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The Role Of Protein Glycosylation In The Virulence Of The Gastric Pathogens Helicobacter Pylori And Campylobacter Jejuni, Alexandra Merkx-Jacques, C. Creuzenet
The Role Of Protein Glycosylation In The Virulence Of The Gastric Pathogens Helicobacter Pylori And Campylobacter Jejuni, Alexandra Merkx-Jacques, C. Creuzenet
Alexandra Merkx-Jacques
H. pylori and C. jejuni are Gram-negative gastro-intestinal pathogens whose virulence is highly affected by protein glycosylation. The former causes gastric ulcers and cancer, while the latter causes enteritis and neurological disorders. Due to emerging drug-resistant strains, new treatments are needed.
In both bacteria, the flagellins are essential virulence factors glycosylated by pseudaminic acid (PA). We have identified and disrupted genes required for PA synthesis in both bacteria, and shown that this affects flagellin production. Further analysis and glycoprotein staining revealed that in H. pylori, the PA pathway is necessary for the glycosylation of proteins other than flagellins and …