A well known siderophore binds copper during human infections

What is it about?

We used a new scientific approach to identify the metals that stick to small molecules produced by a bacterial pathogen. We unexpectedly found that these molecules stick to copper in humans. The molecules' ability to do this protects them from copper toxicity.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Siderophores are classically known and defined as iron-binding small molecules. Here we unexpectedly found that an important siderophore made by bacterial pathogens is also an important copper binder. Human relevance was established by identifying these molecules in urinary tract infection patients. We then find that this ability helps these pathogens avoid copper toxicity. The work identifies a new function for a molecule known for 20 years as only an iron binder.