Related Experiment Videos
Sequence and genetic analysis of multiple flagellin-encoding genes from Proteus mirabilis
1Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Baltimore 21202.
Gene
|October 11, 1994
Summary
Proteus mirabilis swarmer cell differentiation involves flagellin overproduction. This study identifies multiple flagellin genes (fliC) in P. mirabilis, suggesting their complex role in this process.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis exhibits surface-induced flagellin overproduction during swarmer cell differentiation.
- Flagellin is a key component of bacterial flagella, essential for motility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the nucleotide and amino acid sequences and expression of the flagellin-encoding gene (fliC) region in P. mirabilis.
- To investigate the genetic organization and potential regulatory elements of P. mirabilis fliC genes.
Main Methods:
- Nucleotide sequence analysis of a 3567-bp region.
- Identification of open reading frames (ORFs) and homology searches.
- Expression studies in Escherichia coli and Southern hybridization.
Main Results:
- Three ORFs were identified: fliD and two highly homologous fliC alleles, designated fliC1 and fliC2.
- Sigma 28 promoter sites and conserved direct tandem repeat sequences were found upstream of both fliC1 and fliC2.
- Southern hybridization confirmed the presence of fliC1 and fliC2 in multiple P. mirabilis strains and suggested a third gene, fliC3.
Conclusions:
- Multiple flagellin-encoding genes are common in P. mirabilis.
- Conserved upstream sequences suggest regulatory roles in fliC expression during swarmer cell differentiation.
- The presence of multiple fliC genes likely contributes to the complex swarming behavior of P. mirabilis.