Entry of pyelonephritogenic Escherichia coli into HEp-2 cells due to actin polymerization.
This study provides evidence that pyelonephritogenic strains of Escherichia coli, which do not produce soluble hemolysin and possess mannose-resistant hemagglutinating activity, are able to adhere and penetrate to HEp-2 cells. Invasion and intracellular survival were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and by viable counts after killing of extracellular bacteria by gentamicin. Cytochalasin D, which blocks polymerization of G-actin, markedly reduced the entry of E. coli into the cells and inhibited intracellular mobility of the bacteria. By using indirect fluorescent staining with anti-actin rabbit serum, direct evidence was obtained that interaction with the cytoskeleton of HEp-2 cells is necessary for invasion.
Zanetti
S
S
Institute of Microbiology and Virology, University of Sassari, Italy.
Sechi
L
L
Angioi
A
A
Perazzona
B
B
Fadda
G
G
D000199:Actins / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015638:Cytochalasin D / Q000494:pharmacology; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D007682:Kidney Pelvis / Q000382:microbiology*
D000199:Actins; D015638:Cytochalasin D