Kentucky Community & Technical College System
Type III Secretion Systems in Bacteria: Potential Target for "Magic Bullets?"
Institution
Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Charles Purvis
Abstract
Numerous human, animal, and plant pathogenic strains of Gram-negative bacteria have been shown to produce a unique set of proteins involved in the pathologies of host cells. Non-pathogenic strains do not produce these proteins. Collectively, these proteins function in what has been termed the Type III Secretion System. To those strains possessing the capability of producing them, these proteins are therefore considered one of their virulence factors. In this "age of antibiotics," it is easy to assume that administration of drugs is a quick and effective "fix" for any infectious disease. Due to the relatively low selective toxicity of antibiotics, even normal microbiota are subject to their effects, and benefits are lost. This project reviews current research dealing with Type III Secretion Systems, and inhibition effects of current technologies on their expression or virulence. The project investigates development of novel methods to control pathogens while leaving non-pathogens unaffected.
Type III Secretion Systems in Bacteria: Potential Target for "Magic Bullets?"
Numerous human, animal, and plant pathogenic strains of Gram-negative bacteria have been shown to produce a unique set of proteins involved in the pathologies of host cells. Non-pathogenic strains do not produce these proteins. Collectively, these proteins function in what has been termed the Type III Secretion System. To those strains possessing the capability of producing them, these proteins are therefore considered one of their virulence factors. In this "age of antibiotics," it is easy to assume that administration of drugs is a quick and effective "fix" for any infectious disease. Due to the relatively low selective toxicity of antibiotics, even normal microbiota are subject to their effects, and benefits are lost. This project reviews current research dealing with Type III Secretion Systems, and inhibition effects of current technologies on their expression or virulence. The project investigates development of novel methods to control pathogens while leaving non-pathogens unaffected.