Summary
This narrative review examines siderophore biosynthesis and transport mechanisms in pathogenic microorganisms as a novel antimicrobial target. By synthesising current knowledge of three major biosynthetic routes and recent inhibitor development, the authors propose that disrupting iron acquisition pathways offers a promising strategy to circumvent antibiotic resistance. The review emphasises that targeting siderophore production may provide a foundation for designing therapeutics that overcome resistance mechanisms in bacterial and fungal infections.
Regional applicability
The findings are relevant to UK clinical microbiology and antimicrobial stewardship programmes, particularly in addressing the rising burden of drug-resistant infections in healthcare settings. However, this is a mechanistic review without direct application to farming systems or food production; applicability to UK agricultural contexts would be indirect, relating to infection control in livestock or food-borne pathogen management.
Key measures
Mechanisms of siderophore biosynthesis and transport; efficacy of inhibitors in blocking critical enzymes; impact on pathogenic microbial growth
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises genetic and biochemical mechanisms of siderophore production across three major biosynthetic pathways (NRPS-dependent, PKS-based, and NRPS-independent) and evaluates inhibitor development targeting critical enzymes in these pathways. The paper identifies how disruption of siderophore biosynthesis and iron transport systems can impair microbial growth as an alternative antimicrobial strategy.
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