Paralogous Outer Membrane Proteins Mediate Uptake of Different Forms of Iron and Synergistically Govern Virulence in Francisella tularensis tularensis*
Background: FslE and FupA are Francisella-specific paralogous proteins involved in iron acquisition.
Results:fslE mutation disrupts siderophore-mediated ferric iron uptake, fupA mutation impairs high affinity ferrous iron uptake, and both mutations impact virulence.
Conclusion: Optimal iron acquisition and virulence require both paralogs.
Significance: Iron acquisition mechanisms are potential targets for preventive or therapeutic intervention in F. tularensis infections.
This work was supported, in whole or in part, by National Institutes of Health Grant AI067823 (to G. R.). This work was also supported by intramural funding from the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
