The interplay between iron, haem and manganese in Porphyromonas gingivalis

Abstract

Background Transition metals including iron and manganese are necessary for life because of their ability to donate and accept electrons. Approximately one-third of all proteins require essential transition metal ions to perform catalytic, structural and regulatory functions. These essential metal ions react differently to the presence of oxygen radicals with iron directly involved in the formation of toxic reactive oxygen species, whilst manganese can protect against oxidative stress. Highlight Anaerobic bacterial species have been poorly studied with regard to transition metal homoeostasis and behave differently in many respects when compared with aerobic or aerotolerant species. To optimi..