Cell morphology as a virulence determinant: lessons from Helicobacter pylori
1Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|February 5, 2020
Summary
Helicobacter pylori
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori is a human stomach pathogen.
- Cell morphology is crucial for bacterial pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic factors influencing H. pylori colonization.
- To understand the role of cell shape in H. pylori pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Genetic screening for H. pylori colonization mutants.
- Direct screening for altered cell morphology.
- Functional characterization of H. pylori shape mutants.
Main Results:
- A novel 'shapesome' complex regulating H. pylori cell shape was identified.
- This complex involves peptidoglycan synthesis and modification enzymes, cytoskeletal elements, and regulatory proteins.
- H. pylori cell shape plays multiple roles in colonizing mucosal surfaces.
Conclusions:
- The H. pylori cell shape program is conserved and enriched at mucosal surfaces.
- Helical morphology may enhance the ability of H. pylori to cause disease by exploiting host factors.
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