Journal article

Publication year: 1999

Pages: 4834-4841

Journal: Journal of Bacteriology

Volume number: 181

Issue number: 16

ISSN: 0021-9193

eISSN: 1098-5530

Open access status: Green

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.181.16.4834-4841.1999

Publisher: American Society for Microbiology

Abstract: 
Antigen 43 (Ag43), the product of the flu gene, is a surface-displayed autotransporter protein of Escherichia coli, Ag43 is responsible for the autoaggregation and flocculation of static liquid cultures of many E, coli strains. The expression of Ag43 has been reported to be phase variable and controlled by the product of the oxyR gene, Type 1 fimbriae are thin adhesive thread-like surface organelles responsible for bacterial receptor recognition and tissue colonization. Like that of Ag43, the expression of type 1 fimbriae is phase variable. Interestingly, previous results have suggested that the expression of type 1 fimbriae and the expression of Ag43 are mutually exclusive. In the present report, we show, by use of well-defined mutants, that fimbriation abolishes Ag43-mediated autoaggregation but does not affect Ag43 expression. Autoaggregation is shown to require an intercellular Ag43 Ag43 interaction, and the physical presence of fimbriae on the cells seems to abrogate this interaction. The Ag43 or OxyR status does not appear to influence fimbria expression, and our results suggest that the expression of Ag43 and the expression of fimbriae are independent processes.

Harvard Citation style: Hasman, H., Chakraborty, T. and Klemm, P. (1999) Antigen-43-mediated autoaggregation of Escherichia coli is blocked by fimbriation, Journal of Bacteriology, 181(16), pp. 4834-4841. https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.181.16.4834-4841.1999

APA Citation style: Hasman, H., Chakraborty, T., & Klemm, P. (1999). Antigen-43-mediated autoaggregation of Escherichia coli is blocked by fimbriation. Journal of Bacteriology. 181(16), 4834-4841. https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.181.16.4834-4841.1999