Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

05:57
In Vitro Assay of Bacterial Adhesion onto Mammalian Epithelial Cells
Published on: May 16, 2011
Adherence of Pasteurella multocida to fibronectin
S M Dabo1, A W Confer, S D Hartson
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2007, USA. mady.dabo@okstate.edu
Veterinary Microbiology
|September 20, 2005
Summary
Pasteurella multocida binds to host fibronectin (Fn) via surface proteins, particularly the N-terminal Hep-binding domain. This interaction is crucial for bacterial adherence to host cells, with potential implications for pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Pathogen adherence to host extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital for infection.
- Fibronectin (Fn) is a key ECM component involved in pathogen-host interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between Pasteurella multocida and fibronectin (Fn).
- To identify bacterial components and Fn domains involved in adherence.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial binding assays with Fn and collagen types.
- Inhibition studies using heparin (Hep) and anti-Fn antibodies.
- Protease treatment, ligand blotting, affinity purification, and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF).
Main Results:
- P. multocida significantly binds Fn and collagen IX, but not laminin or collagen IV/X.
- Binding to Fn is dose-dependent, inhibited by Hep, and enhanced by capsule removal.
- Surface proteins mediate binding to the N-terminal Hep-binding domain of Fn.
- Fn and anti-Fn antibodies inhibit bacterial adherence to host cells.
Conclusions:
- P. multocida utilizes surface proteins to bind the N-terminal Hep-binding domain of fibronectin.
- This interaction is critical for P. multocida adherence to host cells.
- Fn-mediated adherence is a potential virulence mechanism for P. multocida.
Related Concept Videos
Adherens Junctions
Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types – adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Fimbriae, Pili, and Axial Filaments
Fimbriae and pili are specialized bacterial surface structures that play pivotal roles in adhesion, genetic exchange, and motility. Composed primarily of pilin protein, these hairlike appendages are crucial for bacterial survival and pathogenicity in various environments.Fimbriae: Adhesion and PathogenicityFimbriae are fine, filamentous structures measuring 2–10 nanometers in diameter and are densely distributed on the bacterial cell surface. They facilitate bacterial adhesion to abiotic...
Colonisation of Pathogens
Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...

