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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
09:03
Forward Genetic Approaches in Chlamydia trachomatis
Published on: October 23, 2013
The chlamydial invasin-like protein gene conundrum
Laurel S Burall1, Zhi Liu, Roger Rank
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore, Dental School, 666 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Microbes and Infection
|May 30, 2007
Summary
The invasin-like protein (ilp) gene in Chlamydia appears non-functional, as no protein product was detected despite transcript presence. This raises questions about the ilp gene's origin and persistence in Chlamydia species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Chlamydial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Invasin-like protein (ilp) gene variants exist in Chlamydia caviae and Chlamydia suis.
- The C. caviae ilp gene has frameshift mutations, while the C. suis ilp gene is intact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functionality of the intact Chlamydia suis ilp gene.
- To determine if the ilp gene product contributes to bacterial adherence and invasion of host cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized gentamicin protection assays to assess bacterial adherence and invasion.
- Analyzed ilp gene expression via transcript detection in E. coli and C. suis.
- Employed antibodies to detect the ilp protein product.
Main Results:
- E. coli expressing the intact C. suis ilp showed increased adherence and invasion, but ilp-expressing clones did not.
- ilp transcript was detected in C. suis cultures, peaking at 16 hours.
- No ilp-specific protein product was detected in either E. coli or C. suis.
Conclusions:
- The ilp gene likely does not encode a functional protein in Chlamydia.
- The presence and maintenance of the ilp gene in Chlamydia warrant further investigation into its origin.
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