-
1.
Iron metabolism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm and the involved iron-targeted anti-biofilm strategies.
Zhang, Y, Pan, X, Wang, L, Chen, L
Journal of drug targeting. 2021;(3):249-258
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium that exists in various ecosystems, causing severe infections in patients with AIDS or cystic fibrosis. P. aeruginosa can form biofilm on a variety of surfaces, whereby the bacteria produce defensive substances and enhance antibiotic-resistance, making themselves more adaptable to hostile environments. P. aeruginosa resistance represents one of the main causes of infection-related morbidity and mortality at a global level. Iron is required for the growth of P. aeruginosa biofilm. This review summarises how the iron metabolism contributes to develop biofilm, and more importantly, it may provide some references for the clinic to achieve novel anti-biofilm therapeutics by targeting iron activities.
-
2.
Dysregulation of iron metabolism in cardiovascular diseases: From iron deficiency to iron overload.
Bi, Y, Ajoolabady, A, Demillard, LJ, Yu, W, Hilaire, ML, Zhang, Y, Ren, J
Biochemical pharmacology. 2021;:114661
Abstract
Iron deficiency and iron overload are the most prevalent and opposite forms of dysregulated iron metabolism that affect approximately 30 percent of the world population, in particularly, elderly and patients with chronic diseases. Both iron deficiency and overload are frequently observed in a wide range of cardiovascular diseases, contributing to the onset and progression of these diseases. One of the devastating seqeulae for iron overload is the induction of ferroptosis, a newly defined form of regulated cell death which heavily impacts cardiac function through ferroptotic cell death in cardiomyocytes. In this review, we will aim to evaluate iron deficiency and iron overload in cardiovascular diseases. We will summarize current therapeutic strategies to tackle iron deficiency and iron overload, major pitfalls of current studies, and future perspectives.
-
3.
Dissection of Molecular Processes and Genetic Architecture Underlying Iron and Zinc Homeostasis for Biofortification: From Model Plants to Common Wheat.
Tong, J, Sun, M, Wang, Y, Zhang, Y, Rasheed, A, Li, M, Xia, X, He, Z, Hao, Y
International journal of molecular sciences. 2020;(23)
Abstract
The micronutrients iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are not only essential for plant survival and proliferation but are crucial for human health. Increasing Fe and Zn levels in edible parts of plants, known as biofortification, is seen a sustainable approach to alleviate micronutrient deficiency in humans. Wheat, as one of the leading staple foods worldwide, is recognized as a prioritized choice for Fe and Zn biofortification. However, to date, limited molecular and physiological mechanisms have been elucidated for Fe and Zn homeostasis in wheat. The expanding molecular understanding of Fe and Zn homeostasis in model plants is providing invaluable resources to biofortify wheat. Recent advancements in NGS (next generation sequencing) technologies coupled with improved wheat genome assembly and high-throughput genotyping platforms have initiated a revolution in resources and approaches for wheat genetic investigations and breeding. Here, we summarize molecular processes and genes involved in Fe and Zn homeostasis in the model plants Arabidopsis and rice, identify their orthologs in the wheat genome, and relate them to known wheat Fe/Zn QTL (quantitative trait locus/loci) based on physical positions. The current study provides the first inventory of the genes regulating grain Fe and Zn homeostasis in wheat, which will benefit gene discovery and breeding, and thereby accelerate the release of Fe- and Zn-enriched wheats.
-
4.
Cellular Iron Metabolism and Regulation.
Gao, G, Li, J, Zhang, Y, Chang, YZ
Advances in experimental medicine and biology. 2019;:21-32
Abstract
Iron is an essential trace element in the human body, but excess iron is toxic as it contributes to oxidative damage. To keep iron concentration within the optimal physiologic range, iron metabolism at the cellular level and the whole systemic level are tightly regulated. Balance of iron homeostasis depends on the expression levels and activities of iron carriers, iron transporters, and iron regulatory and storage proteins. Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) at the apical membrane of intestinal enterocyte brings in non-heme iron from the diet, whereas ferroportin 1 (FPN1) at the basal membrane exports iron into the circulation. Plasma transferrin (Tf) then carries iron to various tissues and cells. After binding to transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), the complex is endocytosed into the cell, where iron enters the cytoplasm via DMT1 on the endosomal membrane. Free iron is either utilized in metabolic processes, such as synthesis of hemoglobin and Fe-S cluster, or sequestered in the cytosolic ferritin, serving as a cellular iron store. Excess iron can be exported from the cell via FPN1. The liver-derived peptide hepcidin plays a major regulatory role in controlling FPN1 level in the enterocyte, and thus controls the whole-body iron absorption. Inside the cells, iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) modulate the expressions of DMT1, TfR1, ferritin, and FPN1 via binding to the iron-responsive element (IRE) in their mRNAs. Both the release of hepcidin and the IRP-IRE interaction are coordinated with the fluctuation of the cellular iron level. Therefore, an adequate and steady iron supplement is warranted for the utilization of cells around the body. Investigations on the molecular mechanisms of cellular iron metabolism and regulation could advance the fields of iron physiology and pathophysiology.
-
5.
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and its potential application.
Zhang, S, Yan, L, Xing, W, Chen, P, Zhang, Y, Wang, W
Extremophiles : life under extreme conditions. 2018;(4):563-579
Abstract
The widely distributed Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) lives in extremely acidic conditions by fixing CO2 and nitrogen, and by obtaining energy from Fe2+ oxidation with either downhill or uphill electron transfer pathway and from reduced sulfur oxidation. A. ferrooxidans exists as different genomovars and its genome size is 2.89-4.18 Mb. The chemotactic movement of A. ferrooxidans is regulated by quorum sensing. A. ferrooxidans shows weak magnetotaxis due to formation of 15-70 nm magnetite magnetosomes with surface functional groups. The room- and low-temperature magnetic features of A. ferrooxidans are different from other magnetotactic bacteria. A. ferrooxidans has potential for removing sulfur from solids and gases, metals recycling from metal-bearing ores, electric wastes and sludge, biochemical production synthesizing, and metal workpiece machining.
-
6.
The interactions between nanoscale zero-valent iron and microbes in the subsurface environment: A review.
Xie, Y, Dong, H, Zeng, G, Tang, L, Jiang, Z, Zhang, C, Deng, J, Zhang, L, Zhang, Y
Journal of hazardous materials. 2017;:390-407
Abstract
Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) particles, applied for in-situ subsurface remediation, are inevitable to interact with various microbes in the remediation sites directly or indirectly. This review summarizes their interactions, including the effects of NZVI on microbial activity and growth, the synergistic effect of NZVI and microbes on the contaminant removal, and the effects of microbes on the aging of NZVI. NZVI could exert either inhibitive or stimulative effects on the growth of microbes. The mechanisms of NZVI cytotoxicity (i.e., the inhibitive effect) include physical damage and biochemical destruction. The stimulative effects of NZVI on certain bacteria are associated with the creation of appropriate living environment, either through providing electron donor (e.g., H2) or carbon sources (e.g., the engineered organic surface modifiers), or through eliminating the noxious substances that can cause bactericidal consequence. As a result of the positive interaction, the combination of NZVI and some microbes shows synergistic effect on contaminant removal. Additionally, the aged NZVI can be utilized by some iron-reducing bacteria, resulting in the transformation of Fe(III) to Fe(II), which can further contribute to the contaminant reduction. However, the Fe(III)-reduction process can probably induce environmental risks, such as environmental methylation and remobilization of the previously entrapped heavy metals.
-
7.
Non-Heme Iron Absorption and Utilization from Typical Whole Chinese Diets in Young Chinese Urban Men Measured by a Double-Labeled Stable Isotope Technique.
Yang, L, Zhang, Y, Wang, J, Huang, Z, Gou, L, Wang, Z, Ren, T, Piao, J, Yang, X
PloS one. 2016;(4):e0153885
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was to observe the non-heme iron absorption and biological utilization from typical whole Chinese diets in young Chinese healthy urban men, and to observe if the iron absorption and utilization could be affected by the staple food patterns of Southern and Northern China. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-two young urban men aged 18-24 years were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups in which the staple food was rice and steamed buns, respectively. Each subject received 3 meals containing approximately 3.25 mg stable 57FeSO4 (the ratio of 57Fe content in breakfast, lunch and dinner was 1:2:2) daily for 2 consecutive days. In addition, approximately 2.4 mg 58FeSO4 was administered intravenously to each subject at 30-60 min after dinner each day. Blood samples were collected from each subject to measure the enrichment of the 57Fe and 58Fe. Fourteen days after the experimental diet, non-heme iron absorption was assessed by measuring 57Fe incorporation into red blood cells, and absorbed iron utilization was determined according to the red blood cell incorporation of intravenously infused 58Fe SO4. RESULTS Non-heme iron intake values overall, and in the rice and steamed buns groups were 12.8 ±2.1, 11.3±1.3 and 14.3±1.5 mg, respectively; the mean 57Fe absorption rates were 11±7%, 13±7%, and 8±4%, respectively; and the mean infused 58Fe utilization rates were 85±8%, 84±6%, and 85±10%, respectively. There was no significantly difference in the iron intakes, and 57Fe absorption and infused 58Fe utilization rates between rice and steamed buns groups (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION We present the non-heme iron absorption and utilization rates from typical whole Chinese diets among young Chinese healthy urban men, which was not affected by the representative staple food patterns of Southern and Northern China. This study will provide a basis for the setting of Chinese iron DRIs.
-
8.
Zero valent iron simultaneously enhances methane production and sulfate reduction in anaerobic granular sludge reactors.
Liu, Y, Zhang, Y, Ni, BJ
Water research. 2015;:292-300
Abstract
Zero valent iron (ZVI) packed anaerobic granular sludge reactors have been developed for improved anaerobic wastewater treatment. In this work, a mathematical model is developed to describe the enhanced methane production and sulfate reduction in anaerobic granular sludge reactors with the addition of ZVI. The model is successfully calibrated and validated using long-term experimental data sets from two independent ZVI-enhanced anaerobic granular sludge reactors with different operational conditions. The model satisfactorily describes the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, sulfate reduction and methane production data from both systems. Results show ZVI directly promotes propionate degradation and methanogenesis to enhance methane production. Simultaneously, ZVI alleviates the inhibition of un-dissociated H2S on acetogens, methanogens and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) through buffering pH (Fe(0) + 2H(+) = Fe(2+) + H2) and iron sulfide precipitation, which improve the sulfate reduction capacity, especially under deterioration conditions. In addition, the enhancement of ZVI on methane production and sulfate reduction occurs mainly at relatively low COD/ [Formula: see text] ratio (e.g., 2-4.5) rather than high COD/ [Formula: see text] ratio (e.g., 16.7) compared to the reactor without ZVI addition. The model proposed in this work is expected to provide support for further development of a more efficient ZVI-based anaerobic granular system.
-
9.
Iron porphyrin carbenes as catalytic intermediates: structures, Mössbauer and NMR spectroscopic properties, and bonding.
Khade, RL, Fan, W, Ling, Y, Yang, L, Oldfield, E, Zhang, Y
Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English). 2014;(29):7574-8
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Iron porphyrin carbenes (IPCs) are thought to be intermediates involved in the metabolism of various xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, as well as in chemical reactions catalyzed by metalloporphyrins and engineered P450s. While early work proposed IPCs to contain Fe(II), more recent work invokes a double-bond description of the iron-carbon bond, similar to that found in Fe(IV) porphyrin oxenes. Reported herein is the first quantum chemical investigation of IPC Mössbauer and NMR spectroscopic properties, as well as their electronic structures, together with comparisons to ferrous heme proteins and an Fe(IV) oxene model. The results provide the first accurate predictions of the experimental spectroscopic observables as well as the first theoretical explanation of their electrophilic nature, as deduced from experiment. The preferred resonance structure is Fe(II)←{:C(X)Y}(0) and not Fe(IV)={C(X)Y}(2-), a result that will facilitate research on IPC reactivities in various chemical and biochemical systems.
-
10.
Serum iron metabolism and erythropoiesis in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome not receiving RBC transfusions.
Cui, R, Gale, RP, Zhu, G, Xu, Z, Qin, T, Zhang, Y, Huang, G, Li, B, Fang, L, Zhang, H, et al
Leukemia research. 2014;(5):545-50
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Dysregulation of hepcidin, a key iron regulating hormone, is important in the pathogenesis of iron overload in patients with myelodysplatic syndrome (MDS). However, most studies of hepcidin levels are complicated by concomitant RBC transfusions. To evaluate the relationship between iron metabolism and erythropoiesis, we measured serum levels of hepcidin, growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF15) and other markers of erythropoiesis in 107 subjects with MDS not receiving RBC transfusions. Patients with MDS had significantly higher levels of hepcidin than normals. However, their hepcidin-ferritin ratio was markedly decreased compared to normals (P<0.001) and varied substantially between MDS subtypes (P=0.011). GDF15 levels positively correlated with percent of bone marrow erythroblasts (P<0.001), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) (P=0.018), and also with transferrin saturation (ISAT) (P=0.038). The hepcidin-ferritin ratio negatively correlated with serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels (P<0.001), and also with GDF15 levels (P=0.014). Colony forming cells (CFC) were evaluated in 70 subjects. Those with serum ferritin (SF) levels <500 ng/ml had significantly more BFU-E than subjects with SF ≥ 500 ng/L (P=0.007), but numbers of granulocyte/macrophage-colony-forming cells (CFU-GM) were similar (P=0.190). Our data indicate serum hepcidin levels are inappropriately low in patients MDS not receiving RBC transfusions. GDF15 levels correlated with low hepcidin levels and may contribute to iron overload in this setting. Iron overload may in turn suppress erythropoiesis by imparing the proliferative capacity of the erythroid progenitor cells.