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Full-Text Articles in Immunology and Infectious Disease
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 …
Genetics And Biochemistry Of Protein Glycosylation In Campylobacter Jejuni, Alexandra Merkx-Jacques, S. Vijayakumar, M. Demendi, D. Ratnayake, C. Dozois, C. Creuzenet
Genetics And Biochemistry Of Protein Glycosylation In Campylobacter Jejuni, Alexandra Merkx-Jacques, S. Vijayakumar, M. Demendi, D. Ratnayake, C. Dozois, C. Creuzenet
Alexandra Merkx-Jacques
BACKGROUND: C. jejuni produces numerous glycoproteins, including flagellins, which are important for virulence. The flagellins harbour pseudaminic acid (PA) whereas other glycoproteins harbour diacetamidobacillosamine (DAB). We are investigating the genetics and biochemistry of protein glycosylation in C. jejuni to identify the enzymes involved, and determine their activity and roles in virulence. We focused on two homologous pathways comprising each a putative dehydratase, aminotransferase and acetyltransferase, namely {Cj1293, Cj1294 and Cj1298} and {Cj1120c, Cj1121c and Cj1123c}.
METHODS: All enzymes were overexpressed and purified before monitoring their activity by capillary electrophoresis. The cj1121c and cj1294 genes were disrupted by a chloramphenicol resistance …