Uromodulin fights UTI with sugars

Modification of host receptor proteins with sugars, or glycosylation, is essential for the binding of many pathogens. For instance, Group B streptococcus, Helicobacter pylori, and uropathogenic Type 1 fimbriated Escherichia coli (UPEC), among others, all bind to sugars present on the membrane proteins of epithelial cells. In a recent study published in Science, Weiss et al. have shown that a specific glycosylation on uromodulin is required for it to bind UPEC and prevent colonization of bladder epithelia.

Source: Kidney International - February 4, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Andrew Beenken, Qais Al-Awqati Tags: nephrology digest Source Type: research