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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Investigation Of A Ubiquitous Spore Surface Protein, Justyna Kordzikowska
Investigation Of A Ubiquitous Spore Surface Protein, Justyna Kordzikowska
Master's Theses
All bacterial spores are comprised of concentric shells. All spores are encased in a layer called the coat. Some spores have an additional layer outside of the coat called the exosporium. Presumably, this morphological variation is an adaptation to variation in the environments in which these species can be found. However, spores from species with and without exosporia can often be found in the same niche. We hypothesize, therefore, that spores with and without exosporia share a common surface protein. Bacillus anthracis possess a well characterized surface protein called BclA. A BclA homologue is also present on the surface of …
Investigating The Regulatory Mechanisms By Which Arabinose And Sypa Control Biofilm Formation In Vibrio Fischeri, Sheila Paris
Investigating The Regulatory Mechanisms By Which Arabinose And Sypa Control Biofilm Formation In Vibrio Fischeri, Sheila Paris
Master's Theses
Biofilms are surface-associated microbial communities surrounded by an extracellular matrix. Through biofilm formation, many pathogens and symbionts are able to colonize, survive, and persist in their host. A model system used to study biofilm formation is the symbiotic bacterium Vibrio fischeri, which colonizes its host, the squid Euprymna scolopes. Complex signaling between the squid and the bacteria is essential for the proper regulation of biofilm formation as well as for persistent colonization.
The signal(s) that promote host-relevant biofilm formation are as-yet unknown, but recently it was discovered that the sugar, L-arabinose, serves as a unique signal to promote biofilm formation …
Lactobacillus Crispatus Produces A Bacteridical Molecule That Kills Uropathogenic E. Coli, Katherine Diebel
Lactobacillus Crispatus Produces A Bacteridical Molecule That Kills Uropathogenic E. Coli, Katherine Diebel
Master's Theses
As many as 1 in 2 women will have at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. UTIs can cause complications in pregnancy and decrease quality of life, and their treatment and prevention are expensive. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) is the primary cause of UTI. The probiotic and bactericidal capacities of gut and vaginal Lactobacillus isolates have been studied, but the same attention has not been paid to urinary strains. These urinary isolates of L. crispatus appear to have a greater killing capacity against UPEC and this bactericidal activity does not depend on the cells themselves, consistent with …
Lipoate Metabolism In Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenesis, Maria Azul Zorzoli
Lipoate Metabolism In Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenesis, Maria Azul Zorzoli
Master's Theses
Lipoate is an essential cofactor of several proteins involved in cellular energy homeostasis and catabolism. Lipoate metabolism has been linked to pathogenesis in some microbial species, but its role in Staphylococcus aureus infections had not been explored. In this thesis, we tested the hypothesis that lipoate acquisition mechanisms promote S. aureus infectivity. We used a bacterial genetics approach to elucidate the biological function of the S. aureus genes involved in lipoate metabolism. Our findings allowed us to propose a model for lipoic acid de novo biosynthesis and salvage pathways in S. aureus. Moreover, we detail hitherto undescribed genetic arrangements of …