Abstract 2124 Determining Protein-Protein Interactions Necessary for the Two-Partner Secretion Pathway of a Cytotoxic Protein

This study is focused on the gram-negative bacterium P. mirabilis, which causes infection of the urinary tract. The virulence of P. mirabilis is enhanced by its secretion of a cytotoxic protein, HpmA, originally noted due to its ability to lyse red blood cells (hemolysis). Secretion of HpmA involves transport through both the inner and outer membrane. While transport across the inner membrane uses the ATP dependent general secretion pathway, transport across the outer member is accomplished by a partner transport protein, HpmB.