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Localization of the Yersinia PTPase to focal complexes is an important virulence mechanism
Author(s) -
Persson Cathrine,
Nordfelth Roland,
Andersson Kerstin,
Forsberg Åke,
WolfWatz Hans,
Fällman Maria
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2958.1999.01529.x
Subject(s) - biology , yersinia pseudotuberculosis , virulence , yersinia , protein tyrosine phosphatase , focal adhesion , microbiology and biotechnology , signal transduction , genetics , bacteria , gene
The protein tyrosine phosphatase YopH, produced by the pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis , is an essential virulence determinant involved in antiphagocytosis. Upon infection, YopH is translocated into the target cell, where it recognizes focal complexes. Genetic analysis revealed that YopH harbours a region that is responsible for specific localization of this PTPase to focal complexes in HeLa cells and professional phagocytes. This region is a prerequisite for blocking an immediate–early Yersinia ‐induced signal within target cells. The region is also essential for antiphagocytosis and virulence, illustrating the biological significance of localization of YopH to focal complexes during Yersinia infection. These results also indicate that focal complexes play a role in the general phagocytic process.