Fusobacterium nucleatum
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Fusobacterium nucleatum
Classification
Higher order taxa
root; cellular organisms; Bacteria; Fusobacteria; Fusobacteria (class); Fusobacteriaceae; Fusobacterales; Fusobacterium
Genus
Fusobacterium
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Description and significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a bacterium that is commonly found in the dental plaque of humans and is frequently associated with gum disease. The cells of F. nucleatum are fusiform rods or spindle-shaped of many different lengths. In fact, the name refers to the organism as a small spindle-shaped rod. F. nucleatum is found in the dental plaque of many primates, thus includes man. This bacteria has been experimented to play a central role in dental plaque formation. This is due to its ability to adhere to a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative plaque microorganisms, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. F. nucleatum is very much associated with periodontitis, along with invasive human infections of the head and neck, chest, lung, liver and abdomen. Due to its adherence ability, it can be associated with viruses, which adhere to host tissue cells as an invasion and modulate the host's immune response.
The pathogenic potential of Fusobacterium nucleatum and its significance in the development of periodontal diseases, as well as in infections in other organs, have gained new interest for several reasons. First, this bacterium has a very high chance to be pathogenic because of its high frequency in periodontal lesions, its production of irritants that affect the tissue, its ability to share synergisms with other bacteria in mixed infections, and its ability to form numerous aggregates with other suspected pathogens in periodontal disease(therefore, it acts as a bridge between early and late colonizers on surfaces of teeth). Second, F. nucleatum is the most common in clinical infections of other body sites. Third, recent new techniques have made it possible to obtain more information about F. nucleatum on the genetic level, thereby also gaining better knowledge of the structure and functions of the outer membrane proteins, which are of great interest with respect to coaggregation, cell nutrition, and antibiotic susceptibility.
Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC23726 is one type of Fusobacterium nucleatum that is still having its full assembly in progress.
Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?
Bacillus Licheniformis is a Gram positive, thermophillic bacterium. Its optimal growth temperature is 50°C, but it can also survive at much higher temperatures. Its optimal temperature for
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required
References
Edited by Jason Homan, student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
