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Binding of extracellular matrix proteins by lactobacilli
I Styriak1, B Zatkovic, S Marsalková
1Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia.
Folia Microbiologica
|August 15, 2001
Summary
This study shows that vaginal Lactobacillus strains and some gut Lactobacillus strains can bind to type I collagen (Cn-I). Certain gut lactobacilli also adhere to other extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules like fibronectin and heparin.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Lactobacillus species are crucial for host health.
- Understanding Lactobacillus adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules is vital for their probiotic potential.
- Type I collagen (Cn-I) and other ECM proteins play roles in tissue structure and host-microbe interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the binding capabilities of vaginal and gut Lactobacillus strains to type I collagen (Cn-I).
- To explore the adherence of selected gut lactobacilli to various other ECM molecules.
Main Methods:
- Microtitre plate assays were used to quantify the binding of Lactobacillus strains to immobilized Cn-I.
- Adhesion of four gut Lactobacillus strains to porcine fibronectin, heparin, fetuin, porcine mucin, bovine mucin, bovine fibrinogen, and bovine lactoferrin was assessed.
Main Results:
- All ten autoaggregating vaginal Lactobacillus strains demonstrated binding to Cn-I.
- Three out of ten gut Lactobacillus strains from piglets also exhibited Cn-I binding.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus strain SV31 showed significantly higher adherence to Cn-I.
- The four tested gut lactobacilli displayed strong binding to porcine fibronectin and heparin, with some weak binding to fetuin and porcine mucin.
- No binding was observed to bovine mucin, bovine fibrinogen, or bovine lactoferrin.
Conclusions:
- Vaginal Lactobacillus strains possess a notable ability to bind type I collagen.
- Specific gut Lactobacillus strains also exhibit collagen-binding properties and can adhere to other ECM components.
- These findings contribute to understanding the adhesive mechanisms of Lactobacillus species and their potential roles in host-associated environments.