Transcriptional regulation of subclass 5b fimbriae
2008
How ETEC Bacteria Use Fimbriae to Cause Diarrhea
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Bodero Maria D, Harden Elizabeth A, Munson George P
Primary Institution: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is Rns required for the expression of subclass 5b fimbriae in ETEC?
Conclusion
Rns is necessary for the expression of all known subclass 5b fimbriae in ETEC, suggesting that targeting Rns could help prevent infections.
Supporting Evidence
- Rns positively regulates the expression of subclass 5b fimbriae in ETEC.
- Mutagenesis of Rns binding sites reduced fimbrial promoter activation.
- All known subclass 5b fimbrial promoters are activated by Rns.
Takeaway
ETEC bacteria use special hair-like structures called fimbriae to stick to our intestines and cause diarrhea, and a protein called Rns helps them make these fimbriae.
Methodology
The study involved cloning fimbrial promoters into a reporter plasmid and measuring β-galactosidase activity to assess Rns regulation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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