Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Virulence Genes Encoding Secreted Signalling Proteins Are Essential for Modulation of Caco-2 Cell Electrolyte Transport

Abstract

ABSTRACT The pathophysiology of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) diarrhea remains uncertain. In vitro, EPEC stimulates a rapid increase in short-circuit current ( I sc ) across Caco-2 cell monolayers coincident with intimate attaching and effacing (A/E) bacterial adhesion. This study has examined the roles of specific EPEC virulence proteins in this I sc response. EPEC genes encoding EspA, EspB, and EspD, essential for signal transduction in host cells and A/E activity, were also required for modulation of Caco-2 electrolyte transport.