This study presents a 2.0 Å resolution crystal structure and determined the nickel-binding capacity of the P. mirabilis nickel chaperone UreE. UreE is essential for the delivery of nickel to the metalloenzyme urease, which is key for the ability of P. mirabilis to cause urinary-tract infections.

Bacteria from the genus Proteus are facultative human pathogens, primarily attacking the urinary tract and wounds. A total of 85 O serogroups have been identified so far among these bacilli. P. mirabi...