In agreement with the enhanced extracellular matrix adhesion, CEA-expressing 293 cells did not detach upon infection with E. coli AfaE-III, whereas detachment of cells infected with non-CEACAM-binding E. coli (E. coli control strain or E. coli ΔAfaE-III), could be readily detected under the microscope (Fig 4B and 4C). The gene discussed is CEACAM3; the disease is infection.