Recombinant Invasin protein (His tag)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Invasin is a bacterial protein that facilitates the penetration of pathogens into host cells. It weighs approximately 103 kDa and is found in the outer membrane of Yersinia species including Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica. Invasin binds to host integrin receptors triggering processes that allow bacterial entry. Other names for invasin include inv and ipe reflecting its role in invasion processes. Expression of invasin occurs mainly in pathogenic bacteria when they establish infections in mammalian hosts.

Biological function summary

Invasin mediates interactions between bacteria and host cells. It acts as a sort of molecular grappling hook by recognizing and binding to integrins which belong to the host cell's surface proteins. Through this binding invasin stimulates cytoskeletal changes which facilitate bacterial uptake. Invasin is part of a larger adhesive machinery complex and works alongside other bacterial factors to establish successful infections. Its function highlights the importance of host-pathogen interactions in bacterial pathogenesis.

Pathways

Invasin plays a significant role in the process known as bacterial internalization into host cells. The integrin-mediated signaling pathway involves invasin binding leading to activation of kinases and cytoskeletal rearrangements. The action of invasin can influence the Rho family of small GTPases which also partake in cytoskeletal dynamics. Related proteins such as fibronectin and their integrin pairs coordinate with invasin’s activity through shared pathways to allow bacterial entry.

Invasin has been linked to gastrointestinal infections caused by Yersinia species. These infections can cause conditions such as enteritis and mesenteric lymphadenitis. Invasin's interaction with integrin receptors is critical in these disease processes. Furthermore invasin may be indirectly connected to the processes leading to autoimmunity with proteins such as HLA-DR sometimes implicated in post-infectious complications. Understanding invasin's function provides insight into bacterial invasion and potential therapeutic targets for related infections.