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Updated: May 3, 2026

Porphyromonas gingivalis as a Model Organism for Assessing Interaction of Anaerobic Bacteria with Host Cells
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Identification of Mfa5-2 as a structural component of Mfa1 fimbriae in Porphyromonas gingivalis

Naoyoshi Miwa1, Makoto Hirohata2, Yui Yoshimura2

  • 1Department of Microbiology, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan.

Journal of Oral Biosciences
|February 19, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Porphyromonas gingivalis Mfa1 fimbriae incorporate the Mfa5-2 protein in strains EM3 and 1439. This reveals new structural diversity in these important bacterial appendages.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • Porphyromonas gingivalis is a periodontal pathogen.
  • Mfa1 fimbriae are crucial for biofilm formation and colonization.
  • The Mfa1 fimbriae are composed of Mfa1, Mfa3, Mfa4, and Mfa5 subunits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the presence of the mfa5-2 gene in P. gingivalis EM3 and 1439.
  • Determine if Mfa5-2 is incorporated into Mfa1 fimbriae in these strains.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic sequencing of P. gingivalis EM3 and 1439.
  • Purification and analysis of Mfa1 fimbriae using SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, and immunoblotting.
  • Examination of fimbrial morphology via transmission electron microscopy.

Main Results:

  • The mfa5-2 gene was found downstream of mfa5-1 in both P. gingivalis EM3 and 1439.
  • Mfa5-2 was identified as a ~250 kDa component within purified Mfa1 fimbriae.
  • Fimbrial architecture remained consistent despite Mfa5-2 incorporation.

Conclusions:

  • Mfa5-2 is expressed and integrated into Mfa1 fimbriae in P. gingivalis EM3 and 1439.
  • This integration represents a novel structural variation of Mfa1 fimbriae.
Keywords:
Mfa1 fimbriaeMfa5Porphyromonas gingivalis

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