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Updated: May 27, 2026
Porphyromonas gingivalis as a Model Organism for Assessing Interaction of Anaerobic Bacteria with Host Cells
Published on: December 17, 2015
[Initial study of biological characterization and virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis PG0839-defective mutant]
Jing-bo Liu1, Ya-ping Pan, Xue-bin Xu
1Department of Periodontology, China Medical University. Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. jingboliu1980@yahoo.com.cn
Purpose:
To study the effect of PG0839 gene form Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) on biological characterization and virulence in a murine model of soft tissue destruction, and further to provide evidence for clarifying the gene function of PG0839.
Methods:
P. gingivalis W83 and PG0839-defective mutant strains were plated on brain heart infusion (BHI). Colonial formation, micromorphology and growth curve of the two strains were observed. The two strains cells were mixed respectively with sheep erythrocytes, which were prepared to a final concentration of 1% in 1×PBS, to assess hemagglutination activity. The mice were challenged with subcutaneous injections of bacterial suspension,which were P. gingivalis W83 and PG0839-defective mutant strains at the doses of 2×10(10), 1×10(10), 5×10(9) CFU/mL respectively, on the dorsal surface. Difference in survival situation of mice in various groups was examined using Pearson Chi-square and log rank test with SPSS 13.0 software package.
Results:
In contrast to the wild-type W83 strain, PG0839-defective mutant strain was nonpigmented and the hemagglutinin activities reduced. However, the growth rate of PG0839-defective mutant strain was not affected (U=25.50, P=0.19). Results of the mice subcutaneous infection model indicated that the virulence of the PG0839-defective mutant strain was significantly lower than P. gingivalis W83 strain (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
Absence of PG0839 gene altered several biological characteristics of P. gingivalis W83 strain, suggesting that PG0839 gene may regulate the expression of certain gene or gene product of P. gingivalis W83 strain. Moreover, PG0839 gene may contribute to the virulence of P. gingivalis W83.
Insights
The PG0839 gene in Porphyromonas gingivalis is crucial for pigmentation and hemagglutination. Its absence significantly reduces the bacteria's virulence in soft tissue infections, indicating its role in pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health Research
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a key pathogen in periodontal diseases.
- Understanding the function of specific genes, like PG0839, is vital for elucidating P. gingivalis virulence mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the PG0839 gene on the biological characteristics and virulence of P. gingivalis.
- To clarify the specific role of the PG0839 gene in P. gingivalis pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Compared wild-type P. gingivalis W83 with a PG0839-defective mutant strain.
- Assessed colonial formation, micromorphology, growth curves, and hemagglutination activity.
- Evaluated virulence in a murine soft tissue destruction model via subcutaneous injections.
Main Results:
- The PG0839-defective mutant was nonpigmented with reduced hemagglutination activity.
- No significant difference in growth rate was observed between the strains.
- The mutant strain exhibited significantly lower virulence in the murine infection model compared to the wild-type.
Conclusions:
- The PG0839 gene influences P. gingivalis biological traits, including pigmentation and hemagglutination.
- PG0839 appears to regulate gene expression in P. gingivalis.
- The PG0839 gene is a contributing factor to the virulence of P. gingivalis.
