Navigation Links
Researchers discover 'acquired' DNA key to certain bacterial infection

Researchers announced this week the discovery of a mechanism by which Mycobacterium avium – a bacterium which can result in serious lung infections and is prevalent in emphysema and AIDS patients among others – infects tissue cells or “macrophages” and thus compromises the body’s immunity.

Results of the study, led by researchers at Oregon State University, will be published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Other co-authors were from the University of Nebraska.

The key to the bacterium’s ability to enter environmental amoebas – and ultimately humans – is an “island” of genetic material acquired through evolution from another bacterium, according to Luiz E. Bermudez, a professor of biomedical sciences in OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and an author of the study.

“Without these acquired genes, the bacterium is very inefficient in infecting environmental amoeba, which is the environmental host,” Bermudez said. “In fact, its efficiency is close to zero. But with this ‘island’ of acquired genetic material, the bacterium finds a way to get inside the cells and it takes control, not the phagocyte.”

Phagocytes are cells that engulf and digest pathogens and cellular debris, and in humans serve as the body’s initial immune response.

The researchers did not find a similar island of acquired genetic material in two similar bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, which causes Johne’s disease.

M. avium exists in the environment and is thought to infect humans when the infected environmental hosts – amoebas – are inhaled or swallowed.

Incidence of M. avium as a cause of syndromes may be decreasing because of changes in treatment for HIV-infected patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which estimates that 1 out of 100,000 persons may be affected. However, CDC also notes that the bacterium’s resistance
'"/>

Source:Oregon State University


Page: 1 2

Related biology news :

1. Researchers discover way to make cells in the eye sensitive to light
2. Researchers find how protein allows insects to detect and respond to pheromones
3. Researchers Uncover Key Step In Manufacture of Memory Protein
4. Researchers reveal the infectious impact of salmon farms on wild salmon
5. Researchers identify target for cancer drugs
6. Researchers discover molecule that causes secondary stroke
7. Researchers find missing genes of ancient organism
8. Researchers trace evolution to relatively simple genetic changes
9. Researchers add new tool to tumor-treatment arsenal
10. UF Researchers Map Bacterial Proteins That Cause Tooth Loss
11. VCU Researchers Identify Networks Of Genes Responding To Alcohol In The Brain

Post Your Comments:
(Date:11/25/2009)...ime, the heart pumps some 250 million liters of bl... muscle fibers of the heart have to be extremely d...Rottbauer, vice chair of the Department of Medicin... Prof. Dr. H. A. Katus), has discovered a protein ...est muscular unit, the sarcomere. In cooperation w...
(Date:11/24/2009)...has been prescribed by traditional healers in Braz... stomach pain to fever and flu. , Now for the fir...been able to scientifically prove the pain relievi... as Brazilian mint. , Testing this ancient South ...Graciela Rocha was able to show that when prepared...
(Date:11/24/2009)...ed a protein that may help gut bacteria bind to th...d by probiotic producers to identify strains that ...obiotics need to interact with cells lining the gu...to surfaces in the gut they are more likely to sti...ys Dr Nathalie Juge from the Institute of Food Res...
Breaking Biology News(10 mins):New genetic cause of cardiac failure discovered 2Got a pain? -- Have a cup of Brazilian mint 2A sticky solution for identifying effective probiotics 2Pennsylvania Governor Signs Four Health Care Bills That Will Reduce Costs Improve Access and Quality 48537 1Pennsylvania Governor Signs Four Health Care Bills That Will Reduce Costs Improve Access and Quality 48537 2Pennsylvania Governor Signs Four Health Care Bills That Will Reduce Costs Improve Access and Quality 48537 3Pennsylvania Governor Signs Four Health Care Bills That Will Reduce Costs Improve Access and Quality 48537 4Pennsylvania Governor Signs Four Health Care Bills That Will Reduce Costs Improve Access and Quality 48537 5State to Invest 2411 1 Million in Expansion of Doylestown Hospital 48532 1State to Invest 2411 1 Million in Expansion of Doylestown Hospital 48532 2Ovarian Cancer Breakthrough Heralds New Era of Treatment 48527 1Ovarian Cancer Breakthrough Heralds New Era of Treatment 48527 2
...eleased an ambitious new research agenda for the d... to gasoline. The 200-page scientific "roadmap" c...de cost-effective production of ethanol from cellu... The report outlines a detailed research plan for...ic ethanol--a renewable, cleaner-burning, and carb...
...derstand how IVIG worked. It,s ability to treat a...iction. , Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a ...plasma that contains the pooled antibodies from th...at a few assorted conditions; nonetheless, practit...in patients with lupus, arthritis and asthma, amon...
...-related hormone are, in certain cases, more effec...receptor, says a new study conducted in part by re...d Digestive and Kidney Diseases , (NIDDK) and the ...tion Disorders (NIDCD), two of the National Instit...related to how closely couple the chemical and rec...
Other Biology News:DOE publishes research roadmap for developing cleaner fuels 2A single sugar found responsible for an antibody's ability to treat inflammation 2A single sugar found responsible for an antibody's ability to treat inflammation 3In drug design, a loose fit may be best bet 2
(Date:11/25/2009)...NEW YORK, Nov. 25 Reportlinker.com...ailable in its catalogue: ,, Brazil Bioethanol...p://www.reportlinker.com/p0165503/Brazil-Bioethano..., Brazil Bioethanol Market Analysis and Forecasts ...detailed analysis and forecasts of the global bioe...
(Date:11/24/2009)... The New York investment bank KTA Capital,s...greed an AU$6.7 mil convertible note private place...te placement was arranged by KTA Capital as Neuren... New York (PRWEB) November 23, 2...A Capital, LLC ("KTA Capital") has annou...
(Date:11/24/2009)... Health care employment grew by 29,000 jo...to show consistent growth during the U.S. recessio... in trouble, and health systems are coming closer ...ad of just administrators. , ...yment continued growing in October despite the she...
(Date:11/24/2009)...v.24/PRNewswire/--BlueMarbleEnergyCorp.announcedto...ority(OPDA)wererecentlyawarded$2millionbyWashingto...inaprivate/publicpartnershiptoconstructthestate,sf...,WA. ,, "Thisinvestmentwillsignificantlyspeedth...stoLincolnCounty,"saidBlueMarbleEnergyCEOKellyOgil...
Breaking Biology Technology:Reportlinker Adds Brazil Bioethanol Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013 2Reportlinker Adds Brazil Bioethanol Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013 3Reportlinker Adds Brazil Bioethanol Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013 4Reportlinker Adds Brazil Bioethanol Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013 5Reportlinker Adds Brazil Bioethanol Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013 6Reportlinker Adds Brazil Bioethanol Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013 7Reportlinker Adds Brazil Bioethanol Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013 8Reportlinker Adds Brazil Bioethanol Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013 9Reportlinker Adds Brazil Bioethanol Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2013 10KTA Capital Arranges an AU$6.7 Million Private Placement by Neuren Pharmaceuticals 2The MedZilla Report for October 2009 - Health Care Employment Grows Again in October Even As Clinics, Specialty Centers Close 2The MedZilla Report for October 2009 - Health Care Employment Grows Again in October Even As Clinics, Specialty Centers Close 3The MedZilla Report for October 2009 - Health Care Employment Grows Again in October Even As Clinics, Specialty Centers Close 4Blue Marble Energy, OPDA Awarded $2M by WA's Community Economic Revitalization Board 2
...ng concerns over food and water safety worldwide c...nts thereby generating strong demand for agricultu...jections look bright with the 2012 figure expected...et for agricultural and environmental diagnostics....t and fastest growth segment. , ...
...elective and Orthopaedic admissions patients, in...) MRSA technology, DORSET, England, Nov. 4 Dorse...MRSA infections and, as part of that plan, has,int... programme, DCH is,screening all elective and orth...pitals to identify patients who carry the bacteria...
...ind Corporation,(Nasdaq: MNKD ), focused on disco...for diabetes and cancer, announced today that it w...Investment Conference on Monday,November 10, 2008 ...ew York,City., Interested parties can access a li... Investor Relations section of the Company,s websi...
Other Biology Technology:Global Agricultural and Environmental Diagnostics Market to Reach $2.4 Billion by 2012, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts 2Global Agricultural and Environmental Diagnostics Market to Reach $2.4 Billion by 2012, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts 3Dorset County Hospital Enhances MRSA Surveillance Programme Through Rapid Patient Screening 2Dorset County Hospital Enhances MRSA Surveillance Programme Through Rapid Patient Screening 3
Mouse Anti-Human XPMC2H Polyclonal Antibody, Unconjugated from Novus Biologicals
...oat Plus Microsphere/Microarray Stabilizer is an a...otein and other non-toxic chemicals in a PBS buffe...product contains a combination of 0.02% methylisot...ative. StabilCoat Plus Stabilizer provides optimu...
...s Protein Purification Plates are designed for qui...s. The 96-well plates feature two 0.25mm holes las... remain liquid-tight during incubation of the gel ...diffuses from the gel into the buffer. Following a...
...Small design specifically for western blots ,&bu... are specifically designed for staining western bl...posable tray requires less dye and antibodies resu...our spouts in each corner facilitate pouring of li...
Biology Products: