Intimin

Definition

Intimin is an outer membrane protein found in certain pathogenic bacteria, notably Enteropathogenic and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EPEC and EHEC). It facilitates bacterial attachment to the host's intestinal cells, leading to infection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intimin is essential for the formation of attaching and effacing lesions on the intestinal mucosa.
2. The gene encoding intimin is eae (E. coli attaching and effacing).
3. Intimin interacts with a receptor called Tir (translocated intimin receptor) that the bacteria inject into host cells.
4. Mutations in the eae gene can impair bacterial adherence and reduce infection severity.
5. Intimin-mediated attachment is crucial for the colonization of EPEC and EHEC in the human gut.

Review Questions

• What is the role of intimin in bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract?
• Which gene encodes for intimin, and what happens if this gene mutates?
• How does intimin facilitate bacterial attachment to host cells?

Related terms

Tir: Translocated intimin receptor; a protein injected by bacteria into host cells that binds to intimin.

Attaching and Effacing Lesions: Characteristic damage to intestinal cells caused by pathogens like EPEC and EHEC involving actin rearrangement.

EPEC:

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli; a type of E. coli causing diarrhea by attaching to intestinal lining via proteins like intimin.