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Microscopy-based Assays for High-throughput Screening of Host Factors Involved in Brucella Infection of Hela Cells
Published on: August 5, 2016
Differences in two-component signal transduction proteins among the genus Brucella: implications for host preference
José Luis Lavín1, Tim T Binnewies, Antonio G Pisabarro
1Genetics and Microbiology Research Group, Departamento de Producción Agraria, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Campus de Arrosadia, 31006 Pamplona, Spain.
Veterinary Microbiology
|February 16, 2010
Summary
This study identified two-component systems (TCSs) in Brucella species, finding conserved TCS proteins across all species. Differences in TCS pseudogenes suggest roles in Brucella pathogenesis and adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Two-component systems (TCSs) are crucial for bacterial signal transduction and adaptation.
- Brucella species are closely related but exhibit distinct host adaptations and pathogenesis.
- Understanding TCS variations can elucidate Brucella's lifestyle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and compare TCS proteins across available Brucella genome sequences.
- To investigate the role of specific TCS proteins in Brucella's intracellular pathogen adaptation.
- To analyze the distribution of TCS pseudogenes within and between Brucella species.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of TCS proteins encoded in Brucella genomes.
- Comparative genomics of TCSs in Brucella and Ochrobactrum anthropi.
- Identification and distribution analysis of TCS pseudogenes.
Main Results:
- All Brucella species possess an identical set of TCS proteins.
- Ochrobactrum anthropi has a higher number of TCS proteins compared to Brucella.
- Brucella TCSs NodVW, TceSR, and TcfSR are absent in O. anthropi.
- Differential distribution of TCS pseudogenes observed among Brucella species and strains.
Conclusions:
- Conserved TCS proteins are fundamental to Brucella.
- Specific TCSs (NodVW, TceSR, TcfSR) may be essential for Brucella's intracellular lifestyle.
- TCS pseudogene variations contribute to differences in pathogenesis and adaptation within Brucella.
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