Roles of Hcp family proteins in the pathogenesis of the porcine extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli type VI secretion system

Sci Rep. 2016 May 27:6:26816. doi: 10.1038/srep26816.

Abstract

Hcp (hemolysin-coregulated protein) is considered a vital component of the functional T6SS (Type VI Secretion System), which is a newly discovered secretion system. Our laboratory has previously sequenced the whole genome of porcine extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strain PCN033, and identified an integrated T6SS encoding three different hcp family genes. In this study, we first identified a functional T6SS in porcine ExPEC strain PCN033, and demonstrated that the Hcp family proteins were involved in bacterial competition and the interactions with other cells. Interestingly, the three Hcp proteins had different functions. Hcp2 functioned predominantly in bacterial competition; all three proteins were involved in the colonization of mice; and Hcp1 and Hcp3 were predominantly contributed to bacterial-eukaryotic cell interactions. We showed an active T6SS in porcine ExPEC strain PCN033, and the Hcp family proteins had different functions in their interaction with other bacteria or host cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / metabolism*
  • Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli / pathogenicity*
  • Female
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microbial Interactions
  • Swine
  • Type VI Secretion Systems* / metabolism
  • Virulence Factors

Substances

  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • HCP-2 protein, E coli
  • HCP1 protein, E coli
  • Iron-Sulfur Proteins
  • Type VI Secretion Systems
  • Virulence Factors
  • hybrid cluster protein, E coli