Snap denaturation reveals dimerization by AraC-like protein Rns.

Here we show that the Rns regulator of Escherichia coli dimerises in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Rns forms aggregates in vitro and describe a methodology to ameliorate aggregation thus permitting the analysis of Rns by cross-linking.

Post-operative infection and sepsis in humans is associated with deficient gene expression of γc cytokines and their apoptosis mediators.

Introduction: Lymphocyte homeostasis is dependent on the γc cytokines. We hypothesised that sepsis in humans is associated with differential gene expression of the γc cytokines and their associated apoptosis mediators.

Methods: The study population consisted of a total of 60 patients with severe sepsis, 15 with gram negative bacteraemia, 10 healthy controls and 60 patients undergoing elective lung resection surgery.

A novel role for SarX in Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm regulation.

Biofilm production by staphylococci is an important virulence determinant mediated by the icaADBC-encoded polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) or by surface and extracellular proteins. Deletion of the Staphylococcus accessory regulator sarX significantly reduced biofilm-forming capacity in Staphylococcus epidermidis CSF41498, whereas multicopy sarX complemented the sarX mutant and increased wild-type biofilm production. In Staphylococcus aureus, SarX negatively regulates the accessory gene regulator (Agr) system, which in turn has strain-specific effects on biofilm regulation.

A commensal gone bad: complete genome sequence of the prototypical enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain H10407.

In most cases, Escherichia coli exists as a harmless commensal organism, but it may on occasion cause intestinal and/or extraintestinal disease. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is the predominant cause of E.

Mutagenesis of the Rns regulator of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli reveals roles for a linker sequence and two helix-turn-helix motifs.

The pathogenesis of diarrhoeal disease due to human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli absolutely requires the expression of fimbriae. The expression of CS1 fimbriae is positively regulated by the AraC-like protein Rns. AraC-like proteins are DNA-binding proteins that typically contain two helix-turn-helix (HTH) motifs.

A molecular Swiss army knife: OmpA structure, function and expression.

The OmpA outer membrane protein of Escherichia coli and other enterobacteria is a multifaceted protein. This protein is expressed to very high levels and ompA is tightly regulated at the posttranscriptional level. It can function as an adhesin and invasin, participate in biofilm formation, act as both an immune target and evasin, and serves as a receptor for several bacteriophages.