Neisseria cinerea isolates can adhere to human epithelial cells by type IV pilus-independent mechanisms.

Microbiology
Mirka E WörmannRachel Exley

Abstract

In pathogenic Neisseria species the type IV pili (Tfp) are of primary importance in host-pathogen interactions. Tfp mediate initial bacterial attachment to cell surfaces and formation of microcolonies via pilus-pilus interactions. Based on genome analysis, many non-pathogenic Neisseria species are predicted to express Tfp, but aside from studies on Neisseria elongata, relatively little is known about the formation and function of pili in these organisms. Here, we have analysed pilin expression and the role of Tfp in Neisseria cinerea. This non-pathogenic species shares a close taxonomic relationship to the pathogen Neisseria meningitidis and also colonizes the human oropharyngeal cavity. Through analysis of non-pathogenic Neisseria genomes we identified two genes with homology to pilE, which encodes the major pilin of N. meningitidis. We show which of the two genes is required for Tfp expression in N. cinerea and that Tfp in this species are required for DNA competence, similar to other Neisseria. However, in contrast to the meningococcus, deletion of the pilin gene did not impact the association of N. cinerea to human epithelial cells, demonstrating that N. cinerea isolates can adhere to human epithelial cells by Tfp-independe...Continue Reading

References

Feb 1, 1978·The Journal of Infectious Diseases·R GoldM Randolph
Jan 1, 1990·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·D K ParuchuriM So
Jan 1, 1987·Journal of Molecular Evolution·B Dalrymple, J S Mattick
May 1, 1988·Journal of Clinical Microbiology·J S Knapp, E W Hook
Apr 25, 1983·Nucleic Acids Research·D K Hawley, W R McClure
Apr 26, 1994·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·X NassifM So
May 1, 1993·Infection and Immunity·T TønjumC F Marrs
Mar 31, 1999·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·C PujolX Nassif
Jan 25, 2000·Microbial Pathogenesis·E L AhoS M McGillivray
Dec 12, 2002·Chemical Reviews·Mark PaetzelRoss E Dalbey
Apr 5, 2003·Molecular Microbiology·Davide SerrutoBeatrice Aricò
Jul 19, 2003·Science·Linda JohanssonAnn-Beth Jonsson
Apr 15, 2004·Nature Reviews. Microbiology·Inês Chen, David Dubnau
Apr 22, 2004·Nature Reviews. Microbiology·Lisa CraigJohn A Tainer

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.