Ynt is the primary nickel import system used by Proteus mirabilis and specifically contributes to fitness by supplying nickel for urease activity

What is it about?

Nickel-containing metalloenzymes, like urease and hydrogenase, are important virulence factors for many bacteria. Nickel transporters may be a promising therapeutic target for limiting the virulence of bacteria. We show that Proteus mirabilis, a common cause of kidney stones and urinary tract infections, has two nickel import systems. We further show that one system is dominant, and that both contribute to virulence specifically due to their role in urease activity.

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