2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
A study on the contribution of symbiosis between Legionella and protists to their pathogenicity
| Project/Area Number |
15K18782
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Research Field |
Veterinary medical science
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| Research Institution | Yamaguchi University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Research Collaborator |
SUZUKI Haruo 慶應義塾大学, 環境情報学部, 准教授 (40638772)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
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| Keywords | レジオネラ / ゾウリムシ / 共生 / 細胞内寄生 / 原生生物 / ホロスポラ |
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| Outline of Final Research Achievements |
The symbiotic relationship between Legionella and protists in the environment has a huge impact when considering the infectious risk in humans. In this study, I established a novel natural host model of L. pneumophila endosymbiosis using the ciliate Paramecium caudatum. Using this model, I identified 5 candidate genes related to symbiosis between L. pneumophila and P. caudatum. I also identified Legionella endosymbiosis-modulating factor A (LefA), which contributes to the change in life stage from endosymbiosis to host lysis, enabling escape to the environment. An isogenic L. pneumophila lefA mutant exhibited decreased cytotoxicity toward P. caudatum and impaired the modification of LCVs, resulting in the establishment of endosymbiosis between them. These results suggest that L. pneumophila may have a mechanism to switch their endosymbiosis in protistan hosts in the environment. This study may provide novel Legionella infection control methods based on inhibiting their symbiosis.
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| Free Research Field |
細菌学
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