Genetic analysis and morphological identification of pilus-like structures in members of the genus Bifidobacterium.
Microb Cell Fact
; 10 Suppl 1: S16, 2011 Aug 30.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21995649
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Cell surface pili in Gram positive bacteria have been reported to orchestrate the colonization of host tissues, evasion of immunity and the development of biofilms. So far, little if any information is available on the presence of pilus-like structures in human gut commensals like bifidobacteria. RESULTS ANDDISCUSSION:
In this report, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) of various bifidobacterial strains belonging to Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, Bifidobacterium dentium, Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis revealed the existence of appendages resembling pilus-like structures. Interestingly, these microorganisms harbour two to six predicted pilus gene clusters in their genome, with each organized in an operon encompassing the major pilin subunit-encoding gene (designated fimA or fimP) together with one or two minor pilin subunit-encoding genes (designated as fimB and/or fimQ), and a gene encoding a sortase enzyme (strA). Quantitative Real Time (qRT)-PCR analysis and RT-PCR experiments revealed a polycistronic mRNA, encompassing the fimA/P and fimB/Q genes, which are differentially expressed upon cultivation of bifidobacteria on various glycans.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Bifidobacterium
/
Fimbrias Bacterianas
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Microb Cell Fact
Asunto de la revista:
BIOTECNOLOGIA
/
MICROBIOLOGIA
Año:
2011
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia