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The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria constitutes a permeability barrier that protects the cell from exterior hazards, but also complicates the uptake of nutrients. In the case of iron, the challenge is even greater, because of the scarcity of this indispensable element in the cell's surroundings. To solve this dilemma, bacteria have evolved sophisticated mechanisms whereby the concerted actions of receptor, transporter and energy-transducing proteins ensure that there is a sufficient supply of iron-containing compounds, such as siderophores.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/nrm1015

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol

Publication Date

02/2003

Volume

4

Pages

105 - 116

Keywords

Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins, Biological Transport, Cell Membrane, Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial, Gram-Negative Bacteria, Heme, Humans, Iron, Membrane Transport Proteins, Receptors, Cell Surface, Siderophores, Signal Transduction, Virulence