Biogenesis of the fraction 1 capsule and analysis of the ultrastructure of Yersinia pestis.
Analysis of a Yersinia pestis Delta caf1A mutant demonstrated that the Caf1A usher is required for the assembly and secretion of the fraction 1 capsule. The capsule assembled into thin fibrils and denser aggregates on the bacterial surface. Pilus-like fibers were also detected on the surface of Y. pestis. The capsule occasionally coated these fibers, suggesting how the capsule may cloak surface features to prevent host recognition.
Runco
Lisa M
LM
Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-512, USA.
Myrczek
Selina
S
Bliska
James B
JB
Thanassi
David G
DG
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D016667:Bacterial Capsules / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015010:Yersinia pestis / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; C086725:caf1 protein, Yersinia pestis