Adaptation mechanisms to copper stress in Caulobacter crescentus

Caulobacter crescentus is a pioneer species in polluted environments because it encodes several heavy metal (Hg, Cd, Cu, ...) resistance genes. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms involved in this resistance process are largely unknown. It has been shown in many organisms that a loss of copper homeostasis is potentially lethal but often results in an adaptative response.

In our group, we decided to focus our attention on the impact of an alteration of copper homeostasis on Caulobacter. 

Image