Authors: Chunmei Lu, Gang Xie, Mengyao Liu, Hui Zhu, Benfang Lei
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037556
Abstract Summary
Researchers have mapped the complete heme acquisition pathway in Group A Streptococcus, revealing how the bacterium steals iron-containing heme from human blood. The study shows that surface protein Shr directly extracts heme from methemoglobin up to 60 times faster than passive release, then rapidly transfers it to protein Shp, which relays it to transporter HtsA for cellular uptake.
Why Brain? đź§
Study reveals how Group A Streptococcus bacteria steal iron-containing heme from human blood proteins through a relay system of three proteins, advancing understanding of bacterial infection mechanisms.
License: CC BY.
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