Heterogeneous expression of Pil3 pilus is critical for Streptococcus gallolyticus translocation across polarized colonic epithelial monolayers |
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Institution: | 1. Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Material Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;2. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;3. Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA |
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Abstract: | Streptococcus gallolyticus is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for septicemia and endocarditis. We report that S. gallolyticus UCN34 adheres and crosses epithelial monolayers in a Pil3 dependent manner. Confocal images revealed a paracellular passage. Both the Δpil3 mutant and the Pil3+ overexpressing variant were unable to cross Caco-2 and T84 barriers. However, combining live Δpil3 mutant with fixed Pil3+ variant in a 9:1 ratio allowed efficient translocation of the Δpil3 mutant. These results demonstrate that heterogeneous expression of Pil3 plays a key role for UCN34 translocation across the intestinal barrier. Through this skilful strategy, S. gallolyticus probably evade host immune responses. |
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Keywords: | Pil3 pilus Colon Translocation |
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