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Hemin binding, functional expression, and complementation analysis of Pap 31 from Bartonella henselae.
Rainer Zimmermann1, Volkhard A J Kempf, Emile Schiltz
1Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Journal of Bacteriology
|February 20, 2003
Summary
Bartonella henselae requires heme for growth and acquires it via outer membrane proteins. The Pap31 protein facilitates heme acquisition, suggesting its role as a virulence factor in Bartonella henselae infections.
Area of Science:
- Bacterial pathogenesis
- Molecular microbiology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Bartonella henselae growth is heme-dependent, but the bacterium cannot synthesize heme.
- Outer membrane proteins are crucial for nutrient acquisition in bacteria.
- Pap31 is a 31-kDa outer membrane protein identified in B. henselae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the Pap31 protein in heme acquisition by Bartonella henselae.
- To determine if Pap31 is involved in the pathogenesis of B. henselae.
Main Methods:
- Heterologous expression of the Pap31 gene in Escherichia coli.
- Detection of Pap31 in the outer membrane fraction of E. coli using monoclonal antibodies.
- Complementation of a heme-deficient E. coli mutant (hemA) with the pap31 gene.
Main Results:
- Pap31 was successfully expressed and localized to the outer membrane of E. coli.
- Complementation with pap31 restored heme acquisition in the hemA-deficient E. coli mutant.
- These findings indicate Pap31's involvement in heme uptake.
Conclusions:
- The Pap31 protein plays a significant role in heme acquisition for Bartonella henselae.
- Pap31 is likely an important virulence factor contributing to the pathogenesis of B. henselae infections.