Induction of Different Apoptosis Pathways by Two Proteus mirabilis Clinical Isolates Strains in Prostatic Epithelial...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cell Biology
• Urology

Background:

• Bacterial prostatitis, often caused by Proteus mirabilis, is a leading cause of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men under 50.
• Proteus mirabilis utilizes various virulence factors, including fimbriae, flagella, and biofilm formation, to colonize host tissues and cause disease.
• Proteus lipid A can induce apoptosis and epithelial cell desquamation, contributing to disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ability of two distinct clinical isolates of Proteus mirabilis (PM1 and PM2) to induce apoptosis in human prostatic adenocarcinoma PC-3 cells.
• To analyze the molecular mechanisms and phenotypic differences underlying the apoptotic activity of these P. mirabilis strains.

Main Methods:

• Co-culture of human prostatic adenocarcinoma PC-3 cells with two phenotypically different P. mirabilis strains (PM1 and PM2).
• Assessment of apoptosis induction through various assays.
• Analysis of ZapA gene expression levels.
• Molecular fingerprinting.
• Determination of antibiotic resistance profiles.

Main Results:

• Both PM1 and PM2 strains of P. mirabilis induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells via two distinct pathways.
• Differences in apoptotic pathway activation were correlated with ZapA gene expression levels.
• Molecular fingerprinting and antibiotic resistance patterns further differentiated the two P. mirabilis strains.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates that different P. mirabilis strains can elicit distinct apoptotic responses in human prostate cells.
• Understanding these strain-specific interactions and molecular differences is crucial for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial prostatitis and associated UTIs.
• This research provides a foundation for developing targeted therapeutic strategies against P. mirabilis-induced prostatitis.