The non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strain W secretes SslE via the virulence-associated type II secretion system beta.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many pathogenic E. coli strains secrete virulence factors using type II secretory systems, homologs of which are widespread in Gram-negative bacteria. Recently, the enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strain E2348/69 was shown to secrete and surface-anchor SslE, a biofilm-promoting virulence factor, via a type II secretion system. Genes encoding SslE and its associated secretion system are conserved in some non-pathogenic E. coli, including the commonly-used W (Waksman) strain.

Results

We report here that E. coli W uses its type II secretion system to export a cognate SslE protein. SslE secretion is temperature- and nutrient-dependent, being robust at 37°C in rich medium but strongly repressed by lower temperatures or nutrient limitation. Fusing either of two glycos

SUBMITTER: Decanio MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3707838 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature