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The regulation and function of fimE in the phase variation of type 1 fimbriae in E. coli
Reference
G11730
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
Dr Ian Blomfield
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution
University of Kent
Department
Sch of Biosciences
Funding type
Research
Value (£)
181,077
Status
Completed
Type
Research Grant
Start date
01/07/1999
End date
01/07/2002
Duration
36 months
Abstract
Like many other fimbriae, type 1 fimbriation (fim) is phase variable. For fim, phase variation is controlled by site-specific inversion. This inversion is catalysed by two recombinases, encoded by fimB (phase transitions in either direction) and fimE (phase transitions from the fimbriate-to-afimbriate phase only). Both fimB and fimE recombination are stimulated by alanine and leucine; moreover in the afimbriate phase, fimE expression is inhibited (orientational control). We plan to characterise the regulation and function of fimE. Type 1 fimbriae are a virulence factor in urinary tract infections, and the fim system is an excellent model for studying the genetic and environmental control of (i) bacterial adherence and (ii) phase variation.
Summary
unavailable
Committee
Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research Topics
X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority
X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative
X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme
X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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