Increased expression of the type IV secretion system in piliated Neisseria gonorrhoeae variants.

摘要: Neisseria gonorrhoeae produces a type IV secretion system that secretes chromosomal DNA. The secreted DNA is active in the transformation of other gonococci population and may act to transfer antibiotic resistance genes variant alleles for surface antigens, as well genes. We observed gonococcal variants produced pili more than were nonpiliated, suggesting process be regulated. Using microarray analysis, we found piliated strain showed increased expression gene putative coupling protein TraD, whereas nonpiliated transcriptional translational machinery, consistent with its higher growth rate compared strain. These results suggested might controlled by either traD or rate. A mutant deletion was deficient secretion. Further mutation complementation analysis indicated transcriptionally translationally coupled traI, which encodes relaxase. able increase inserting cassette strong promoter drive operon containing traI traD. Together, these data suggest model apparatus made constitutively, while activity through regulation traI.