Enterococcus faecalis pCF10-encoded surface proteins PrgA, PrgB (aggregation substance) and PrgC contribute to plasmid transfer, biofilm formation and virulence.

ABSTRACT: Enterococcus faecalis pCF10 transfers at high frequencies upon pheromone induction of the prgQ transfer operon. This operon codes for three cell wall-anchored proteins - PrgA, PrgB (aggregation substance) and PrgC - and a type IV secretion system through which the plasmid is delivered to recipient cells. Here, we defined the contributions of the Prg surface proteins to plasmid transfer, biofilm formation and virulence using the Caenorhabditis elegans infection model. We report that a combination of PrgB and extracellular DNA (eDNA), but not PrgA or PrgC, was required for extensive cellular aggregation and pCF10 transfer at wild-type frequencies. In addition to PrgB and eDNA, production of PrgA was necessary for extensive binding of enterococci to abiotic surfaces and development of robust

SUBMITTER: Bhatty M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4329047 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature