Exploring the Role of Novel Salmonella Toxins, PltC and PltAB, by Molecular Cloning
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Juliette Tinker, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Infections caused by Salmonella have a significant impact on the health of humans and livestock. Livestock infected with or carrying this bacterium pose a transmission risk to humans through contaminated meat, eggs, and dairy products, while infections in cattle negatively affect animal health and production. AB5-type toxins, made up of multiple subunits, are commonly found in gram-negative bacteria and are key virulence factors contributing to pathogenesis in eukaryotic hosts. Our lab is exploring Salmonella strains containing gene sequences indicating the presence of novel Typhi toxin-like proteins. These toxins include the PltC and pseudo A toxin subunits and the PltAB toxin. PltC, also known as the B subunit, works as a receptor-binding agent for the toxin while the function of the pseudo A subunit remains unknown. PltAB is an uncharacterized AB5 toxin closely related to Typhi toxin subunits. We have isolated the genes for these toxins from S. Javiana and S. Poona, and constructed and confirmed clones for expression in E. coli. We will isolate the pseudo A subunit and PltC, as well as PltAB by purification on fetuin-agarose. These studies will help to clarify the roles of these potential AB5 toxins in the Salmonella infectious process and may lead to the development of novel vaccines.
Exploring the Role of Novel Salmonella Toxins, PltC and PltAB, by Molecular Cloning
Infections caused by Salmonella have a significant impact on the health of humans and livestock. Livestock infected with or carrying this bacterium pose a transmission risk to humans through contaminated meat, eggs, and dairy products, while infections in cattle negatively affect animal health and production. AB5-type toxins, made up of multiple subunits, are commonly found in gram-negative bacteria and are key virulence factors contributing to pathogenesis in eukaryotic hosts. Our lab is exploring Salmonella strains containing gene sequences indicating the presence of novel Typhi toxin-like proteins. These toxins include the PltC and pseudo A toxin subunits and the PltAB toxin. PltC, also known as the B subunit, works as a receptor-binding agent for the toxin while the function of the pseudo A subunit remains unknown. PltAB is an uncharacterized AB5 toxin closely related to Typhi toxin subunits. We have isolated the genes for these toxins from S. Javiana and S. Poona, and constructed and confirmed clones for expression in E. coli. We will isolate the pseudo A subunit and PltC, as well as PltAB by purification on fetuin-agarose. These studies will help to clarify the roles of these potential AB5 toxins in the Salmonella infectious process and may lead to the development of novel vaccines.