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Morphological changes induced in HEp-2 cells by Salmonella typhimurium porins
L De Martino1, C Nazzaro, S Concilio
1Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
The effects of different doses of Salmonella typhimurium porins were investigated on human laryngeal epithelial (HEp-2) cells by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. The changes observed in microfilament organization suggested an involvement of cytoskeleton in the cell response. Furthermore, morphologic phenomena characterized by ultrastructural membrane modifications also involved the nuclear membrane.
Insights
Salmonella typhimurium porins affect human laryngeal cells by altering cytoskeleton and nuclear membranes. These findings reveal porins
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Salmonella typhimurium is a pathogen known to cause foodborne illness.
- Bacterial porins are outer membrane proteins that can mediate interactions with host cells.
- The cellular effects of S. typhimurium porins on human epithelial cells require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Salmonella typhimurium porins on human laryngeal epithelial (HEp-2) cells.
- To characterize the cellular and ultrastructural changes induced by varying doses of porins.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of HEp-2 cells to different doses of S. typhimurium porins.
- Analysis using fluorescence microscopy to observe microfilament organization.
- Examination via transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural modifications.
Main Results:
- Alterations in microfilament organization within HEp-2 cells were observed, suggesting cytoskeleton involvement.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed significant membrane modifications in the cells.
- These modifications extended to the nuclear membrane, indicating a broader cellular impact.
Conclusions:
- Salmonella typhimurium porins induce significant morphological changes in human laryngeal epithelial cells.
- The cell cytoskeleton plays a role in the cellular response to porin exposure.
- Porins can cause ultrastructural damage to cellular and nuclear membranes.