Siderophores

Siderophores are small, high-affinity iron-chelating compounds secreted by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi and serve a critical role in the survival of the organisms in iron-deficient conditions. They are amongst the strongest soluble ferric iron binding agents known.

Function

Siderophores are used to transport iron across cell membranes. After the siderophore has bound to iron, the complex is recognized by specific receptors on the cell surface of the organism that produced and secreted the siderophore. The entire complex is then transported into the cell, where the iron is released for use.

Classification

Siderophores are typically classified into three main groups based on their chemical composition and the method of iron binding: catecholate, hydroxamate, and carboxylate siderophores.

Catecholate Siderophores

Catecholate siderophores, such as enterobactin, use the ortho-dihydroxybenzene catechol group to bind iron. They are produced by many Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli.

Hydroxamate Siderophores

Hydroxamate siderophores, such as desferrioxamine B, bind iron through the hydroxamate functional group. They are produced by a wide range of bacteria and fungi.

Carboxylate Siderophores

Carboxylate siderophores, such as staphyloferrin, bind iron through carboxylate groups. They are produced by certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus.

Role in Disease

Siderophores play a significant role in the pathogenesis of many bacterial infections. They allow bacteria to survive in the iron-limited environment of the human body and are therefore critical for the virulence of many pathogenic bacteria.

See Also

• Iron metabolism
• Chelation
• Microbial metabolism

Siderophores Resources
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