Bacillus anthracis Secretes Proteins That Mediate Heme Acquisition from Hemoglobin
2008
Bacillus anthracis and Its Heme Acquisition from Hemoglobin
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Maresso Anthony W., Garufi Gabriella, Schneewind Olaf
Primary Institution: Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
Hypothesis
How does Bacillus anthracis acquire heme from hemoglobin?
Conclusion
Bacillus anthracis secretes proteins IsdX1 and IsdX2 to scavenge heme from hemoglobin, which is essential for its growth in iron-limiting environments.
Supporting Evidence
- Bacillus anthracis secretes IsdX1 and IsdX2 to acquire heme from hemoglobin.
- IsdX1 and IsdX2 are necessary for bacterial growth in low-iron environments.
- IsdX1 binds heme and removes it from hemoglobin.
Takeaway
Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax, has special proteins that help it take iron from hemoglobin in our blood, which it needs to grow.
Methodology
The study involved growing Bacillus anthracis in iron-limiting conditions and analyzing the secretion of IsdX1 and IsdX2 proteins through immunoblotting.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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