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Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes
14:05

Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Published on: September 19, 2013

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[Main virulence factors of Listeria monocytogenes and its regulation]

Alejandra Vera1, Gerardo González, Mariana Domínguez

  • 1Laboratorio de Investigación en Agentes Antibacterianos, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile, hbello@udec.cl.

Revista Chilena De Infectologia : Organo Oficial De La Sociedad Chilena De Infectologia
|November 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen causing listeriosis, invades host cells. Its intracellular cycle and virulence are primarily controlled by the transcriptional regulator PrfA.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pathogen Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Context:

  • Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous facultative intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of listeriosis.
  • Listeriosis is a serious infection acquired through contaminated food, posing risks particularly to vulnerable populations.
  • Global listeriosis cases are increasing, with prevalence rates of 2-15 per million in developed nations.

Purpose:

  • To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms governing the intracellular lifecycle of Listeria monocytogenes.
  • To highlight the critical role of the transcriptional regulator PrfA in controlling virulence factor expression.
  • To understand the transition of Listeria monocytogenes from the environment into eukaryotic cells.

Summary:

  • Listeria monocytogenes, a significant foodborne pathogen, exhibits a complex intracellular life cycle.
  • Virulence factor expression, crucial for intracellular survival and proliferation, is predominantly regulated by the transcriptional activator PrfA.
  • PrfA activity is modulated through transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms, alongside other regulatory systems like sigma factors and antisense RNA.

Impact:

  • Understanding these regulatory networks is vital for developing effective control strategies against listeriosis.
  • This research contributes to the knowledge of bacterial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
  • Insights into PrfA-mediated virulence can inform public health interventions and food safety measures.

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