Characterizing the Porphyromonas Gingivalis PorX-PorY Type IX Secretion System

Porphyromonas Gingivalis (P.G.) is a gram-negative anaerobic bacillus that is commonly implicated in periodontal disease in humans via invasion of oral epithelial cells. Characterizing the intracellular mechanisms that allow for these infections to take place is important for future attempts to stop or halt the spread of infection. Given the complexity of bacterial virulence, research on the subject often necessitates precise measurements of very specific biochemical pathways. In this study, we focus on the type IX secretion system utilized by P.G. to initiate colonization of host cells. Specific to this secretion system is the PorX-PorY two-component regulatory system. Here we use the bacterial adenylate cyclase based 2 hybrid system to test if two specific domains of the PorX-PorY system communicate intracellularly with each other; and hence gain further knowledge on how this infection occurs.