Pathogenic adaptation of Escherichia coli by natural variation of the FimH adhesin

Evgeni V Sokurenko, Veronika Chesnokova, Daniel E Dykhuizen, Itzhak Ofek, Xue-Ru Wu, Karen A Krogfelt, Carsten Struve, Mark A Schembri, David L Hasty

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Conventional wisdom regarding mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis holds that pathogens arise by external acquisition of distinct virulence factors, whereas determinants shared by pathogens and commensals are considered
to be functionally equivalent and have been ignored as genes that could become adapted specifically for virulence. It is shown here, however, that genetic variation in an originally commensal trait, the FimH lectin of type 1 fimbriae, can
change the tropism of Escherichia coli, shifting it toward a urovirulent phenotype. Random point mutations in fimH genes that increase binding of the adhesin to mono-mannose residues, structures abundant in the oligosaccharide moieties of urothelial glycoproteins, confer increased virulence in the mouse urinary tract. These mutant FimH variants, however, are characterized by increased sensitivity to soluble inhibitors bathing the oropharyngeal mucosa, the physiological portal of E. coli. This functional trade-off seems to be detrimental for the intestinal ecology of the urovirulent E. coli. Thus, bacterial virulence can be increased by random functional mutations in a commensal trait that are adaptive for a pathologic environment, even at the cost of reduced physiological fitness in the nonpathologic habitat.
Original languageEnglish
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America
Volume95
Issue number15
Pages (from-to)8922-8926
Number of pages5
ISSN0027-8424
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

Cite this