Secretion of Flagellin by E. coli's Type III Secretion System
Author Information
Author(s): Badea Luminita, Beatson Scott A, Kaparakis Maria, Ferrero Richard L, Hartland Elizabeth L
Primary Institution: Monash University
Hypothesis
Can the LEE-encoded type III secretion system of enteropathogenic E. coli export flagellin?
Conclusion
The study proposes that the LEE-encoded T3SS and flagella T3SSs have evolved to function at different times to prevent flagellin secretion during critical infection stages.
Supporting Evidence
- Flagellin was strongly present in the secretome of wild type EPEC and the ΔespADB mutant.
- FliC could be secreted by the LEE-encoded T3SS and stimulate TLR5 signaling.
- FliC export was greatly reduced in the ΔescF mutant, indicating the importance of the T3SS.
Takeaway
This study found that a specific system in E. coli can help it release a protein called flagellin, but it does so in a way that doesn't help the bacteria move, which is important for its survival.
Methodology
Proteomics was used to compare proteins exported to the culture supernatant by different E. coli mutants.
Limitations
The study did not visualize FliC in the intracellular environment of host cells, which may limit understanding of its role during infection.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0042
Statistical Significance
p=0.0042
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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