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| Author(s): |
Natalia Cristina de Freitas
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Master's Dissertation |
| Press: | São Paulo. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI) |
| Defense date: | 2012-06-13 |
| Examining board members: |
Roxane Maria Fontes Piazza;
Tania Aparecida Tardelli Gomes do Amaral;
Rita de Cassia Cafe Ferreira
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| Advisor: | Roxane Maria Fontes Piazza |
| Abstract | |
Type IV fimbriae are associated with several phenotypes in gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this study was the characterization of the Pil fimbria and its role in the interaction of atypical EPEC isolates in bacterial adhesion. Using PCR and RT-PCR, we investigated the presence and functionality of the pil operon genes. The results showed that these genes are transcribed only in the BA558 and BA956 isolates. The pilS and pilV genes were cloned into an expression vector for recombinant proteins and polyclonal antibodies production. Qualitative analysis of the adherence inhibition assays using both rabbit sera changed to localized-like the phenotype of BA558 isolate adhesion. Together, these results allow us to conclude that the Pil operon is functional only in the BA558 and BA956 isolates and that the expression of Pil fimbriae in aEPEC is not related to biofilm formation and autoaggregation but, the fimbrial PilS protein together with PilV adhesin seem to play an important accessory function in the interaction between the BA558 and epithelial cells in vitro. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 09/06648-7 - Type IV pilus in atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli: characterization and investigation of the possible role of PILs and PilV the interaction with epithelial cells in vitro |
| Grantee: | Natália Cristina de Freitas |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |