Collagen-specific adhesin NcaA

Definition

Collagen-specific adhesin NcaA is a surface protein found in certain bacterial pathogens that enables attachment to collagen-rich tissues. This adhesin plays a critical role in the establishment and progression of infections within the urogenital system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NcaA is crucial for bacterial adherence to host tissues, particularly those rich in collagen.
2. It helps bacteria evade the host's immune response by firmly anchoring them to cellular structures.
3. NcaA has been identified in several urogenital pathogens, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
4. Mutations or absence of NcaA can significantly reduce the virulence of bacteria, making them less capable of causing disease.
5. Targeting NcaA with therapeutic agents could potentially prevent or mitigate infections by disrupting bacterial adhesion.

Review Questions

• What role does collagen-specific adhesin NcaA play in bacterial infections?
• Which types of tissues are primarily targeted by bacteria expressing NcaA?
• How might mutations in the NcaA protein affect a pathogen's ability to cause disease?

Related terms

Adhesins:

Molecules on the surface of pathogens that facilitate adhesion to host cells.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae:

A bacterial species responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea.

Virulence Factors:

Molecules produced by pathogens that contribute to their ability to cause disease.