
Copper plays a significant role in the immune defense against microbial infections. In mammals, Cu is used to restrict pathogen growth, particularly through its accumulation in the phagolysosome of macrophages, which enhances antimicrobial activity. At the same time, pathogens have developed sophisticated mechanisms to mitigate Cu toxicity. For example, Salmonella and E. coli utilize the Cue and CopA systems to export excess Cu, while fungi like Cryptococcus neoformans use Cu-dependent enzymes like laccase for melanin production, which helps the pathogen evade host immune defenses. The study also highlights that Cu resistance is critical for the virulence of pathogens, where Cu homeostasis is tightly regulated.
Key implications
The findings suggest that Cu is a crucial part of the host’s immune response, and understanding how pathogens resist its toxic effects could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Enhancing copper’s antimicrobial properties might offer a novel approach for treating infections. The study also underscores the complexity of copper regulation in microbes, which could inform the development of drugs that target these resistance mechanisms.