Fungal mechanisms for host iron acquisition

Curr Opin Microbiol. 2009 Aug;12(4):377-83. doi: 10.1016/j.mib.2009.05.005. Epub 2009 Jun 18.

Abstract

The iron scarcity in the host environment presents a challenge for infecting microorganisms. Fungi can assimilate iron via reductive, nonreductive, and host molecule-specific mechanisms. Recent developments in the characterization of iron acquisition mechanisms in the four best-studied fungal pathogens reveal commonalities and differences in those mechanisms as well as in their regulatory pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fungi / metabolism*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Iron / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological

Substances

  • Iron