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A murC gene in Porphyromonas gingivalis 381
T Ansai1, Y Yamashita, S Awano
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Porphyromonas gingivalis contains a gene homologous to E. coli murC, essential for peptidoglycan synthesis. This finding suggests potential gene clusters involved in cell division and growth in this bacterium.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis
Background:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key pathogen in periodontitis.
- Understanding its cell wall synthesis is crucial for therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize genes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis in P. gingivalis.
- To investigate potential functional similarities with E. coli cell division genes.
Main Methods:
- Immunoblotting using specific antiserum to isolate the target gene.
- DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis (FASTA) to identify ORFs and homologies.
- Functional complementation assay in an E. coli murC mutant.
Main Results:
- A 51 kDa protein-encoding gene homologous to E. coli murC was identified in P. gingivalis.
- The cloned P. gingivalis protein functionally complemented an E. coli murC mutant.
- Homologous genes for MurG and PBP2B were also identified, suggesting a gene cluster.
Conclusions:
- P. gingivalis possesses a functional homolog of the E. coli murC gene.
- A potential operon for cell division and growth, similar to E. coli's mra region, may exist in P. gingivalis.
- These findings offer insights into P. gingivalis cell envelope biogenesis and potential drug targets.