FimA and Mfa1 Fimbriae: Current Insights on Localization, Function, Biogenesis, and Genotype

Overview

Journal Jpn Dent Sci Rev

Publisher Elsevier

Specialty Dentistry

Date 2021 Oct 25

PMID 34691295

Citations 24

Authors

Yoshiaki Hasegawa

Keiji Nagano

Affiliations

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Abstract

In general, the periodontal pathogen expresses distinct FimA and Mfa1 fimbriae. Each of these consists of five FimA-E and five Mfa1-5 proteins encoded by the and gene clusters, respectively. The main shaft portion comprises FimA and Mfa1, whereas FimB and Mfa2 are localized on the basal portion and function as anchors and elongation terminators. FimC-E and Mfa3-5 participate in the assembly of an accessory protein complex on the tips of each fimbria. Hence, they serve as ligands for the receptors on host cells and other oral bacterial species. The crystal structures of FimA and Mfa1 fimbrial proteins were recently elucidated and new insights into the localization, function, and biogenesis of these proteins have been reported. Several studies indicated a correlation between pathogenicity and the genotype but not the genotype. We recently revealed polymorphisms of all genes in the and gene clusters. Intriguingly, occurred in numerous different forms and underwent duplication. Detailed structural and functional knowledge of the fimbrial proteins in the context of the entire filament could facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for structure-based drug design.

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