Organization and expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of 987P fimbriae.

A chromosomal DNA segment encoding the biosynthesis of 987P fimbriae was isolated by cosmid-cloning and subsequent subcloning into pBR322. The 12 kb DNA segment expressed five polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 81,000, 39,000, 28,500, 20,500, and 16,500, respectively. The location of the corresponding genes was determined by insertional mutagenesis using Tn5. The 20.5 K polypeptide was identified as the 987P fimbrial subunit by its reaction with specific anti-987P antibodies. The 81, 39, and 28.5 K polypeptides appeared to be accessory proteins involved in 987P production.