Mechanisms of uropathogenic mucosal association in the gastrointestinal tract.

Science advances
Authors
Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly recurrent and frequently caused by Uropathogenic (UPEC) strains that can be found in patient intestines. Seeding of the urinary tract from this intestinal reservoir likely contributes to UTI recurrence (rUTI) rates. Thus, understanding the factors that promote UPEC intestinal colonization is of critical importance to designing therapeutics to reduce rUTI incidence. Although is found in high abundance in large intestine mucus, little is known about how it is able to maintain residence in this continuously secreted hydrogel. We discovered that the FimH adhesin of type 1 pili (T1P) bound throughout the secreted mucus layers of the colon and to epithelial cells in mouse and human samples. Disruption of T1P led to reduced association with colon mucus. Notably, this mutant up-regulated flagellar production and infiltrated the protective inner mucus layer of the colon. This could explain how UPEC resists being washed off by the continuously secreted mucus layers of the colon.

Year of Publication
2025
Journal
Science advances
Volume
11
Issue
5
Pages
eadp7066
Date Published
01/2025
ISSN
2375-2548
DOI
10.1126/sciadv.adp7066
PubMed ID
39888987
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