MP77-14 MALX AS A VIRULENCE FACTOR IN UROPATHOGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI: CORRELATION WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AND ANALYSIS OF ITS FUNCTION

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfections/Inflammation/Cystic Disease of the Genitourinary Tract: Kidney & Bladder II (MP77)1 Apr 2020MP77-14 MALX AS A VIRULENCE FACTOR IN UROPATHOGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI: CORRELATION WITH URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AND ANALYSIS OF ITS FUNCTION Andrew Petter*, Jacob Hogins, Philippe E. Zimmern, and Larry Reitzer Andrew Petter*Andrew Petter* More articles by this author , Jacob HoginsJacob Hogins More articles by this author , Philippe E. ZimmernPhilippe E. Zimmern More articles by this author , and Larry ReitzerLarry Reitzer More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000963.014AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The malX gene was identified in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain CFT073 as part of a pathogenicity-associated island about 20 years ago. Homology analysis indicated that it is a component of the phosphotransferase system (PTS) of carbohydrate transport. We compiled the evidence that correlates malX to UTIs. To determine its function, which is unknown, we constructed and characterized mutants lacking malX. METHODS: We compiled all published information about the presence of malX in UPEC strains. We constructed a mutant with a deletion of malX in the model UPEC strain UTI89 and characterized its growth and carbohydrate depletion. RESULTS: A PubMed search identified 8 papers that surveyed a correlation between malX and urinary tract infections. A compilation of these results showed that malX generally correlates with UTIs and phylogenetic group B2 which is the most common UPEC group. The malX gene associated with UPEC strains is only 40% identical to the previously described malX which means that the malX designation for the UPEC gene is incorrect. We provisionally designated the virulence factor gene as malX2. A malX2 mutant grew poorly in medium in which glucose, xylose, and glycerol were the sole carbon sources. The mutant depleted carbohydrates slowly. CONCLUSIONS: The MalX2 protein appears to be the major transporter for several carbohydrates. A previous study of nonpathogenic E. coli proposed that the original MalX (not MalX2) transported carbohydrates by facilitated diffusion. If this is also true for MalX2, then such transport, which is potentially rapid, may in part account for rapid growth of UPEC strains. This novel transport system distinguishes uropathogenic from nonpathogenic E. coli. Source of Funding: None © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e1169-e1169 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Andrew Petter* More articles by this author Jacob Hogins More articles by this author Philippe E. Zimmern More articles by this author Larry Reitzer More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...