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Bacterial proteins binding to the mammalian extracellular matrix
1Department of General Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Molecular Microbiology
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Pathogenic bacteria use surface proteins to bind to host extracellular matrix components, aiding colonization of damaged tissues. This review details bacterial adherence mechanisms and their significance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pathogenic bacteria often possess surface proteins that bind to mammalian extracellular matrix (ECM) components like collagens, laminin, and fibronectin.
- These interactions are crucial for bacterial adhesion and colonization, particularly in damaged host tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the mechanisms of bacterial adherence to ECM proteins.
- To discuss the biological significance of these bacterial-ECM interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on bacterial surface proteins and their interactions with ECM components.
- Analysis of characterized bacterial adhesins, including fibronectin-binding proteins, collagen-binding proteins, fimbrial types, and polymeric surface proteins.
- Examination of interaction mechanisms (protein-protein, protein-carbohydrate, bridging).
Main Results:
- Several bacterial proteins (e.g., from Mycobacteria, Staphylococci, Streptococci, Yersinia, Aeromonas) mediate ECM binding.
- Adhesins can exhibit high specificity or multifunctional binding activities.
- Interactions involve protein-protein, protein-carbohydrate, or bridging mechanisms.
- Bacterial adherence to ECM is confirmed in vivo and promotes colonization of damaged tissues.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial surface protein interactions with the ECM are a key factor in pathogenesis.
- Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into bacterial colonization strategies and potential therapeutic targets.