Interplay of a secreted protein with type IV pilus for efficient adhesion of enteric pathogens

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K07110
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 49050:Bacteriology-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Kawahara Kazuki 大阪大学, 薬学研究科, 助教 (60585058)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 腸管系病原菌 / 定着 / ETEC / IV型線毛 / X線単結晶構造解析

Outline of Final Research Achievements

For efficient attachment and subsequent colonization of the host-cell surface, enteric pathogens have evolved numerous surface organelles, with filamentous protein polymers termed pili being the most prominent. In this study, the structural model and adhesion mechanisms of colonization factor antigen/III (CFA/III), an operon encoded type IV pilus of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), are proposed. To attach to the target cell surface, CFA/III requires additional interaction with a secreted protein CofJ at its pilus-tip. Since CofJ possesses a cluster of aromatic residues that interacts with a target lipid membrane, it is suggested that the secreted protein serves as an anchor, bridging the host-cell surface and the pilus tip of type IV pilus during the process of ETEC infection.

Free Research Field

構造生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究で得られた成果は、腸管系病原菌の感染過程の理解に繋がるだけでなく、定着阻害剤等の開発への応用が可能である。定着阻害剤は、細菌を死滅させる抗生物質とは異なり、耐性菌を生じさせないことから、薬剤耐性菌問題の解決に向けた新規の感染症予防・治療アプローチとなる可能性がある。