Identification of a U/Zn/Cu responsive global regulatory two-component system inCaulobacter crescentus

What is it about?

All metals, including essential metals, are toxic to cells when present at high enough concentrations. Here we sought to uncover how bacteria sense and respond to elevated uranium levels in their surrounding environment. We discovered a novel bacterial sensory system that triggers an adaptive responsive to uranium, zinc and copper. The knowledge gained has important applications for environmental metal detection and remediation.

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