Pyoverdine

Pyoverdine

Pyoverdine is a type of siderophore produced by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium. It is a high-affinity iron-chelating compound, which means it is capable of binding and transporting iron in the environment. Pyoverdine is crucial for the survival and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly in iron-limited environments.

Structure

Pyoverdine is a complex molecule with a peptide chain and a chromophore. The peptide chain is composed of 6-12 amino acids, some of which are unusual and not found in proteins. The chromophore is a cyclic structure that absorbs light in the visible spectrum, giving pyoverdine its characteristic yellow-green fluorescence.

Function

The primary function of pyoverdine is to scavenge iron from the environment. Iron is an essential nutrient for many biological processes, but it is often scarce in the environment. Pyoverdine binds to iron with high affinity and transports it back to the bacterium. This iron acquisition is crucial for the survival and growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In addition to iron acquisition, pyoverdine also plays a role in the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It can damage host tissues and evade the host immune response, contributing to the pathogenicity of the bacterium.

Role in Disease

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The bacterium is resistant to many antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. Pyoverdine is a key factor in the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and it has been suggested as a potential target for new antimicrobial therapies.

See Also

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Siderophore
• Iron

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