Recombinant Treponema pallidum p41 protein

Supplementary information

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

Treponema pallidum p41 also known as Tp041 and TpN41 is a flagellin protein with a molecular mass of approximately 41 kDa. It is expressed in the flagella of Treponema pallidum which is the bacterium responsible for syphilis. The p41 protein is integral to the structural and mechanical functions of the bacterial flagellum facilitating motility and enabling the bacterium to penetrate host tissues.

Biological function summary

The Treponema pallidum p41 protein plays a role in the bacterium's ability to infect host organisms. It constitutes an important part of the endoflagellar complex which allows the bacterium's distinctive spiral motion. This motion is key to invasion and colonization of host tissues as it helps the bacterium to bypass the immune defenses and reach target tissues.

Pathways

The mechanical function of Treponema pallidum p41 is linked to motility pathways in bacteria. It is involved in the chemotaxis pathway which regulates movement in response to environmental stimuli. Other proteins connected to this pathway include different flagellin proteins and motor proteins that work together to maintain the bacterium's motility. These pathways are important for the infectious cycle of Treponema pallidum and its ability to navigate through host environments.

Treponema pallidum p41 is closely associated with syphilis a systemic infection that impacts multiple organ systems. The ability of p41 to contribute to bacterial motility and tissue penetration makes it an important factor in the pathogenesis of the disease. Syphilis involves interactions with several host proteins but while p41 facilitates the infection process its direct interactions with host proteins during disease progression are not entirely clear indicating areas for further study in understanding syphilis pathology.