Abstract
Surface fimbriae of pathogenic Escherichia coli facilitate sensing, adhesion and even invasion of host epithelial cells. While it is known that the pathogen has the potential to express a plethora of fimbrial variants susceptible to rapid phase ON/OFF variation, it is an open question if the fimbrial diversity seen at the population level is the product of random stochasticity or a concerted effort based on active communication. Here we discuss the possibility of a mechanism alternative to a stochastic fimbrial phase variation model affecting the dynamics of a heterogeneous population.
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Communicated by M. Kupiec.
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Khandige, S., Møller-Jensen, J. Fimbrial phase variation: stochastic or cooperative?. Curr Genet 62, 237–241 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00294-015-0529-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00294-015-0529-3