title: Entry of pyelonephritogenic Escherichia coli into HEp-2 cells due to actin polymerization.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Microbiology and Virology, University of Sassari, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zanetti
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sechi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Angioi
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Perazzona
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fadda
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D015638:Cytochalasin D