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Cited by 189Bacterial Genetics and BiotechnologyIon channel regulation and functionIon Transport and Channel Regulation

Molecular Mechanisms for Bacterial Potassium Homeostasis

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Stautz, Janina, Hellmich, Yvonne, Fuss, Michael F., Silberberg, Jakob M., Devlin, Jason R., Stockbridge, Randy B., Hänelt, Inga·2021·Journal of Molecular Biology
DOI 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166968PMC PMC9041122
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Abstract

Potassium ion homeostasis is essential for bacterial survival, playing roles in osmoregulation, pH homeostasis, regulation of protein synthesis, enzyme activation, membrane potential adjustment and electrical signaling. To accomplish such diverse physiological tasks, it is not surprising that a single bacterium typically encodes several potassium uptake and release systems. To understand the role each individual protein fulfills and how these proteins work in concert, it is important to identify the molecular details of their function. One needs to understand whether the systems transport ions actively or passively, and what mechanisms or ligands lead to the activation or inactivation of individual systems. Combining mechanistic information with knowledge about the physiology under different stress situations, such as osmostress, pH stress or nutrient limitation, one can identify the task of each system and deduce how they are coordinated with each other. By reviewing the general principles of bacterial membrane physiology and describing the molecular architecture and function of several bacterial K+-transporting systems, we aim to provide a framework for microbiologists studying bacterial potassium homeostasis and the many K+-translocating systems that are still poorly understood.

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  • At equilibrium, free metal pools are significant for K+ and Mg2+ and are composed of both free and weakly complexed ions.

    “At equilibrium, free metal pools are significant for K+ and Mg2+ and are composed of both free and weakly complexed ions.5−7”

    From Metals in Motion: Understanding Labile Metal Pools in Bacteria (2025) · cites this paper as [7]

    The Introduction section on K+ transport and equilibrium ion distributions (page unavailable) describes substantial intracellular K+ concentrations and how K+ distributes across the membrane at equilibrium. It does not establish a significant free Mg2+ pool or say that either pool comprises both free and weakly complexed ions. (LLM, conf=0.83)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • K+ maintains osmotic balance and is an important contributor to the membrane potential.

    “This dominant cation maintains osmotic balance7,46,47 and is an important contributor to the membrane potential.48”

    From Metals in Motion: Understanding Labile Metal Pools in Bacteria (2025) · cites this paper as [7]

  • Most bacteria have total concentrations (quotas) of >100 mM for the bulk ions K+ and Mg2+.

    “with most bacteria having total concentrations (quotas) of >100 mM.7−9”

    From Metals in Motion: Understanding Labile Metal Pools in Bacteria (2025) · cites this paper as [7]

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Stautz, J., Hellmich, Y., Fuss, M. F., Silberberg, J. M., Devlin, J. R., Stockbridge, R. B., & Hänelt, I.
Affiliations
  • Goethe University Frankfurt (DE)
  • University of Michigan (US)
Corresponding author
  • Stockbridge, Randy B.
  • Hänelt, Inga
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Molecular Biology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2021-08
Volume
433
Issue
16
Pages
166968
ISSN
0022-2836 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166968
PMC
PMC9041122
OpenAlex
W3146941526
Cited by
189
References
3
Citations by year
2026: 46 · 2025: 55 · 2024: 44 · 2023: 23 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 6
FWCI
3.29
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Molecular Biology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (HA6322/3-1, HA6322/4-1, SFB 807)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Ion channel regulation and function
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Ion Transport and Channel Regulation
Keywords
potassium transporters, osmoregulation, pH homeostasis, membrane potential, electrical signaling, osmostress, pH stress, nutrient limitation, membrane physiology
MeSH terms
Bacteria, Biological Transport, Homeostasis, Membrane Potentials, Potassium, Structure-Activity Relationship, Potassium Channels, Ion Transport, Bacterial Physiological Phenomena

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