Polymerizer-mediated intracellular movement.

Abstract

Bacterial movement inside the cytoplasm is a major virulence factor in that it is necessary for efficient colonization of the infected tissues. Molecules from both the host and the pathogen present possible sites of pharmacologic intervention. Because locomoting Listeria and Shigella mimic the activated state of the leading edge of nonmuscle cells, these pathogens are powerful tools for dissecting the molecular machinery of actin-based motility. Analysis of the movement linked to cytoskeleton may lead to: (I) improved understanding of the mechanisms of disease transmission, including carriers and carrier states, pathogen movements, environmental factors and pharmacokinetics of the uptake and residues of vaccines and other biologics, and drugs in cultivated organisms; (II) new therapeutic developments, since it identifies the molecular targets involved in the pathogenicity of Listeria and Shigella and vaccinia intracellular enveloped virus. Recent knowledge about the intracellular movement in cytoplasm may lead to a better understanding of the processes governing actin dynamics within the cell and disease spread.

• Authors: Jarosław M Wiśniewski, Jacek Bielecki
• Journal: Polish journal of microbiology (Pol J Microbiol) Vol. 53 Suppl Pg. 35-8 ( 2004) ISSN: 1733-1331 [Print] Poland
• PMID: 15787195 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Actins
• Bacterial Proteins
• Membrane Proteins
• actA protein, Listeria monocytogenes

Topics

• Actins (physiology)
• Bacterial Proteins (physiology)
• Listeria monocytogenes (physiology)
• Listeriosis (microbiology)
• Membrane Proteins (physiology)
• Rickettsia (physiology)
• Shigella (physiology)