Dataset Information

Genetic analysis and morphological identification of pilus-like structures in members of the genus Bifidobacterium.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Cell surface pili in Gram positive bacteria have been reported to orchestrate the colonization of host tissues, evasion of immunity and the development of biofilms. So far, little if any information is available on the presence of pilus-like structures in human gut commensals like bifidobacteria. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In this report, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) of various bifidobacterial strains belonging to Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum, Bifidobacterium dentium, Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis revealed the existence of appendages resembling pilus-like structures. Interestingly, these microorganisms harbour two to six predicted pilus gene clusters in their genome, with each organized in an operon encompassing the major pilin subunit-encoding gene (designated fimA or fimP) together with one or two minor pilin subunit-encoding genes (designated as fimB and/or fimQ), and a gene encoding a sortase enzyme (strA). Quantitative Real Time (qRT)-PCR analysis and RT-PCR experiments revealed a polycistronic mRNA, encompassing the fimA/P and fimB/Q genes, which are differentially expressed upon cultivation of bifidobacteria on various glycans.

SUBMITTER: Foroni E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3231923 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Genetic analysis and morphological identification of pilus-like structures in members of the genus Bifidobacterium.

Foroni Elena E Serafini Fausta F Amidani Davide D Turroni Francesca F He Fei F Bottacini Francesca F O'Connell Motherway Mary M Viappiani Alice A Zhang Ziding Z Rivetti Claudio C van Sinderen Douwe D Ventura Marco M

Microbial cell factories 20110830

<h4>Background</h4>Cell surface pili in Gram positive bacteria have been reported to orchestrate the colonization of host tissues, evasion of immunity and the development of biofilms. So far, little if any information is available on the presence of pilus-like structures in human gut commensals like bifidobacteria.<h4>Results and discussion</h4>In this report, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) of various bifidobacterial strains belonging to Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. long ...[more]

PMID: 21995649

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Project description:Bifidobacteria are important gut commensals of mammals, including humans, of any age. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these microorganisms establish themselves in the mammalian gut and persist in this environment are largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the genetic diversity of the predicted arsenal of sortase-dependent pili of known and sequenced members of the Bifidobacterium genus and constructed a bifidobacterial sortase-dependent fimbriome database. Our analyses revealed considerable genetic variability of the sortase-dependent fimbriome among bifidobacterial (sub)species, which appears to have been due to horizontal gene transfer events and for which we were able to perform evolutionary mapping. Functional assessment by transcriptome analysis and binding assays involving different substrates demonstrates how bifidobacterial pili are pivotal in promoting various abilities for adhesion to glycans and extracellular matrix proteins, thereby supporting the ecological success of bifidobacteria in the mammalian gut.IMPORTANCE Adhesion of bifidobacterial cells to the mucosa of the large intestine is considered a hallmark for the persistence and colonization of these bacteria in the human gut. In this context, we analyzed the genetic diversity of the predicted arsenal of sortase-dependent pili of known and sequenced members of the Bifidobacterium genus, and constructed a bifidobacterial sortase-dependent fimbriome database. Our analyses revealed considerable genetic variability of the sortase-dependent fimbriome among bifidobacterial (sub)species, which appears to have been due to horizontal gene transfer events. In addition, functional assessment by transcriptome analysis and binding assays involving different substrates demonstrates how bifidobacterial pili are crucial in promoting various abilities for adhesion to glycans and extracellular matrix proteins, thereby supporting the ecological success of bifidobacteria in the mammalian gut. This study represents a complete genomic study regarding the presence of fimbriae in the genus Bifidobacterium.

Dataset Information

Genetic analysis and morphological identification of pilus-like structures in members of the genus Bifidobacterium.

Publications

Genetic analysis and morphological identification of pilus-like structures in members of the genus Bifidobacterium.

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