Zinc regulation system in bacteria and its relationship with infection-A review

Abstract:

Zinc is an indispensable trace element and important for both bacteria and eukaryotes. Zn homeostasis is established by Zn²⁺ transport and regulation system. Hosts have developed mechanisms for Zn restricting or toxicosis in response to infections. In order to grow and multiply in the infected host, bacteria have progressed strict zinc transportation and regulation system, such as ZnuABC. Zinc is critically involved in a plethora of metabolic and virulence pathways and is paramount important in infection. Therefore, there could be possibilities to use zinc transporters as a very promising target for the development of novel antimicrobial strategies.

Key words:zinc;zinc regulation;infection;antimicrobial treatment