Related Experiment Videos
Temperature-dependent expression of flagella in Legionella
M Ott1, P Messner, J Heesemann
1Institut für Genetik und Mikrobiologie, Universität Würzburg, Germany.
Journal of General Microbiology
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Legionella pneumophila, a cause of Legionnaires' disease, possesses flagella, which are temperature-regulated surface structures. Flagellation decreases at higher temperatures, impacting bacterial populations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Cellular Ultrastructure
Background:
- Legionella pneumophila is the primary agent responsible for Legionnaires' disease.
- Understanding bacterial surface structures is crucial for comprehending pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the surface structures of Legionella pneumophila using electron microscopy.
- To characterize the presence and regulation of flagella in various Legionella species.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was employed to visualize bacterial surface structures.
- Western blotting with specific polyclonal antibodies was used to detect flagellin subunits.
- Temperature-shift experiments were conducted to assess flagellation regulation.
Main Results:
- Electron microscopy revealed monotrichous flagellation in L. pneumophila; crystalline surface layers and fimbriae were absent.
- Western blots confirmed flagella subunits in multiple L. pneumophila strains and cross-reacted with L. micdadei, L. hackelia, and L. longbeachae.
- Flagellation in L. pneumophila was found to be temperature-dependent, decreasing significantly at elevated temperatures (37°C and 41°C) compared to 30°C.
Conclusions:
- Legionella species possess flagella, which are temperature-regulated structures.
- Flagellation is a conserved feature among tested Legionella species, suggesting a role in their biology.
- The temperature-dependent regulation of flagella may influence Legionella's survival and virulence in different environments.