Related Experiment Videos
Alteration of gonococcal protein expression in acidic culture
R K Pettit1, M J Filiatrault, E S Martin
1Department of Biology, Western Oregon State College, Monmouth, 97361, USA.
Abstract:
We grew Neisseria gonorrhoeae under acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions and noted altered expression of at least 12 outer membrane proteins between 31 and 100 kDa in size. One protein whose expression was upregulated under acidic conditions was gonococcal heat shock protein 63. These proteins may contribute to the pathogenesis of gonorrhea in the urogenital tract.
Insights
Neisseria gonorrhoeae outer membrane protein expression changes with pH. Acidic conditions upregulated gonococcal heat shock protein 63, potentially impacting urogenital tract pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant human pathogen.
- The urogenital tract environment experiences varying pH levels.
- Outer membrane proteins play crucial roles in bacterial adhesion and immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of environmental pH on Neisseria gonorrhoeae outer membrane protein expression.
- To identify specific proteins affected by acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Neisseria gonorrhoeae under controlled acidic, neutral, and alkaline pH conditions.
- Analyzing outer membrane protein expression profiles using gel electrophoresis (size range 31-100 kDa).
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in the expression of at least 12 outer membrane proteins were observed across different pH conditions.
- Gonococcal heat shock protein 63 (Hsp63) showed increased expression under acidic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Environmental pH influences the expression of multiple Neisseria gonorrhoeae outer membrane proteins.
- Upregulated proteins, such as Hsp63 under acidic conditions, may contribute to the bacterium's survival and pathogenesis in the urogenital tract.