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Identification of a Bordetella pertussis bvg-regulated porin-like protein
1Laboratory of Pertussis, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4555.
Abstract:
Bordetella pertussis 18323 produces a bvg-regulated 39.1-kDa porin-like protein, OmpQ. OmpQ had 61% similarity to the major porin of B. pertussis and contains conserved regions common to both the neisserial and enteric porin families. The results of Southern blot analysis indicate that strains of Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica but not Bordetella avium contain this gene.
Insights
Bordetella pertussis produces OmpQ, a porin-like protein. This protein shares similarities with other bacterial porins and its gene is present in Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial genetics
- Protein structure
Background:
- Bordetella pertussis is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for whooping cough.
- Bacterial outer membrane proteins, such as porins, play crucial roles in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis.
- The bvgAS locus regulates the expression of numerous virulence factors in B. pertussis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the OmpQ protein produced by Bordetella pertussis 18323.
- To investigate the structural similarities of OmpQ to other known porins.
- To determine the distribution of the OmpQ gene within other Bordetella species.
Main Methods:
- Southern blot analysis was used to detect the presence of the OmpQ gene.
- Sequence similarity analysis was performed to compare OmpQ with other porins.
Main Results:
- Bordetella pertussis 18323 produces a 39.1-kDa porin-like protein, OmpQ, regulated by the bvgAS locus.
- OmpQ exhibits 61% similarity to the major porin of B. pertussis and contains conserved regions found in neisserial and enteric porin families.
- The OmpQ gene was detected in Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica, but not in Bordetella avium.
Conclusions:
- OmpQ is a novel porin-like protein in Bordetella pertussis with conserved structural features.
- The presence of the OmpQ gene in other Bordetella species suggests a potential role in inter-species bacterial interactions or shared virulence mechanisms.