Accelerated microevolution in an outer membrane protein (OMP) of the intracellular bacteria Wolbachia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of Gram-negative bacteria are key players in the biology of bacterial-host interactions. However, while considerable attention has been given to OMPs of vertebrate pathogens, relatively little is known about the role of these proteins in bacteria that primarily infect invertebrates. One such OMP is found in the intracellular bacteria Wolbachia, which are widespread symbionts of arthropods and filarial nematodes. Recent experimental studies have shown that the Wolbachia surface protein (WSP) can trigger host immune responses and control cell death programming in humans, suggesting a key role of WSP for establishment and persistence of the symbiosis in arthropods.

Results

Here we performed an analysis of 515 unique alleles found in 831

SUBMITTER: Baldo L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2843615 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature