The surface structure of Leptotrichia buccalis

1994 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. H. Smith ◽  
R. G. E. Murray ◽  
M. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Surface Structure ◽  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Minor Component ◽  
Human Group ◽  
Ridge Structure ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
In Series ◽  
Group A

Leptotrichia buccalis shows a mosaic of surface structure on its outer membrane consisting of curved ridges 35 nm high and 22 nm apart, and erect on that surface. Fimbriae (common pili) are not present and nor is an S layer. The flap-like ridges consist of strings of macromolecules radiating from the cell surface. This ridge structure is not soluble in any of the usual chaotropes and can only be released when the outer membrane has been damaged or dispersed by extracting envelope preparations with 0.5% SDS at room temperature. The ridge is then found to be attached firmly to the peptidoglycan sacculus, which may be the point of origin of the structure. When so prepared the macromolecules forming the ridge can be removed from the sacculus by treatment with 6 M guanidine HCl, and SDS-PAGE analysis of the extract reveals a 210-kDa polypeptide as a major component and a 15-kDa minor component. The latter is probably a peptidoglycan-associated protein and much of it remains with the sacculus. Each string forming the ridge is of a volume consistent with being made of three elongated 210-kDa molecules, which are united in series by strong hydrophobic association and laterally with neighboring strings by slightly weaker forces. We confirm that L. buccalis causes haemagglutination and the bacteria are known to attach to various tissue cells. Human group A red blood corpuscles remove both of the proteins from solution, which supports the hypothesis that the ridges are adhesin structures. It is likely but not proven that the 210-kDa molecule is the adhesin.Key words: Leptotrichia buccalis, cell wall, S layer, protein array, adhesin.

The structure and associations of the double S layer on the cell wall of Aquaspirillum sinuosum

1990 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 327-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen H. Smith ◽  
Robert G. E. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Outer Layer ◽  
Peptide Mapping ◽  
Periodic Acid ◽  
Minor Component ◽  
Membrane Resistance ◽  
Surface Layers ◽  
Periodic Acid Schiff ◽  
Bacterial Surface

Aquaspirillum sinuosum cell walls bear two paracrystalline, proteinaceous surface layers (S layers). Each shows a different symmetry: the inner layer is closely apposed to the outer membrane and is a tetragonal array (90° axes; 5-nm units; repeat frequency 8 nm); the outer layer is a hexagonal array on the external surface (14-nm units; repeat frequency 18 nm) and, although the units have a six-pointed stellate form, the linkage between units is not resolved. The outer layer consists of a major 130-kDa protein and a 180-kDa minor component; these co-extract, co-assemble, and are inseparable by hydroxylapatite chromatography or by recrystallization. The solubilizing effects of reagents suggest stabilization by hydrogen bonding and Ca2+. The two outer layer proteins are serologically related and show partial identity by peptide mapping. Periodic acid – Schiff staining of the 180-kDa band suggests that this may be a glycosylated form of the 130-kDa component. The inner layer components form a doublet of 75- and 80-kDa polypeptides with extreme resistance to extraction. Close apposition to the outer membrane, resistance to chaotropes, aqueous insolubility, and behaviour in charge-shift electrophoresis suggest hydrophobic interaction between subunits and an integral association with the outer membrane. Key words: bacterial surface, cell wall, surface layers, cell-wall proteins, cell-wall assembly.

scholarly journals Streptococcal Lancefield polysaccharides are critical cell wall determinants for human group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 to exert its bactericidal effects

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent P. van Hensbergen ◽  
Elin Movert ◽  
Vincent de Maat ◽  
Christian Lüchtenborg ◽  
Yoann Le Breton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Phospholipase A ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Human Group ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Innate Defense ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Peptidoglycan Layer

AbstractHuman Group IIA secreted phospholipase A2(hGIIA) is an acute phase protein with bactericidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Infection models in hGIIA transgenic mice have suggested the importance of hGIIA as an innate defense mechanism against the human pathogens Group AStreptococcus(GAS) and Group BStreptococcus(GBS). Compared to other Gram-positive bacteria, GAS is remarkably resistant to hGIIA activity. To identify GAS resistance mechanisms, we exposed a highly saturated GAS M1 transposon library to recombinant human hGIIA and compared relative mutant abundance with library input through transposon-sequencing (Tn-seq). Based on transposon prevalence in the output library, we identified nine genes, includingdltAandlytR,conferring increased hGIIA susceptibility. In addition, seven genes conferred increased hGIIA resistance, which included two genes,gacHandgacIthat are located within the Group A Carbohydrate (GAC) gene cluster. Using GAS 5448 wild-type and the isogenicgacImutant and gacI-complemented strains, we demonstrate that loss of the GACN-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) side chain in theΔgacImutant increases hGIIA resistance approximately 10-fold, a phenotype that is conserved across different GAS serotypes. Increased resistance is associated with delayed penetration of hGIIA through the cell wall. Correspondingly, loss of the Lancefield Group B Carbohydrate (GBC) rendered GBS significantly more resistant to hGIIA-mediated killing. This suggests that the streptococcal Lancefield antigens, which are critical determinants for streptococcal physiology and virulence, are required for the human bactericidal enzyme hGIIA to exert its bactericidal function.Author summaryThe human immune system is capable of killing invading bacteria by secreting antimicrobial proteins. Cationic human Group IIA secreted phospholipase A2(hGIIA) is especially effective against Gram-positive bacteria by degrading the bacterial membrane. HGIIA requires binding to negatively charged surface structures before it can penetrate through the thick peptidoglycan layer and reach the target phospholipid membrane. HGIIA is constitutively expressed at high concentrations at sites of possible bacterial entry, e.g. in tears, skin and small intestine. In serum, normal concentrations are low but can increase up to 1,000-fold upon inflammation or infection.In vitro,ex vivoandin vivoexperiments suggest an important role for hGIIA in defense against two human pathogens, Group A and Group BStreptococcus(GAS, GBS). We demonstrate that the Lancefield cell wall polysaccharides that are expressed by these bacteria, the Group A Carbohydrate (GAC) for GAS and the Group B Carbohydrate (GBC) for GBS, are required for optimal hGIIA bactericidal efficacy by facilitating penetration through the peptidoglycan layer. Given the increased hGIIA resistance of antigen-modified or antigen-deficient streptococci, it will be of interest to determine potential regulatory mechanisms regarding expression of streptococcal Lancefield polysaccharides.

Molecular Structure of the Outermost Cell Wall Component of Spirillum Serpens

1977 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 342-343
Author(s):  
Wah Chiu ◽  
David Grano
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Structure ◽  
Cell Wall ◽  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Electron Microscopic Examination ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Cell Wall Component ◽  
Protein Components ◽  
Exposure Technique ◽  
Structural Aspects

The periodic structure external to the outer membrane of Spirillum serpens VHA has been isolated by similar procedures to those used by Buckmire and Murray (1). From SDS gel electrophoresis, we have found that the isolated fragments contain several protein components, and that the crystalline structure is composed of a glycoprotein component with a molecular weight of ∽ 140,000 daltons (2). Under an electron microscopic examination, we have visualized the hexagonally-packed glycoprotein subunits, as well as the bilayer profile of the outer membrane. In this paper, we will discuss some structural aspects of the crystalline glycoproteins, based on computer-reconstructed images of the external cell wall fragments.The specimens were prepared for electron microscopy in two ways: negatively stained with 1% PTA, and maintained in a frozen-hydrated state (3). The micrographs were taken with a JEM-100B electron microscope with a field emission gun. The minimum exposure technique was essential for imaging the frozen- hydrated specimens.

scholarly journals Anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa antibody detection in patients with bronchiectasis without cystic fibrosis

Thorax ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 669-674
Author(s):  
E Caballero ◽  
M-E Drobnic ◽  
M-T Pérez ◽  
J-M Manresa ◽  
A Ferrer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Outer Membrane Proteins ◽  
Antibody Detection ◽  
Individual Bands ◽  
Diagnostic Usefulness ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

BACKGROUNDPseudomonas aeruginosa is a frequent cause of infection in patients with bronchiectasis. Differentiation between non-infected patients and those with different degrees of P aeruginosainfection could influence the management and prognosis of these patients. The diagnostic usefulness of serum IgG antibodies againstP aeruginosa outer membrane proteins was determined in patients with bronchiectasis without cystic fibrosis.METHODSFifty six patients were classified according to sputum culture into three groups: group A (n=18) with no P aeruginosain any sample; group B (n=18) with P aeruginosa alternating with other microorganisms; and group C (n=20) with P aeruginosa in all sputum samples. Each patient had at least three sputum cultures in the 6 months prior to serum collection. Detection of antibodies was performed by Western blot and their presence against 20 protein bands (10–121 kd) was assessed.RESULTSAntibodies to more than four bands in total or to five individual bands (36, 26, 22, 20 or 18 kd) differentiated group B from group A, while antibodies to a total of more than eight bands or to 10 individual bands (104, 69, 63, 56, 50, 44, 30, 25, 22, 13 kd) differentiated group C from group B. When discordant results between the total number of bands and the frequency of P aeruginosa isolation were obtained, the follow up of patients suggested that the former, in most cases, predicted chronic P aeruginosacolonisation.CONCLUSIONIn patients with bronchiectasis the degree of P aeruginosa infection can be determined by the number and type of outer membrane protein bands indicating which serum antibodies are present.

scholarly journals Kinetic Analysis of the Thermal Decomposition of Iron(III) Phosphates: Fe(NH3)2PO4 and Fe(ND3)2PO4

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 781
Author(s):  
Isabel Iglesias ◽  
José A. Huidobro ◽  
Belén F. Alfonso ◽  
Camino Trobajo ◽  
Aránzazu Espina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Decomposition ◽  
Kinetic Analysis ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Isoconversional Methods ◽  
Iron Phosphate ◽  
Dihydrogen Phosphate ◽  
Monoclinic System ◽  
Space Group ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Group A

The hydrothermal synthesis and both the chemical and structural characterization of a diamin iron phosphate are reported. A new synthetic route, by using n-butylammonium dihydrogen phosphate as a precursor, leads to the largest crystals described thus far for this compound. Its crystal structure is determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system (Pnma space group, a = 10.1116(2) Å, b = 6.3652(1) Å, c = 7.5691(1) Å, Z = 4) at room temperature and, below 220 K, changes towards the monoclinic system P21/n, space group. The in situ powder X-ray thermo-diffraction monitoring for the compound, between room temperature and 1100 K, is also included. Thermal analysis shows that the solid is stable up to ca. 440 K. The kinetic analysis of thermal decomposition (hydrogenated and deuterated forms) is performed by using the isoconversional methods of Vyazovkin and a modified version of Friedman. Similar values for the kinetic parameters are achieved by both methods and they are checked by comparing experimental and calculated conversion curves.

scholarly journals THE LYSIS OF GROUP A HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI BY EXTRACELLULAR ENZYMES OF STREPTOMYCES ALBUS

1952 ◽  
Vol 96 (6) ◽  
pp. 569-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maclyn McCarty
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Extracellular Enzymes ◽  
Group A Streptococci ◽  
Carbohydrate Component ◽  
Streptococcal Cell Wall ◽  
Intact Cells ◽  
Enzymatic Lysis ◽  
Streptomyces Albus ◽  
Group A ◽  
Isolated Cell

Cell wall preparations of uniform chemical constitution have been obtained from several strains of group A streptococci. The isolated cell walls are dissolved by the same fractions of the Streptomyces albus enzymes that are effective in the lysis of intact cells, and it is likely that enzymatic lysis of group A streptococci is effected by an attack on the cell wall. The streptococcal cell wall, as prepared in this study, consists of approximately two-thirds carbohydrate and one-third protein. Small amounts of other components may be present. The carbohydrate component, which is composed primarily of N-acetyl-glucosamine and rhamnose, is the group-specific C carbohydrate. The evidence indicates that one of the streptomyces enzymes is directed toward the carbohydrate component of the cell wall.

scholarly journals STUDIES ON BACTERIOPHAGES OF HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI

1957 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Krause
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
Receptor Site ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Phage Antibody ◽  
Group A ◽  
Phage Receptor ◽  
Hyaluronic Acid Capsule ◽  
Isolated Cell

The host ranges of bacteriophages for group A, types 1, 6, 12, and 25 and group C streptococci have been determined. The findings indicate that the susceptibility to these phages is primarily a group-specific phenomenon, although it is modified by several factors such as the hyaluronic acid capsule, lysogeny, and possibly the presence of surface proteins. Phage antibody studies indicate that while the group A phages are antigenically related, they are distinct from the group C phage. This is in agreement with the observation that group A phages are not specific for their homologous streptococcal types. The purified group C carbohydrate inactivates group C phage but not the group A phages, thus suggesting that the carbohydrate, a component of the cell wall, may serve as the phage receptor site. It has not been possible to inactivate the group A phages with group A carbohydrate. Phage lysis of groups A and C streptococci is accompanied by fragmentation of the cell wall since the C carbohydrate has been identified serologically and chemically in the supernate of centrifuged lysates. The immediate lysis of groups A and C hemolytic streptococci and their isolated cell walls by an accesory heat-labile lytic factor in fresh group C lysates is also described.

Electron microscopy of the replicative events of A25 bacteriophages in group A streptococci

1972 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. E. Read ◽  
R. W. Reed
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Cell Wall ◽  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Group A Streptococcus ◽  
Group A Streptococci ◽  
Virulent Phage ◽  
Acid Pool ◽  
Group A ◽  
A Cell

The replicative events of a virulent phage (A25) infection of a group A Streptococcus (T253) were studied using the electron microscope. The first intracellular evidence of phage replication in a cell occurred 30 min after infection with arrest of cell division and increase in the nucleic acid pool. Phage heads were evident in the nucleic acid pool of the cells 45 min after infection. Release of phages occurred by splitting of the cell wall along discrete lines. This appeared to be at sites of active wall synthesis, i.e., near the region of septum formation. Many phage components were released but relatively few complete phages indicating a relatively inefficient replicative system.

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