Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of infections in hospitals. It is becoming more resistant to antibiotics. Scientists have discovered how this bacterium senses iron.
How a harmful bacterium senses iron
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A team led by Aaron Smith at UMBC and collaborators at Oklahoma State University found a two-protein system inside the bacterium. These proteins detect iron both outside and inside the cell.
The protein pair acts like a sensitive switch. It rewrites large parts of the microbe's metabolism in response to iron levels. This discovery could help develop new treatments for infections.
Sources: phys.org