Iron and Mycobacteria

Dear Colleagues,

Due to its particular redox characteristics, iron is both essential and potentially toxic for virtually all organisms, including bacteria and animals. Iron uptake, transport, storage and utilization are thus highly controlled. The host iron status is known to influence susceptibility to infection by mycobacteria. Epidemiological studies have evidenced that iron overload can increase susceptibility to tuberculosis. Animal studies have extensively corroborated these observations, identifying some of the iron-related molecular determinants of resistance or susceptibility. Conversely, infection has a significant impact in the host iron status, the main potential consequence being anemia of infection.

In this Special Issue, we would like to put together the most recent findings related to the interplay between iron and mycobacteria.

Microbiological and molecular studies on heme and non-heme iron uptake and storage systems in mycobacteria, as well as on important molecular pathways regulated by iron, are one of the sub-topics that we would like to see represented. Studies on other genera of Actinobacteria can be included, as they may disclose important features relevant for mycobacteria.

The second sub-topic we would like to include is mycobacteria–host interaction. Many host iron-related proteins can influence infection by mycobacteria—siderocalin, transferrin, hepcidin, ferritin, ferroportin, NRAMP1 and others. So, we would like to see the results of experimental studies in cell culture or animal models that contribute to clarify the specific role that each of them plays. Human studies that can validate, expand or challenge these data would be more than welcome.

Finally, we would also like to see the results of studies directed to the understanding of the consequences of mycobacterial infection for the host iron status, obtained by any of the previously mentioned experimental approaches: in vitro cell culture, in vivo animal models and human studies.

We mainly seek original research articles, but reviews and perspectives will also be considered. All manuscripts will be subject to the most rigorous peer-review. We believe this Special Issue will be an important opportunity to collect high quality articles in the field of iron and mycobacteria and will stimulate scientific discussion among those passionate for this topic, as we are.

Prof. Dr. Maria Salomé Gomes
Dr. Ana Carolina Moreira
Guest Editors

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• mycobacterium
• infection
• iron
• siderophore
• heme
• ferritin
• transferrin
• ferroportin
• NRAMP1