Interactions with Arsenic: Mechanisms of Toxicity and Cellular Resistance in Eukaryotic Microorganisms

Patricia De Francisco, Ana Martín-González, Daniel Rodriguez-Martín and Silvia Díaz
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Patricia De Francisco: Astrobiology Center (INTA-CSIC), Carretera de Ajalvir Km 4, 28850 Madrid, Spain
Ana Martín-González: Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, C/José Antonio Novais, 12, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
Daniel Rodriguez-Martín: Animal Health Research Centre (CISA), National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28130 Madrid, Spain
Silvia Díaz: Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, C/José Antonio Novais, 12, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-22

Abstract: Arsenic (As) is quite an abundant metalloid, with ancient origin and ubiquitous distribution, which represents a severe environmental risk and a global problem for public health. Microbial exposure to As compounds in the environment has happened since the beginning of time. Selective pressure has induced the evolution of various genetic systems conferring useful capacities in many microorganisms to detoxify and even use arsenic, as an energy source. This review summarizes the microbial impact of the As biogeochemical cycle. Moreover, the poorly known adverse effects of this element on eukaryotic microbes, as well as the As uptake and detoxification mechanisms developed by yeast and protists, are discussed. Finally, an outlook of As microbial remediation makes evident the knowledge gaps and the necessity of new approaches to mitigate this environmental challenge.

Keywords: arsenic; toxicity; yeasts; microalgae; resistance mechanisms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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