Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major etiologic agent in periodontal disease and has been implicated in systemic disorders. We previously have demonstrated that inactivation of the P. gingivalis periplasmic serine protease/chaperone htrA gene resulted in decreased gingipain activities, distribution, and protein profiling. In this study we examined the localization of the HtrA protein in P. gingivalis and how oxidative stress affects its distribution. It is our central hypothesis that HtrA is secreted from P. gingivalis under periods of oxidative stress to provide protection for the gingipains under highly inflammatory conditions. Through bioinformatics and immunoblot analysis, HtrA is shown to be secreted from P. gingivalis. Genetic analysis of gingipains in the HtrA-defective mutant was also evaluated. Data from this study suggest that HtrA secretion may help facilitate gingipain interactions with the host. This evidence may indicate that HtrA plays a significant role in virulence factor regulation during periods of oxidative stress.

Localization and distribution of protease HtrA in <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> W83 under oxidative stress

247th National Meeting (2014)

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Localization and distribution of protease HtrA in Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 under oxidative stress