Identification and role in virulence of putative iron acquisition genes from Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
Stephen J Billington1, Paula A Esmay, J Glenn Songer
1Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, University of Arizona, 1117 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. sbilling@u.arizona.edu
Abstract:
Four genes, fagA, B, C and D, encoding products with 32-47% identity to proteins involved in bacterial iron uptake systems, were identified immediately downstream of the Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis phospholipase D gene. beta-Galactosidase assays on a C. pseudotuberculosis strain carrying a fagA-lacZ fusion indicated that the putative fagABC operon was poorly expressed in iron-rich media. However, similar experiments in iron-limited media resulted in an approximately three-fold increase in beta-galactosidase activity, suggesting that this operon is regulated by iron in vitro. Although no defect in iron utilization could be determined for a C. pseudotuberculosis fagB(C) mutant in vitro, this mutant showed reduced virulence compared to wild-type in a goat model of caseous lymphadenitis. Thus, expression of the fag genes in the host appears to contribute to virulence.
More Related Videos
09:44Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Published on: December 23, 2022
08:36Quantifying Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Type III Secretion System Activity Following Iron Starvation and Anaerobic Growth
Published on: May 31, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Translocation and Protein Secretion
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Regulation of Bacterial Virulence
Rapid Identification of Pathogens
