Genetic analysis of the requirement for flp-2, tadV, and rcpB in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans biofilm formation.

ABSTRACT: The tad locus of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans encodes a molecular transport system required for tenacious, nonspecific adherence to surfaces and formation of extremely strong biofilms. This locus is dedicated to the biogenesis of Flp pili, which are required for colonization and virulence. We have previously shown that 11 of the 14 tad locus genes are required for adherence and Flp pilus production. Here, we present genetic and phylogenetic analyses of flp-2, tadV, and rcpB genes in biofilm formation. We show that tadV, predicted to encode prepilin peptidase, is required for adherence. In contrast, targeted insertional inactivation of flp-2, a gene closely related to the prepillin gene flp-1, did not abrogate biofilm formation. Expression studies did not detect Flp2-T7 protein unde

SUBMITTER: Perez BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1595400 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature