Dataset Information

Phylogenetic Analysis of Filifactor alocis Strains Isolated from Several Oral Infections Identified a Novel RTX Toxin, FtxA.

ABSTRACT: Filifactor alocis is a Gram-positive asaccharolytic, obligate anaerobic rod of the phylum Firmicutes, and is considered an emerging pathogen in various oral infections, including periodontitis. We here aimed to perform phylogenetic analysis of a genome-sequenced F. alocis type strain (ATCC 35896; CCUG 47790), as well as nine clinical oral strains that we have independently isolated and sequenced, for identification and deeper characterization of novel genomic elements of virulence in this species. We identified that 60% of the strains carried a gene encoding a hitherto unrecognized member of the large repeats-in-toxins (RTX) family, which we have designated as FtxA. The clinical infection origin of the ftxA-positive isolates largely varied. However, according to MLST, a clear monophylogeny was reveled for all ftxA-positive strains, along with a high co-occurrence of lactate dehydrogenase (ldh)-positivity. Cloning and expression of ftxA in E. coli, and purification of soluble FtxA yielded a protein of the predicted molecular size of approximately 250 kDa. Additional functional and proteomics analyses using both the recombinant protein and the ftxA-positive, and -negative isolates may reveal a possible role and mechanism(s) of FtxA in the virulence properties of F.alocis, and whether the gene might be a candidate diagnostic marker for more virulent strains.

SUBMITTER: Oscarsson J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7692872 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Phylogenetic Analysis of Filifactor alocis Strains Isolated from Several Oral Infections Identified a Novel RTX Toxin, FtxA.

Oscarsson Jan J Claesson Rolf R Bao Kai K Brundin Malin M Belibasakis Georgios N GN

Toxins 20201030 11

Filifactor alocis is a Gram-positive asaccharolytic, obligate anaerobic rod of the phylum Firmicutes, and is considered an emerging pathogen in various oral infections, including periodontitis. We here aimed to perform phylogenetic analysis of a genome-sequenced F. alocis type strain (ATCC 35896; CCUG 47790), as well as nine clinical oral strains that we have independently isolated and sequenced, for identification and deeper characterization of novel genomic elements of virulence ...[more]

PMID: 33143036

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundBacteria in periodontal pockets develop complex sessile communities that attach to the tooth surface. These highly dynamic microfloral environments challenge both clinicians and researchers alike. The exploration of structural organisation and bacterial interactions within these biofilms is critically important for a thorough understanding of periodontal disease. In recent years, Filifactor alocis, a fastidious, Gram-positive, obligately anaerobic rod was repeatedly identified in periodontal lesions using DNA-based methods. It has been suggested to be a marker for periodontal deterioration. The present study investigated the epidemiology of F. alocis in periodontal pockets and analysed the spatial arrangement and architectural role of the organism in in vivo grown subgingival biofilms.ResultsA species-specific oligonucleotide probe, FIAL, was designed and evaluated. A total of 490 subgingival plaque samples were submitted to PCR and subsequent dot blot hybridization to compare the prevalence of F. alocis in patients suffering from generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP), chronic periodontitis (CP), and control subjects resistant to periodontitis. Moreover, a specially designed carrier system was used to collect in vivo grown subgingival biofilms from GAP patients. Subsequent topographic analysis was performed using fluorescence in situ hybridization.While the majority of patients suffering from GAP or CP harboured F. alocis, it was rarely detected in the control group. In the examined carrier-borne biofilms the organism predominantly colonized apical parts of the pocket in close proximity to the soft tissues and was involved in numerous structures that constitute characteristic architectural features of subgingival periodontal biofilms.ConclusionsF. alocis is likely to make a relevant contribution to the pathogenetic structure of biofilms accounting for periodontal inflammation and can be considered an excellent marker organism for periodontal disease.

Dataset Information

Phylogenetic Analysis of Filifactor alocis Strains Isolated from Several Oral Infections Identified a Novel RTX Toxin, FtxA.

Publications

Phylogenetic Analysis of <i>Filifactor alocis</i> Strains Isolated from Several Oral Infections Identified a Novel RTX Toxin, FtxA.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets