Characterization of the Bat proteins in the oxidative stress response of Leptospira biflexa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leptospires lack many of the homologs for oxidative defense present in other bacteria, but do encode homologs of the Bacteriodes aerotolerance (Bat) proteins, which have been proposed to fulfill this function. Bat homologs have been identified in all families of the phylum Spirochaetes, yet a specific function for these proteins has not been experimentally demonstrated.

Results

We investigated the contribution of the Bat proteins in the model organism Leptospira biflexa for their potential contributions to growth rate, morphology and protection against oxidative challenges. A genetically engineered mutant strain in which all bat ORFs were deleted did not exhibit altered growth rate or morphology, relative to the wild-type strain. Nor could we demonstrate a protect

SUBMITTER: Stewart PE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3557215 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature