Identification, characterization, and molecular application of a virulence-associated autotransporter from a pathogenic Pseudomonas fluorescens strain.

ABSTRACT: A gene, pfa1, encoding an autotransporter was cloned from a pathogenic Pseudomonas fluorescens strain, TSS, isolated from diseased fish. The expression of pfa1 is enhanced during infection and is regulated by growth phase and growth conditions. Mutation of pfa1 significantly attenuates the overall bacterial virulence of TSS and impairs the abilities of TSS in biofilm production, interaction with host cells, modulation of host immune responses, and dissemination in host blood. The putative protein encoded by pfa1 is 1,242 amino acids in length and characterized by the presence of three functional domains that are typical for autotransporters. The passenger domain of PfaI contains a putative serine protease (Pap) that exhibits apparent proteolytic activity when expressed in and purified from

SUBMITTER: Hu YH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2704808 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature