Type 1 Fimbriae, a Colonization Factor of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Are Controlled by the Metabolic Sensor CRP-cAMP
2009

How CRP-cAMP Regulates Type 1 Fimbriae in E. coli

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Author Information

Author(s): Müller Claudia M., Åberg Anna, Strasevičiene Jurate, Emődy Levente, Uhlin Bernt Eric, Balsalobre Carlos

Primary Institution: Department of Molecular Biology and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

Hypothesis

CRP-cAMP regulates the expression of type 1 fimbriae in uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Conclusion

CRP-cAMP negatively affects the expression of type 1 fimbriae, influencing bacterial adhesion and colonization.

Supporting Evidence

  • CRP-cAMP was shown to repress type 1 fimbriation during fast growth conditions.
  • Mutants lacking CRP-cAMP exhibited increased expression of type 1 fimbriae.
  • CRP-cAMP affects the phase variation process of type 1 fimbriae.
  • DNA gyrase activity is involved in the regulation of fimbriae expression.
  • Environmental conditions such as glucose availability influence CRP-cAMP levels.

Takeaway

Bacteria use special sensors to decide when to grow hair-like structures that help them stick to surfaces. One of these sensors, called CRP-cAMP, tells the bacteria to stop making these structures when they are growing fast.

Methodology

The study involved genetic and biochemical analyses to assess the role of CRP-cAMP in regulating type 1 fimbriae expression in E. coli.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on laboratory strains, which may not fully represent the behavior of pathogenic strains in natural environments.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.036

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1000303

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