Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Bacterial Uranium Resistance

Overview

Journal Front Microbiol

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2022 Apr 1

PMID 35359714

Authors

Tom Rogiers

Rob Van Houdt

Adam Williamson

Natalie Leys

Nico Boon

Kristel Mijnendonckx

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Environmental uranium pollution due to industries producing naturally occurring radioactive material or nuclear accidents and releases is a global concern. Uranium is hazardous for ecosystems as well as for humans when accumulated through the food chain, through contaminated groundwater and potable water sources, or through inhalation. In particular, uranium pollution pressures microbial communities, which are essential for healthy ecosystems. In turn, microorganisms can influence the mobility and toxicity of uranium through processes like biosorption, bioreduction, biomineralization, and bioaccumulation. These processes were characterized by studying the interaction of different bacteria with uranium. However, most studies unraveling the underlying molecular mechanisms originate from the last decade. Molecular mechanisms help to understand how bacteria interact with radionuclides in the environment. Furthermore, knowledge on these underlying mechanisms could be exploited to improve bioremediation technologies. Here, we review the current knowledge on bacterial uranium resistance and how this could be used for bioremediation applications.

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