Relationship Between the Tat Protein Transport System and Virulence in ETEC

Abstract Purpose We aimed to investigate the effect of tatABC gene deletion on the pathogenicity of enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli (ETEC). Methods Changes in bacterial dynamics and virulence after deletion were examined using mobility and animal toxicity tests for ETEC. Further, differential expression of proteins between the gene-deletion and wild-type strains was analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to explore the possible mechanisms underlying the effects of this gene on bacterial virulence. Result After tatABC knockout, the virulence of ETEC H10407 was strongly attenuated, and its invasion in rabbit intestinal mucosa was significantly reduced. Mass spectrometry revealed that 10 differentially expressed proteins involved in physiological functions of bacteria, which may be associated with changes in bacterial motility and pathogenicity. Conclusion The research shows that the twin-arginine translocation system of ETEC may be closely related to its virulence.