The Mth60 fimbriae of Methanothermobacter thermoautotrophicus are functional adhesins.
The ability to adhere onto surfaces is of very high importance for microorganisms, enabling them to stay in a favourable habitat for life. In the case of Bacteria cell surface organelles called fimbriae/pili have been shown to be used for adhesion; corresponding cell surface appendages of Archaea have not yet been defined. The first detailed characterization of archaeal fimbriae, namely those of Methanothermobacter thermoautotrophicus, allowed us to identify mth60 as the main structural fimbrin gene. Recombinant expression of mth60 in Escherichia coli was used to generate sufficient amounts of Mth60 to induce antibodies in rabbits. The antiserum reacted specifically with the 16 kDa fimbrial glycoprotein and could specifically detach adhering M. thermoautotrophicus cells from various surfaces. In addition we proved that cells adhering to solid surfaces - organic and inorganic ones - express many more fimbriae than cells growing in liquid cultures. The Mth60 fimbriae therefore are used by M. thermoautotrophicus as adhesins.
Thoma
Christine
C
University of Regensburg, Archaea Centre, Universitätsstrasse 31; D-93053 Regensburg, Germany.
Frank
Monika
M
Rachel
Reinhard
R
Schmid
Silvia
S
Näther
Daniela
D
Wanner
Gerhard
G
Wirth
Reinhard
R
D000818:Animals; D019844:Antibodies, Archaeal; D019843:Archaeal Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D022081:Cell Surface Extensions / Q000502:physiology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D015870:Gene Expression; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics*; D017013:Methanobacteriaceae / Q000502:physiology*; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D011817:Rabbits; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000302:isolation & purification
D019844:Antibodies, Archaeal; D019843:Archaeal Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C026742:plastin