# VIRULENCE DETERMINANTS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI

> **NIH NIH R01** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 1987 · $216,653

## Abstract

The object of the proposed research is to understand the genetic and
molecular nature of chromosomal microbial determinants that contribute to
the pathogenesis of extraintestinal Escherichia coli infection and
disease.  Cloned DNA sequences have been isolated encompassing the operon
specifying E. coli hemolysin (Hly), the Pil operon specifying type I
fimbriae, and the operon Pap which is associated with the synthesis of P
pili mediating adherence to uroepithelial cells.  The Pap and Hly operons
will be examined by in vitro methods to determine their specific gene
products and the DNA sequence of the gene specifying the functional pili
and hemolysin will be determined.  The distribution of Hly and Pap-specific
DNA sequences among E. coli and other enteric bacteria will be examined as
will the relative location of these genes on the bacterial chromosome.  In
addition, the functional basis for the attachment of P pili to a
di-galactoside receptor and other eucaryotic cell receptors will be
defined.  An ascending pyelonephritis model has been established in mice.
We propose to examine the contribution of Hly, Pap, type 1 fimbriae and the
ColV-associated iron sequestration system to the pathogenesis of urinary
tract infection.  An avirulent strain of E. coli will be genetically
manipulated sequentially to provide a series of derivatives which are
homogenic except for one or a selected combination of virulence
determinants.  These strains will be examined in order to evaluate the
relative contribution of each gene product to the infectious process.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3128139
- **Project number:** 5R01AI018719-07
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HJD6G4D6TJY5
- **Principal Investigator:** STANLEY FALKOW
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $216,653
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1981-07-01 → 1988-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3128139

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3128139, VIRULENCE DETERMINANTS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI (5R01AI018719-07). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3128139. Licensed CC0.

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