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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
06:51
Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
Published on: December 10, 2016
Evidence that Clostridium difficile TcdC is a membrane-associated protein
Revathi Govind1, Govindsamy Vediyappan, Rial D Rolfe
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, 79430, USA.
Journal of Bacteriology
|May 5, 2006
Summary
Clostridium difficile toxin regulator TcdC is a membrane-associated protein. This finding advances understanding of the pathogenicity locus in C. difficile infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Clostridium difficile produces toxins A and B, leading to pseudomembranous colitis.
- The pathogenicity locus contains toxin genes (tcdA, tcdB) and a putative negative regulator (tcdC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular localization and function of the TcdC protein in Clostridium difficile.
Main Methods:
- Subcellular fractionation of Clostridium difficile.
- Western blot analysis using specific antibodies against TcdC.
- Protease protection assays.
Main Results:
- TcdC was found to be associated with the cell membrane fraction.
- TcdC demonstrated resistance to protease digestion when associated with the membrane, suggesting membrane integration or association.
- TcdC is a membrane-associated protein in Clostridium difficile.
Conclusions:
- The localization of TcdC to the membrane provides new insights into its role as a regulator.
- Understanding TcdC's membrane association is crucial for elucidating its regulatory mechanism on toxin production.
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