M protein, a fibrillar molecule on the surface of the group A streptococcus, protects the organism from attack by human phagocytic cells and is therefore considered to be the major virulence factor for this bacterium. While anti-M protein antibodies protect against subsequent streptococcal infection, this protection is specific for organisms of one serotype of M protein. (Over 80 serotypes are currently recognized.) To approach the question of broad protection from infection by group A streptococci, an understanding of the relation of the molecular structure of M proteins to their function is important. In our previous work, we reported the first M protein gene sequence and determined one molecular mechanism for antigenic variation. We also developed the genetic techniques necessary to perform a detailed structure-function analysis of this virulence factor. This analysis, the first goal of this work, will provide a rational basis for possible vaccine development. In addition, we have identified a gene (mry) that encodes a protein required for expression of the M protein and possibly of other virulence factors of S. pyogenes. The predicted structure of Mry suggests that it is part of a signal-transducing system and it is possible that, like proteins of this type in other pathogenic bacteria, Mry may be a global regulator of streptococcal virulence determinants. We propose to utilize molecular genetics to analyze the mechanism of the environmentally responsive regulation by Mry. It may be possible to develop an anti-bacterial agent based on a better understanding of the mode of action of this protein. It seems likely that a functional mry gene is also present in other group A streptococcal strains and may be required for their virulence. In this case, an antagonist to Mry should have antibacterial activity against all S. pyogenes strains regardless of M type. Furthermore, because signal- transducing systems of different organisms have many features in common, an antagonist to Mry might have activity against a broad spectrum of different pathogenic bacteria.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37AI020723-16
Application #
2886452
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (NSS)
Program Officer
Rubin, Fran A
Project Start
1984-06-01
Project End
2002-03-31
Budget Start
1999-04-01
Budget End
2000-03-31
Support Year
16
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Emory University
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322
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Bugrysheva, Julia; Froehlich, Barbara J; Freiberg, Jeffrey A et al. (2011) Serine/threonine protein kinase Stk is required for virulence, stress response, and penicillin tolerance in Streptococcus pyogenes. Infect Immun 79:4201-9
Topp, Shana; Reynoso, Colleen M K; Seeliger, Jessica C et al. (2010) Synthetic riboswitches that induce gene expression in diverse bacterial species. Appl Environ Microbiol 76:7881-4
Churchward, Gordon; Bates, Christopher; Gusa, Asiya A et al. (2009) Regulation of streptokinase expression by CovR/S in Streptococcus pyogenes: CovR acts through a single high-affinity binding site. Microbiology 155:566-75
Froehlich, Barbara J; Bates, Christopher; Scott, June R (2009) Streptococcus pyogenes CovRS mediates growth in iron starvation and in the presence of the human cationic antimicrobial peptide LL-37. J Bacteriol 191:673-7
Dalton, Tracy L; Scott, June R (2004) CovS inactivates CovR and is required for growth under conditions of general stress in Streptococcus pyogenes. J Bacteriol 186:3928-37
Biswas, Indranil; Scott, June R (2003) Identification of rocA, a positive regulator of covR expression in the group A streptococcus. J Bacteriol 185:3081-90
Barnett, Timothy C; Scott, June R (2002) Differential recognition of surface proteins in Streptococcus pyogenes by two sortase gene homologs. J Bacteriol 184:2181-91
Federle, Michael J; Scott, June R (2002) Identification of binding sites for the group A streptococcal global regulator CovR. Mol Microbiol 43:1161-72
Limbago, B; McIver, K S; Penumalli, V et al. (2001) Restoration of Mga function to a Streptococcus pyogenes strain (M Type 50) that is virulent in mice. Infect Immun 69:1215-20

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