Conserved features and major differences in the outer membrane protein composition of chlamydiae.

摘要: Summary Chlamydiae are a highly successful group of obligate intracellular bacteria infecting variety eukaryotic hosts. Outer membrane proteins involved in attachment to and uptake into host cells, cross-linking these via disulfide bonds key features the biphasic chlamydial developmental cycle. In this study, we used consensus approach predict outer genomes members three families. By analysing protein fractions purified chlamydiae with sensitive mass spectrometry, show that composition differs strongly between organisms. Large numbers major protein-like present at high abundance Simkania negevensis Waddlia chondrophila, whereas yet uncharacterized putative porins dominate Parachlamydia acanthamoebae. represents first case chlamydia completely lacking stabilizing cysteine-rich its membrane. agreement this, contrast Waddlia, cellular integrity is not impaired by conditions reduce proteins. The observed differences among divergent families suggest different stabilities organisms environment, probably due adaption niches or transmission routes.