Characterization of an autotransporter adhesin protein shared by Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autotransporters form a large family of outer membrane proteins specifying diverse biological traits of Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of a novel autotransporter gene product of Burkholderia mallei (locus tag BMA1027 in strain ATCC 23344).

Results

Database searches identified the gene in at least seven B. mallei isolates and the encoded proteins were found to be 84% identical. Inactivation of the gene encoding the autotransporter in the genome of strain ATCC 23344 substantially reduces adherence to monolayers of HEp-2 laryngeal cells and A549 type II pneumocytes, as well as to cultures of normal human bronchial epithelium (NHBE). Consistent with these findings, expression of the autotransporter on the surfa

SUBMITTER: Lafontaine ER 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4021183 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature