Abstract
Analysis of a Yersinia pestis Delta caf1A mutant demonstrated that the Caf1A usher is required for the assembly and secretion of the fraction 1 capsule. The capsule assembled into thin fibrils and denser aggregates on the bacterial surface. Pilus-like fibers were also detected on the surface of Y. pestis. The capsule occasionally coated these fibers, suggesting how the capsule may cloak surface features to prevent host recognition.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Bacterial Capsules / genetics
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Bacterial Capsules / metabolism*
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Bacterial Capsules / ultrastructure*
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Bacterial Proteins / genetics
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Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Yersinia pestis / genetics
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Yersinia pestis / growth & development*
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Yersinia pestis / ultrastructure*
Substances
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Bacterial Proteins
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caf1 protein, Yersinia pestis