Abstract:Microbial metal responsive proteins are a class of DNA transcriptional regulators with metal sensing effect. There are seven families of regulators now been characterized (Ars R-Smt B etc.). Different representatives of each sensor families can regulate gene expression in response to different metals, they not only modulate the expression of genes directly associated with metal homeostasis of microbial cells, but can also alter metabolism to reduce the cellular demand for metals in short supply. At present, the metal response protein research has been some success, and the residues that form the sensory metal-binding sites have been defined in a number of these proteins. This review summarized the different families of bacterial metal-sensing transcriptional regulators and discussed current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of metal-regulated gene expression. Details of the structural features of sensory metal-binding sites focusing on the Ars R-Smt B family and the mechanisms of Fur gene expression. In addition, recent progress in understanding the coordination of the different sensors to control microbial cellular metal levels was discussed, as well as in the application of bio-metallurgy and environmental management prospects.
