Proteomics as a probe of microbial pathogenesis and its molecular boundaries.
Proteomic technology offers an unprecedented systematic approach to investigate the protein complement of any organism. The field of microbial pathogenesis has greatly benefited from other systems approaches, and the application of proteomics to the study of infectious agents is beginning to emerge. Such applications include unambiguously identifying complete virulence factor inventories, studying the response of both host and pathogen to the infection process and elucidating mechanistic actions of virulence factors as they interface with host cells. This review will highlight examples where proteomic studies have contributed to our understanding of pathogenesis in these areas, with an emphasis on pathogens that employ type III and type IV secretion systems. In addition, we will discuss areas where proteomics may help shape further investigation and discovery in this field.
Bhavsar
Amit P
AP
The University of British Columbia, Michael Smith Laboratories, 301-2185 East Mall Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada. abhavsar@interchange.ubc.ca
Auweter
Sigrid D
SD
Finlay
B Brett
BB
D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods*; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000378:metabolism*
D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D037521:Virulence Factors