Curli produced by Escherichia coli PHL628 provide protection from Hg(II).
The role of curli, amyloid extracellular fibers, in the tolerance of Escherichia coli PHL628 to Hg(II) was examined. Our findings indicate that by sorbing Hg(II) extracellularly, curli protect the cells. To our knowledge, this is the first time a protective role of curli against toxic metals has been demonstrated.
Hidalgo
Gabriela
G
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Chen
Xincai
X
Hay
Anthony G
AG
Lion
Leonard W
LW
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D017669:Mercury Compounds / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity*; D050296:Microbial Viability / Q000187:drug effects
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D017669:Mercury Compounds; C077481:Crl protein, Bacteria