Dynamics of the interaction between a fibronectin molecule and a living bacterium under mechanical force.

ABSTRACT: Fibronectin (Fn) is an important mediator of bacterial invasions and of persistent infections like that of Staphylococcus epidermis. Similar to many other types of cell-protein adhesion, the binding between Fn and S. epidermidis takes place under physiological shear rates. We investigated the dynamics of the interaction between individual living S. epidermidis cells and single Fn molecules under mechanical force by using the scanning force microscope. The mechanical strength of this interaction and the binding site in the Fn molecule were determined. The energy landscape of the binding/unbinding process was mapped, and the force spectrum and the association and dissociation rate constants of the binding pair were measured. The interaction between S. epidermidis cells and Fn molecules is co

SUBMITTER: Bustanji Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC263788 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature