Related Experiment Videos
Bacteroides fragilis adherence to Caco-2 cells
E O Ferreira1, L S Falcão, D C Vallim
1Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes, UFRJ, Av. Brigadeiro Trompovsky, s/n, CCS, Bloco I, 2o andar, sala 6, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil.
Anaerobe
|August 5, 2006
Summary
Bacteroides fragilis strains show varied adherence to colon cancer cells. Their capsular polysaccharide likely mediates this interaction, impacting Caco-2 cell adhesion.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Bacteroides fragilis is a common gut bacterium.
- Its adherence to host cells is crucial for colonization and potential pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adherence capacity of B. fragilis strains to human colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2).
- To identify bacterial surface components involved in this adherence.
Main Methods:
- Adherence assays using Caco-2 cell monolayers.
- Negative staining (Indian ink, PTA) and ruthenium red staining for electron microscopy.
- Sodium periodate treatment to assess polysaccharide involvement.
Main Results:
- B. fragilis strains exhibited variable adherence to Caco-2 cells.
- All strains possessed capsules, electron-dense layers, and surface vesicles.
- Strain 1032, from bacteremia, showed strong aggregative adherence.
- Sodium periodate treatment significantly reduced adherence and capsule expression.
Conclusions:
- The capsular polysaccharide of B. fragilis appears to mediate adherence to Caco-2 cells.
- Surface structures like capsules and electron-dense layers play a role in bacterial-host cell interactions.