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Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding the OmpU outer membrane protein of Vibrio cholerae
V Sperandio1, C Bailey, J A Girón
1Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA.
Abstract:
The OmpU outer membrane protein is a member of the ToxR regulon of Vibrio cholerae and has recently been shown to be a potential adherence factor for this species. Using PCR and degenerate oligonucleotide primers based on internal peptide sequences of purified OmpU, we have cloned and sequenced the gene encoding OmpU. The ompU gene is predicted to encode a 36,646-molecular-weight protein which is present in both cholera toxin-positive and -negative V. cholerae O1 and O139 strains.
Insights
Researchers cloned and sequenced the Vibrio cholerae outer membrane protein U (OmpU) gene. This outer membrane protein is crucial for Vibrio cholerae adherence and is present in various strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Structure
Background:
- OmpU is an outer membrane protein in Vibrio cholerae.
- It is part of the ToxR regulon.
- OmpU is implicated as a potential adherence factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and sequence the gene encoding the OmpU protein.
- To understand the genetic basis of OmpU production in Vibrio cholerae.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used.
- Degenerate oligonucleotide primers based on internal peptide sequences were employed.
- Gene sequencing was performed on the amplified OmpU gene.
Main Results:
- The gene encoding OmpU was successfully cloned and sequenced.
- The ompU gene is predicted to encode a 36,646-molecular-weight protein.
- OmpU is present in both cholera toxin-positive and -negative V. cholerae O1 and O139 strains.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the genetic sequence for the OmpU protein.
- This finding contributes to understanding Vibrio cholerae adherence mechanisms.
- The presence of OmpU across different V. cholerae strains suggests a conserved role.