The sensory regulation of virulence in Vibrio cholerae
The sensory regulation of virulence in Vibrio cholerae
Disciplines
Biology (100%)
Keywords
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Cholera,
ToxR regulon,
Cryoem,
NMR,
Crystallography,
Protein Interactions
Cholera is a fatal acute diarrhoeal disease, that can become deadly within hours if not treated properly. The importance of research in this field is highlighted by the number of infections (1.3 - 4.0 million) and caused deaths (21 000 -143 000) annually in 51 endemic countries. It is of great importance to provide affordable medication that is in reach for even resource -poor regions, which suffer the most from reoccurring cholera outbreaks. But not only developing countries are affected. The probability of an outbreak is connected to poor sanitation, therefore regions experiencing natural disasters like earthquakes, floods or droughts have also a heightened risk of a cholera outbreak. The rapid spreading of the disease among countries and even continents represents not only an incredible danger for the people due to its high morbidity, it is also a threat to the economies of the affected countries. The resistance of cholera causative Vibrio cholerae to common antibiotics, further emphasizes the need for the development of effective treatment. This project concentrates on the functional and structural characterization of regulatory proteins from Vibrio cholerae. The ability of the bacterium to rapidly adapt to changing environmental conditions (e.g. upon oral ingestion by human), enables its long-term environmental persistence. The interaction between regulatory proteins plays a fundamental role in this adaptive virulence system. One of the main goals of our research is therefore to characterize the interplay of these proteins, and subsequently find substances that inhibit the interaction. The gained information could form the basis for the development of new effective medication against the cholera disease. At the same time, we could provide crucial insights into the functionality of the bacterium and thereby provide valuable knowledge about Vibrio choleraes surviving mechanisms, which is essential for controlling the spreading of the disease.
- Universität Graz - 100%
Research Output
- 6 Citations
- 2 Publications
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2021
Title Structural and DNA-binding properties of the cytoplasmic domain of Vibrio cholerae transcription factor ToxR DOI 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101167 Type Journal Article Author Gubensäk N Journal Journal of Biological Chemistry Pages 101167 Link Publication -
2023
Title Vibrio cholerae’s ToxRS bile sensing system DOI 10.7554/elife.88721 Type Journal Article Author Gubensäk N Journal eLife Link Publication