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BFPE Structure/Function in Type IV Pilus Biogenesis

Objective

A non-polar mutation in bfpE will be constructed, and the effect of this lesion on pilus production and bacterial adherence will be examined. A detailed topological analysis of BfpA will be carried out using phoA/lacZ reporter systems. The effects of mutations in the hydrophilic segments of BfpE will be determined to identify critical residues for pilus function. Three different methods: selection of suppressor of BfpE, cross linking, and use of the two-hybrid system, are proposed to study the interaction of BfpE with other proteins.

More information

The BfpE protein of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) is a representative of a family of cytoplasmic membrane proteins that participate in the biogenesis of type IV pili. It is hypothesized that BfpE is directly required for pilus formation and that it is a key component of a protein complex encoded by the bfp gene cluster. Experimental strategies are proposed to gain a better understanding of the structure and function of BfpE.
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The results of the proposed research should advance our knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the biogenesis of EPEC pili.

Investigators
Blank, Eric
Institution
University of Maryland - Baltimore Professional School
Start date
2000
End date
2000
Project number
5F32AI010191-03
Categories