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Binding of Escherichia coli S fimbriae to human kidney epithelium
Abstract:
Purified S fimbriae and an Escherichia coli strain carrying the recombinant plasmid pANN801-4 that encodes S fimbriae were tested for adhesion to frozen sections of human kidney. The fimbriae and the bacteria bound to the same tissue domains, and in both cases the binding was specifically inhibited by the receptor analog of S fimbria, sialyl(alpha 2-3)lactose. S fimbriae bound specifically to the epithelial elements in the kidneys; to the epithelial cells of proximal and distal tubules as well as of the collecting ducts and to the visceral and parietal glomerular epithelium. In addition, they bound to the vascular endothelium of glomeruli and of the renal interstitium. No binding to connective tissue elements was observed. The results suggest that the biological function of S fimbriae is to mediate the adhesion of E. coli to human epithelial and vascular endothelial cells.
Insights
S fimbriae from Escherichia coli bind specifically to human kidney epithelial and vascular endothelial cells. This adhesion is mediated by sialyl(alpha 2-3)lactose, suggesting a role in kidney infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Urology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- S fimbriae are virulence factors in uropathogenic Escherichia coli.
- Understanding bacterial adhesion mechanisms is crucial for treating urinary tract infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adhesion properties of S fimbriae to human kidney tissues.
- To identify the specific kidney cell types targeted by S fimbriae.
Main Methods:
- Testing adhesion of purified S fimbriae and E. coli strains to frozen human kidney sections.
- Inhibition assays using sialyl(alpha 2-3)lactose.
Main Results:
- S fimbriae and E. coli demonstrated specific binding to kidney epithelial cells (tubules, glomeruli) and vascular endothelium.
- Binding was specifically inhibited by sialyl(alpha 2-3)lactose.
- No binding was observed on connective tissue elements.
Conclusions:
- S fimbriae mediate the adhesion of E. coli to human epithelial and vascular endothelial cells in the kidney.
- This suggests a role for S fimbriae in the pathogenesis of kidney infections.