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Aggregation of mycobacteria caused by disruption of fibronectin-attachment protein-encoding gene

Yuji Miyamoto1, Tetsu Mukai, Fumihiko Takeshita

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Leprosy Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 4-2-1 Aobacho, Higashimurayama, Tokyo 189-0002, Japan.

FEMS Microbiology Letters
|July 15, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The fibronectin-attachment protein (FAP) in mycobacteria influences bacterial cell surface properties. Disrupting the FAP gene in Mycobacterium smegmatis caused increased aggregation and altered cell surface characteristics.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • The fibronectin-attachment protein (FAP) is found in various mycobacteria species.
  • FAP is linked to bacterial attachment and host cell entry via fibronectin.
  • The precise physiological function of FAP remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the physiological role of the fibronectin-attachment protein (FAP) in mycobacteria.
  • To investigate the impact of FAP gene disruption on Mycobacterium smegmatis.
  • To characterize alterations in cell surface properties resulting from FAP deletion.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of a FAP gene disruptant in Mycobacterium smegmatis.
  • Verification of gene disruption using Southern blot and PCR analysis.
  • Assessment of bacterial aggregation, hydrophobicity, and Congo red binding.
  • Complementation experiments to restore FAP function.

Main Results:

  • FAP gene disruption led to significant bacterial aggregation in Mycobacterium smegmatis.
  • Altered cell surface properties, including increased hydrophobicity, were observed in the FAP disruptant.
  • Congo red accumulation indicated changes in cell surface characteristics.
  • Complementation successfully restored wild-type morphology, confirming FAP's role.

Conclusions:

  • The fibronectin-attachment protein (FAP) plays a crucial role in modulating the cell surface properties of Mycobacterium smegmatis.
  • Deletion of the FAP gene results in pronounced bacterial aggregation and altered surface characteristics.
  • FAP is essential for maintaining normal cell surface properties and preventing excessive aggregation in M. smegmatis.

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