The Bvg accessory factor (Baf) enhances pertussis toxin expression in Escherichia coli and is essential for Bordetella pertussis viability

Gwendolyn E. Wood, Richard L. Friedman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pertussis toxin expression in the Gram-negative respiratory pathogen, Bordetella pertussis, is regulated by the BvgAS two-component system. Previous studies suggested that an additional gene encoding a Bvg accessory factor (Baf) was required, along with BvgAS, for expression of a ptx-lacZ fusion in Escherichia coli grown in rich medium. However, other studies showed that BvgAS is sufficient for ptx-lacZ expression in minimal medium. Here we show that Baf acts with BvgAS to further increase ptx-lacZ expression in E. coli grown in minimal media and this is concomitant with a two-fold increase in BvgA protein levels. Gene replacement experiments show that baf is essential for viability of B. pertussis, suggesting that Baf affects the expression of other genes in addition to ptx. (C) 2000 Federation of European Microbiological Societies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)25-30
Number of pages6
JournalFEMS Microbiology Letters
Volume193
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2000
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bordetella
  • Bvg accessory factor
  • BvgAS
  • Pertussis toxin
  • Two-component system

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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