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Bacterial proteins binding to the mammalian extracellular matrix
1Department of General Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Pathogenic bacteria frequently express surface proteins with affinity for components of the mammalian extracellular matrix, i.e. collagens, laminin, fibronectin or proteoglycans. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the mechanisms of bacterial adherence to extracellular matrices and on the biological significance of these interactions. The best-characterized bacterial proteins active in these interactions are the mycobacterial fibronectin-binding proteins, the fibronectin- and the collagen-binding proteins of staphylococci and streptococci, specific enterobacterial fimbrial types, as well as the polymeric surface proteins YadA of yersinias and the A-protein of Aeromonas. Some of these bacterial proteins are highly specific for an extracellular matrix protein, some are multifunctional and express binding activities towards a number of target proteins. The interactions can be based on a protein-protein or on a protein-carbohydrate interaction, or on a bridging mechanism mediated by a bivalent soluble target protein. Many of the interactions have also been demonstrated on tissue sections or in vivo, and adherence to the extracellular matrix has been shown to promote bacterial colonization of damaged tissues.
Insights
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.