Bordetella dermonecrotic toxin (DNT), an infection found in pigs, has been examined using
fluorescence microscopy by scientists writing in BMC Microbiology.
A team from Osaka University's Research Institute for Microbial Diseases and the department of veterinary environmental sciences at Osaka Prefecture University used mass spectrometry (MS) to identify a cellular component in their study.
This was seen to be cross-linked with DNT and conjugated via a cross-linker, with the MS identifying the cellular component as fibronectin.
However, they were unable to determine the fibronectin network as being involved in intoxicating cells or acting as a
receptor for DNT.
The colocalisation between the two was seen not only in DNT-sensitive cells, but also in those less capable of repelling the threat.
Despite this, the researchers do suggest that the fibronectin network may serve a role in providing DNT with a place to sit in small amounts while targeting the cells it is attacking.
BMC Microbiology carries peer-reviewed research into eukaryotic and prokaryotic micro-organisms, parasites and viruses.
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