Structural and functional studies of the metalloregulator Fur identify a promoter-binding mechanism and its role in Francisella tularensis virulence.
Commun Biol
; 1: 93, 2018.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30271974
ABSTRACT
Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative bacterium causing tularaemia. Classified as possible bioterrorism agent, it may be transmitted to humans via animal infection or inhalation leading to severe pneumonia. Its virulence is related to iron homeostasis involving siderophore biosynthesis directly controlled at the transcription level by the ferric uptake regulator Fur, as presented here together with the first crystal structure of the tetrameric F. tularensis Fur in the presence of its physiological cofactor, Fe2+. Through structural, biophysical, biochemical and modelling studies, we show that promoter sequences of F. tularensis containing Fur boxes enable this tetrameric protein to bind them by splitting it into two dimers. Furthermore, the critical role of F. tularensis Fur in virulence and pathogenesis is demonstrated with a fur-deleted mutant showing an attenuated virulence in macrophage-like cells and mice. Together, our study suggests that Fur is an attractive target of new antibiotics that attenuate the virulence of F. tularensis.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Commun Biol
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
França