Cj1496c encodes a Campylobacter jejuni glycoprotein that influences invasion of human epithelial cells and colonization of the chick gastrointestinal tract

Glycoproteomic and proteomic analysis of Burkholderia cenocepacia reveals glycosylation events within FliF and MotB are dispensable for motility

Across the Burkholderia genus O-linked protein glycosylation is highly conserved. While the inhibition of glycosylation has been shown to be detrimental for virulence in Burkholderia cepacia complex species, such as Burkholderia cenocepacia, little is known about how specific glycosylation sites impact protein functionality. Within this study, we sought to improve our understanding of the breadth, dynamics, and requirement for glycosylation across the B. cenocepacia O-glycoproteome. Assessing the B. cenocepacia glycoproteome across different culture media using complementary glycoproteomic approaches, we increase the known glycoproteome to 141 glycoproteins. Leveraging this repertoire of glycoproteins, we quantitively assessed the glycoproteome of B. cenocepacia using Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) revealing the B. cenocepacia glycoproteome is largely stable across conditions with most glycoproteins constitutively expressed. Examination of how the absence of glycosylation impacts the glycoproteome reveals that the protein abundance of only five glycoproteins (BCAL1086, BCAL2974, BCAL0525, BCAM0505, and BCAL0127) are altered by the loss of glycosylation. Assessing ΔfliF (ΔBCAL0525), ΔmotB (ΔBCAL0127), and ΔBCAM0505 strains, we demonstrate the loss of FliF, and to a lesser extent MotB, mirror the proteomic effects observed in the absence of glycosylation in ΔpglL. While both MotB and FliF are essential for motility, we find loss of glycosylation sites in MotB or FliF does not impact motility supporting these sites are dispensable for function. Combined this work broadens our understanding of the B. cenocepacia glycoproteome supporting that the loss of glycoproteins in the absence of glycosylation is not an indicator of the requirement for glycosylation for protein function.

IMPORTANCE

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen of concern within the Cystic Fibrosis community. Despite a greater appreciation of the unique physiology of B. cenocepacia gained over the last 20 years a complete understanding of the proteome and especially the O-glycoproteome, is lacking. In this study, we utilize systems biology approaches to expand the known B. cenocepacia glycoproteome as well as track the dynamics of glycoproteins across growth phases, culturing media and in response to the loss of glycosylation. We show that the glycoproteome of B. cenocepacia is largely stable across conditions and that the loss of glycosylation only impacts five glycoproteins including the motility associated proteins FliF and MotB. Examination of MotB and FliF shows, while these proteins are essential for motility, glycosylation is dispensable. Combined this work supports that B. cenocepacia glycosylation can be dispensable for protein function and may influence protein properties beyond stability.

A Review of the Advantages, Disadvantages and Limitations of Chemotaxis Assays for Campylobacter spp

Reproducible qualitative and quantitative assessment of bacterial chemotactic motility, particularly in response to chemorepellent effectors, is experimentally challenging. Here we compare several established chemotaxis assays currently used to investigate Campylobacter jejuni chemotaxis, with the aim of improving the correlation between different studies and establishing the best practices. We compare the methodologies of capillary, agar, and chamber-based assays, and discuss critical technical points, in terms of reproducibility, accuracy, and the advantages and limitations of each.

Identifying the targets and functions of N-linked protein glycosylation in Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans that is primarily associated with the consumption of inadequately prepared poultry products, since the organism is generally thought to be asymptomatic in avian species. Unlike many other microorganisms, C. jejuni is capable of performing extensive post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins by N- and O-linked glycosylation, both of which are required for optimal chicken colonization and human virulence. The biosynthesis and attachment of N-glycans to C. jejuni proteins is encoded by the pgl (protein glycosylation) locus, with the PglB oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) enabling en bloc transfer of a heptasaccharide N-glycan from a lipid carrier in the inner membrane to proteins exposed within the periplasm. Seventy-eight C. jejuni glycoproteins (represented by 134 sites of experimentally verified N-glycosylation) have now been identified, and include inner and outer membrane proteins, periplasmic proteins and lipoproteins, which are generally of poorly defined or unknown function. Despite our extensive knowledge of the targets of this apparently widespread process, we still do not fully understand the role N-glycosylation plays biologically, although several phenotypes, including wild-type stress resistance, biofilm formation, motility and chemotaxis have been related to a functional pgl system. Recent work has described enzymatic processes (nitrate reductase NapAB) and antibiotic efflux (CmeABC) as major targets requiring N-glycan attachment for optimal function, and experimental evidence also points to roles in cell binding via glycan-glycan interactions, protein complex formation and protein stability by conferring protection against host and bacterial proteolytic activity. Here we examine the biochemistry of the N-linked glycosylation system, define its currently known protein targets and discuss evidence for the structural and functional roles of this PTM in individual proteins and globally in C. jejuni pathogenesis.

A Systematic Review of Campylobacter jejuni Vaccine Candidates for Chickens

Campylobacter jejuni infection linked to the consumption of contaminated poultry products is one of the leading causes of human enteric illness worldwide. Vaccination of chickens is one of the potential strategies that could be used to control C. jejuni colonization. To date, various C. jejuni vaccines using potential antigens have been evaluated, but a challenge in identifying the most effective formulation is the wide variability in vaccine efficacies reported. A systematic review was undertaken to compare C. jejuni vaccine studies. Based upon specific selection criteria eligible papers were identified and included in the analysis. Vaccine efficacy reported from different C. jejuni antigens, vaccine types, and vaccination regimens reported in these papers were reviewed. Our analysis shows that total outer membrane proteins and cysteine ABC transporter substrate-binding protein were among the most efficacious vaccine antigen candidates reported. This review also highlights the importance of the need for increased consistency in the way C. jejuni vaccine studies in poultry are designed and reported in order to be able to undertake a robust comparison of C. jejuni vaccine candidates.

N-glycosylation of the CmeABC multidrug efflux pump is needed for optimal function in Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is a prevalent gastrointestinal pathogen associated with increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance development. It was also the first bacterium demonstrated to possess a general N-linked protein glycosylation pathway capable of modifying > 80 different proteins, including the primary Campylobacter multidrug efflux pump, CmeABC. Here we demonstrate that N-glycosylation is necessary for the function of the efflux pump and may, in part, explain the evolutionary pressure to maintain this protein modification system. Mutants of cmeA in two common wildtype (WT) strains are highly susceptible to erythromycin (EM), ciprofloxacin and bile salts when compared to the isogenic parental strains. Complementation of the cmeA mutants with the native cmeA allele restores the WT phenotype, whereas expression of a cmeA allele with point mutations in both N-glycosylation sites is comparable to the cmeA mutants. Moreover, loss of CmeA glycosylation leads to reduced chicken colonization levels similar to the cmeA knock-out strain, while complementation fully restores colonization. Reconstitution of C. jejuni CmeABC into Escherichia coli together with the C. jejuni N-glycosylation pathway increases the EM minimum inhibitory concentration and decreases ethidium bromide accumulation when compared to cells lacking the pathway. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the protein structures of the glycosylated and non-glycosylated CmeA models do not vary from one another, and in vitro studies show no change in CmeA multimerization or peptidoglycan association. Therefore, we conclude that N-glycosylation has a broader influence on CmeABC function most likely playing a role in complex stability.

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of mucosal delivery of recombinant hcp of Campylobacter jejuni Type VI secretion system (T6SS) in chickens

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) has recently emerged as a new pattern of protein secretions in Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni). Within the T6SS cluster, hemolysin co-regulated protein (hcp) is considered as a hallmark of functional T6SS and holds key role in bacterial virulence. As poultry is the primary reservoir of C. jejuni and the major sources for human infection, we evaluated the capacity of recombinant hcp (rhcp) immunization in blocking C. jejuni colonization in chickens with an aim to control bacterial transmission to humans via poultry food chain. Considering the mucosal route is the primary portal for C. jejuni entry and gut mucosa offers the apposite site for C. jejuni adherence, we investigated the immune-protective potential of intra-gastric administration of rhcp using chitosan-based nanoparticles. To achieve this goal, full length coding sequence of hcp gene from C. jejuni was cloned and expressed in E. coli. Purified rhcp was entrapped in chitosan-Sodium tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (CS-TPP NPs) and orally gavaged in chickens. Our results suggest that intra-gastric immunization of CS-TPP-rhcp induces consistent and steady increase in intestinal (sIgA) and systemic antibody (IgY) response against rhcp with significant reduction in cecal load of C. jejuni. The protection afforded by rhcp associated cellular responses with Th1 and Th17 profile in terms of increased expression of NFkB, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-17 A genes. Though systemic immunization of rhcp with IFA resulting in a robust systemic (IgY) and local (sIgA) antibody response, mucosal administration of rhcp loaded CS-TPP NPs was found to be superior in terms of bacterial clearance. Altogether, present study suggests that chitosan based intra-gastric delivery of rhcp have several advantages over the injectable composition and could be a promising vaccine approach to effectively control C. jejuni colonization in chickens.

Proteomics Reveals Multiple Phenotypes Associated with N-linked Glycosylation in Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is a major gastrointestinal pathogen generally acquired via consumption of poorly prepared poultry. N-linked protein glycosylation encoded by the pgl gene cluster targets >80 membrane proteins and is required for both nonsymptomatic chicken colonization and full human virulence. Despite this, the biological functions of N-glycosylation remain unknown. We examined the effects of pgl gene deletion on the C. jejuni proteome using label-based liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and validation using data independent acquisition (DIA-SWATH-MS). We quantified 1359 proteins corresponding to ∼84% of the C. jejuni NCTC 11168 genome, and 1080 of these were validated by DIA-SWATH-MS. Deletion of the pglB oligosaccharyltransferase (ΔpglB) resulted in a significant change in abundance of 185 proteins, 137 of which were restored to their wild-type levels by reintroduction of pglB (Δaaz.batpglB::ΔpglB). Deletion of pglB was associated with significantly reduced abundances of pgl targets and increased stress-related proteins, including ClpB, GroEL, GroES, GrpE and DnaK. pglB mutants demonstrated reduced survival following temperature (4 °C and 46 °C) and osmotic (150 mm NaCl) shock and altered biofilm phenotypes compared with wild-type C. jejuni Targeted metabolomics established that pgl negative C. jejuni switched from aspartate (Asp) to proline (Pro) uptake and accumulated intracellular succinate related to proteome changes including elevated PutP/PutA (proline transport and utilization), and reduced DctA/DcuB (aspartate import and succinate export, respectively). ΔpglB chemotaxis to some substrates (Asp, glutamate, succinate and α-ketoglutarate) was reduced and associated with altered abundance of transducer-like (Tlp) proteins. Glycosylation negative C. jejuni were depleted of all respiration-associated proteins that allow the use of alternative electron acceptors under low oxygen. We demonstrate for the first time that N-glycosylation is required for a specific enzyme activity (Nap nitrate reductase) that is associated with reduced abundance of the NapAB glycoproteins. These data indicate a multifactorial role for N-glycosylation in C. jejuni physiology.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Magnesium Transporter MgtE Inhibits Type III Secretion System Gene Expression by Stimulating rsmYZ Transcription

Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes numerous acute and chronic opportunistic infections in humans. One of its most formidable weapons is a type III secretion system (T3SS), which injects powerful toxins directly into host cells. The toxins lead to cell dysfunction and, ultimately, cell death. Identification of regulatory pathways that control T3SS gene expression may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutics to treat P. aeruginosa infections. In a previous study, we found that expression of the magnesium transporter gene mgtE inhibits T3SS gene transcription. MgtE-dependent inhibition appeared to interfere with the synthesis or function of the master T3SS transcriptional activator ExsA, although the exact mechanism was unclear. We now demonstrate that mgtE expression acts through the GacAS two-component system to activate rsmY and rsmZ transcription. This event ultimately leads to inhibition of exsA translation. This inhibitory effect is specific to exsA as translation of other genes in the exsCEBA operon is not inhibited by mgtE Moreover, our data reveal that MgtE acts solely through this pathway to regulate T3SS gene transcription. Our study reveals an important mechanism that may allow P. aeruginosa to fine-tune T3SS activity in response to certain environmental stimuli.IMPORTANCE The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a critical virulence factor utilized by numerous Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to intoxicate and kill host cells. Elucidating T3SS regulatory mechanisms may uncover targets for novel anti-P. aeruginosa therapeutics and provide deeper understanding of bacterial pathogenesis. We previously found that the magnesium transporter MgtE inhibits T3SS gene transcription in P. aeruginosa In this study, we describe the mechanism of MgtE-dependent inhibition of the T3SS. Our report also illustrates how MgtE might respond to environmental cues, such as magnesium levels, to fine-tune T3SS gene expression.

Transducer like proteins of Campylobacter jejuni 81-176: role in chemotaxis and colonization of the chicken gastrointestinal tract

Transducer Like Proteins (Tlps), also known as methyl accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCP), enable enteric pathogens to respond to changing nutrient levels in the environment by mediating taxis toward or away from specific chemoeffector molecules. Despite recent advances in the characterization of chemotaxis responses in Campylobacter jejuni, the impact of Tlps on the adaptation of this pathogen to disparate niches and hosts is not fully characterized. The latter is particularly evident in the case of C. jejuni 81-176, a strain that is known to be highly invasive. Furthermore, the cytoplasmic group C Tlps (Tlp5, 6, and 8) were not extensively evaluated. Here, we investigated the role of C. jejuni 81-176 Tlps in chemotaxis toward various substrates, biofilm formation, in vitro interaction with human intestinal cells, and chicken colonization. We found that the Δtlp6 and Δtlp10 mutants exhibited decreased chemotaxis toward aspartate, whereas the Δtlp6 mutant displayed a decreased chemotaxis toward Tri-Carboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle intermediates such as pyruvate, isocitrate, and succinate. Our findings also corroborated that more than one Tlp is involved in mediating chemotaxis toward the same nutrient. The deletion of tlps affected important phenotypes such as motility, biofilm formation, and invasion of human intestinal epithelial cells (INT-407). The Δtlp8 mutant displayed increased motility in soft agar and showed decreased biofilm formation. The Δtlp8 and Δtlp9 mutants were significantly defective in invasion in INT-407 cells. The Δtlp10 mutant was defective in colonization of the chicken proximal and distal gastrointestinal tract, while the Δtlp6 and Δtlp8 mutants showed reduced colonization of the duodenum and jejunum. Our results highlight the importance of Tlps in C. jejuni's adaptation and pathobiology.

The role of probiotics in the inhibition of Campylobacter jejuni colonization and virulence attenuation

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common bacterial causes of human gastroenterocolitis worldwide, leading to diarrhea and other serious post-infectious complications. Probiotics form an attractive alternative intervention strategy for most of the enteric infections. However, the role of probiotics in C. jejuni infections requires detailed investigations in order to delineate the probiotic strains that are effective against C. jejuni. Although there are several biological mechanisms involved in the inhibition of pathogenic bacterial growth, the strains of probiotics and their mechanisms of actions through which they combat C. jejuni invasion have not been studied in greater detail. This mini review details the factors that are involved in the colonization and establishment of C. jejuni infection, with special reference to chickens, the natural host of C. jejuni, and the studies that have investigated the effect of different probiotic strains against C. jejuni colonization and growth. This review has collated the studies conducted using probiotics to inhibit C. jejuni colonization and growth to date to provide a collective knowledge about the role of probiotics as an alternative intervention strategy for campylobacteriosis.

The sweet tooth of bacteria: common themes in bacterial glycoconjugates

Humans have been increasingly recognized as being superorganisms, living in close contact with a microbiota on all their mucosal surfaces. However, most studies on the human microbiota have focused on gaining comprehensive insights into the composition of the microbiota under different health conditions (e.g., enterotypes), while there is also a need for detailed knowledge of the different molecules that mediate interactions with the host. Glycoconjugates are an interesting class of molecules for detailed studies, as they form a strain-specific barcode on the surface of bacteria, mediating specific interactions with the host. Strikingly, most glycoconjugates are synthesized by similar biosynthesis mechanisms. Bacteria can produce their major glycoconjugates by using a sequential or an en bloc mechanism, with both mechanistic options coexisting in many species for different macromolecules. In this review, these common themes are conceptualized and illustrated for all major classes of known bacterial glycoconjugates, with a special focus on the rather recently emergent field of glycosylated proteins. We describe the biosynthesis and importance of glycoconjugates in both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria and in both Gram-positive and -negative organisms. The focus lies on microorganisms important for human physiology. In addition, the potential for a better knowledge of bacterial glycoconjugates in the emerging field of glycoengineering and other perspectives is discussed.

Campylobacter virulence and survival factors

Despite over 30 years of research, campylobacteriosis is the most prevalent foodborne bacterial infection in many countries including in the European Union and the United States of America. However, relatively little is known about the virulence factors in Campylobacter or how an apparently fragile organism can survive in the food chain, often with enhanced pathogenicity. This review collates information on the virulence and survival determinants including motility, chemotaxis, adhesion, invasion, multidrug resistance, bile resistance and stress response factors. It discusses their function in transition through the food processing environment and human infection. In doing so it provides a fundamental understanding of Campylobacter, critical for improved diagnosis, surveillance and control.

Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 reduces infection by and colonization of Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter is a normal inhabitant of the chicken gut. Pathogenic infection with this organism in humans is accompanied by severe inflammation of the intestinal mucosal surface. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) to inhibit the adhesion and invasion of Campylobacter jejuni in vitro and to suppress C. jejuni colonization of chicks in vivo. Pretreatment with LG2055 significantly reduced adhesion to and invasion of a human epithelial cell line, Intestine 407, by C. jejuni 81-176. Methanol (MeOH)-fixed LG2055 also reduced infection by C. jejuni 81-176. However, proteinase K (ProK)-treated LG2055 eliminated the inhibitory effects. Moreover, LG2055 co-aggregated with C. jejuni 81-176. ProK treatment prevented this co-aggregation, indicating that the co-aggregation phenotype mediated by the proteinaceous cell-surface components of LG2055 is important for reducing C. jejuni 81-176 adhesion and invasion. In an in vivo assay, oral doses of LG2055 were administered to chicks daily for 14 days after oral inoculation with C. jejuni 81-176. At 14 days post-inoculation, chicks treated with LG2055 had significantly reduced cecum colonization by C. jejuni. Reduction in the number of C. jejuni 81-176 cells adhering to and internalized by human epithelial cells demonstrated that LG2055 is an organism that effectively and competitively excludes C. jejuni 81-176. In addition, the results of the chick colonization assay suggest that treatment with LG2055 could be useful in suppressing C. jejuni colonization of the chicks at early growth stages.

MgtE is a dual-function protein in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes a wide range of infections, including chronic biofilm infections in the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis. We previously found that the inner-membrane protein MgtE can function both as a magnesium transporter and a virulence modulator, although the exact mechanism governing these activities is unclear. To address this issue, we carried out an experimental characterization of P. aeruginosa MgtE and generated a computer-rendered model. Our in silico analysis demonstrated the structural similarity of P. aeruginosa MgtE to that of the crystal structure of MgtE in Thermus thermophilus. Experimentally, we verified that MgtE is not essential for growth and found that it may not be involved directly in biofilm formation, even under low-magnesium conditions. We demonstrated both magnesium transport and cytotoxicity-regulating functions, and showed that magnesium-binding sites in the connecting helix region of MgtE are vital in coupling these two functions. Furthermore, limiting magnesium environments stimulated mgtE transcriptional responses. Our results suggested that MgtE might play an important role in linking magnesium availability to P. aeruginosa pathogenesis.

Proteomic identification of immunodominant membrane-related antigens in Campylobacter jejuni associated with sheep abortion

Campylobacter jejuni clone SA is the predominant agent inducing sheep abortion and a zoonotic agent causing gastroenteritis in humans in the United States. In an attempt to identify antigens of clone SA that may be useful for vaccine development, immunoproteomic analyses were conducted to characterize the membrane proteome of C. jejuni clone SA. 2-DE of C. jejuni membrane-related proteins was followed by immunoblotting analyses using convalescent sera that were derived from ewes naturally infected by C. jejuni clone SA. Totally 140 immunoreactive spots were identified, 50 of which were shared by all tested convalescent sheep sera. Conserved and immunodominant spots were identified by mass spectrometry. Among the 26 identified immunogenic proteins, there were 8 cytoplasmic proteins, 2 cytoplasmic membrane proteins, 11 periplasmic proteins, 3 outer membrane proteins, and 2 extracellular proteins. Notably, many of the immunodominant antigens were periplasmic proteins including HtrA, ZnuA, CjaA, LivK, CgpA, and others, some of which were previously shown to induce protective immunity. Interestingly, 11 immunoreactive proteins including 9 periplasmic proteins are known N-linked glycosylated proteins. These findings reveal immunogens that may potentially elicit protective immune responses and provide a foundation for developing vaccines against C. jejuni induced sheep abortion.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Campylobacter jejuni clone SA is the predominant agent inducing sheep abortion and incurs a significant economic loss to sheep producers. This emergent strain is also a zoonotic agent, causing gastroenteritis in humans. However, the immunogens of C. jejuni induced abortion are largely unknown. Considering the significance of C. jejuni clone SA in causing sheep abortion and foodborne illnesses, protective vaccines are needed to control its transmission and spread. Additionally, immunological markers are required for detection and identification of this highly pathogenic clone. To address these needs, we applied an immunoproteomic approach to identify the membrane-associated antigens of this highly virulent C. jejuni clone associated with sheep abortions in the U.S. The findings reveal immunogens that may potentially elicit protective immune responses and provide a foundation for developing vaccines against C. jejuni induced sheep abortion.

Antibiotic treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms stimulates expression of the magnesium transporter gene mgtE

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen with the capacity to cause serious disease, including chronic biofilm infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. These infections are treated with high concentrations of antibiotics. Virulence modulation is an important tool utilized by P. aeruginosa to propagate infection and biofilm formation in the CF airway. Many different virulence modulatory pathways and proteins have been identified, including the magnesium transporter protein MgtE. We have recently found that isogenic deletion of mgtE leads to increased cytotoxicity through effects on the type III secretion system. To explore the role of the CF lung environment in MgtE activity, we investigated mgtE transcriptional regulation following antibiotic treatment. Utilizing quantitative real-time-PCR, we have demonstrated an increase in mgtE transcript levels following antibiotic treatment with most of the 12 antibiotics tested. To begin to determine the regulatory network governing mgtE expression, we screened a transposon-mutant library of P. aeruginosa to look for mutants with potentially altered mgtE activity, using cytotoxicity as a readout. In this screen, we observed that AlgR, which regulates production of the biofilm polysaccharide alginate, alters MgtE-mediated cytotoxicity. This cross-talk between MgtE and AlgR suggests that AlgR is involved in linking external inducing signals (e.g. antibiotics) to mgtE transcription and downstream virulence and biofilm activities. Analysing such interactions may lead to a better understanding of how the CF lung environment shapes P. aeruginosa biofilm infections.

A "successful allele" at Campylobacter jejuni contingency locus Cj0170 regulates motility; "successful alleles" at locus Cj0045 are strongly associated with mouse colonization

Campylobacter jejuni is an important foodborne pathogen of humans and its primary reservoir is the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of chickens. Our previous studies demonstrated that phase variation to specific "successful alleles" at C. jejuni contingency loci Cj0045 (successful alleles carry 9G or 10G homopolymeric tracts) and Cj0170 (successful allele carries a 10G homopolymeric tract) in C. jejuni populations is strongly associated with colonization and enteritis in C57BL/6 IL-10 deficient mice. In the current study, we strengthened the association between locus Cj0170, Cj0045, and mouse colonization. We generated 8 independent strains derived from C. jejuni 11168 strain KanR4 that carried a Cj0170 gene disruption and these were all non motile. Two randomly chosen strains with the Cj0170 gene disruption (DM0170-2 and DM0170-6) were gavaged into mice. DM0170-2 and DM0170-6 failed to colonize mice while the control strain that carried a "successful"Cj0170 10G allele was motile and did colonize mice. In parallel studies, when we inoculated C. jejuni strain 33292 into mice, the "unsuccessful"Cj0045 11G allele experienced phase variation to "successful" 9G and 10G alleles in 2 independent experiments prior to d4 post inoculation in mice while the "successful" 9G allele in the control strain remained stable through d21 post inoculation or shifted to other successful alleles. These data confirm that locus Cj0170 regulates motility in C. jejuni strain KanR4 and is a virulence factor in the mouse model. The data also support a possible role of locus Cj0045 as a virulence factor in strain 33292 in infection of mice.

Bacterial protein N-glycosylation: new perspectives and applications

Protein glycosylation is widespread throughout all three domains of life. Bacterial protein N-glycosylation and its application to engineering recombinant glycoproteins continue to be actively studied. Here, we focus on advances made in the last 2 years, including the characterization of novel bacterial N-glycosylation pathways, examination of pathway enzymes and evolution, biological roles of protein modification in the native host, and exploitation of the N-glycosylation pathways to create novel vaccines and diagnostics.

Characterization of two putative mechanosensitive channel proteins of Campylobacter jejuni involved in protection against osmotic downshock

Acute hypotonic stress becomes a threat to the survival of bacteria in the environment. Mechanosensitive channels play an essential role in the maintenance of bacterial cell integrity during hypoosmotic shock. A database search suggested that Campylobacter jejuni, a major worldwide cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans, possesses two putative mechanosensitive channels, designated Cjj0263 and Cjj1025, in C. jejuni strain 81-176. Osmotic downshock experiments demonstrated that a mutant lacking Cjj0263 showed a severe defect in survival of hypoosmotic shock, while a mutant lacking Cjj1025 exhibited the same survival capacity as the wild type. We further examined the colonization ability of each mutant using the one-day old chick model. Cjj0263 or Cjj1025 mutants were able to colonize chick ceca at the same level as the wild type, but a Cjj0263 Cjj1025 double mutant revealed significantly reduced ability to colonize chick ceca. To examine whether C. jejuni that have grown in the digestive tract of chicks are protected against acute hypotonic stress, bacteria in ceca were directly exposed to water. The wild type was able to survive acute osmotic downshift, but the Cjj0263 mutant suffered a substantial loss of viability when subjected to a rapid osmotic downshock. Immunoblot analysis suggested that both Cjj0263 and Cjj1025 were glycosylated via the N-linked protein glycosylation pathway, but glycan modification of these proteins was unlikely to have a major effect on their function and stability. Our data suggest that Cjj0263, a mechanosensitive channel, has a pivotal role in protection against hypoosmotic stress experienced during environmental transmission.

Host epithelial cell invasion by Campylobacter jejuni: trigger or zipper mechanism?

Campylobacter jejuni, a spiral-shaped Gram-negative pathogen, is a highly frequent cause of gastrointestinal foodborne illness in humans worldwide. Clinical outcome of C. jejuni infections ranges from mild to severe diarrheal disease, and some other complications including reactive arthritis and Guillain–Barré syndrome. This review article highlights various C. jejuni pathogenicity factors, host cell determinants, and proposed signaling mechanisms involved in human host cell invasion and their potential role in the development of C. jejuni-mediated disease. A model is presented which outlines the various important interactions of C. jejuni with the intestinal epithelium, and we discuss the pro’s and con’s for the “zipper” over the “trigger” mechanism of invasion. Future work should clarify the contradictory role of some previously identified factors, and should identify and characterize novel virulence determinants, which are crucial to provide fresh insights into the diversity of strategies employed by this pathogen to cause disease.

Critical role of LuxS in the virulence of Campylobacter jejuni in a guinea pig model of abortion

Previous studies on Campylobacter jejuni have demonstrated the role of LuxS in motility, cytolethal distending toxin production, agglutination, and intestinal colonization; however, its direct involvement in virulence has not been reported. In this study, we demonstrate a direct role of luxS in the virulence of C. jejuni in two different animal hosts. The IA3902 strain, a highly virulent sheep abortion strain recently described by our laboratory, along with its isogenic luxS mutant and luxS complement strains, was inoculated by the oral route into both a pregnant guinea pig virulence model and a chicken colonization model. In both cases, the IA3902 luxS mutant demonstrated a complete loss of ability to colonize the intestinal tract. In the pregnant model, the mutant also failed to induce abortion, while the wild-type strain was highly abortifacient. Genetic complementation of the luxS gene fully restored the virulent phenotype in both models. Interestingly, when the organism was inoculated into guinea pigs by the intraperitoneal route, no difference in virulence (abortion induction) was observed between the luxS mutant and the wild-type strain, suggesting that the defect in virulence following oral inoculation is likely associated with a defect in colonization and/or translocation of the organism out of the intestine. These studies provide the first direct evidence that LuxS plays an important role in the virulence of C. jejuni using an in vivo model of natural disease.

Protein glycosylation in Helicobacter pylori: beyond the flagellins?

Glycosylation of flagellins by pseudaminic acid is required for virulence in Helicobacter pylori. We demonstrate that, in H. pylori, glycosylation extends to proteins other than flagellins and to sugars other than pseudaminic acid. Several candidate glycoproteins distinct from the flagellins were detected via ProQ-emerald staining and DIG- or biotin- hydrazide labeling of the soluble and outer membrane fractions of wild-type H. pylori, suggesting that protein glycosylation is not limited to the flagellins. DIG-hydrazide labeling of proteins from pseudaminic acid biosynthesis pathway mutants showed that the glycosylation of some glycoproteins is not dependent on the pseudaminic acid glycosylation pathway, indicating the existence of a novel glycosylation pathway. Fractions enriched in glycoprotein candidates by ion exchange chromatography were used to extract the sugars by acid hydrolysis. High performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection revealed characteristic monosaccharide peaks in these extracts. The monosaccharides were then identified by LC-ESI-MS/MS. The spectra are consistent with sugars such as 5,7-diacetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-L-glycero-L-manno-nonulosonic acid (Pse5Ac7Ac) previously described on flagellins, 5-acetamidino-7-acetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-L-glycero-L-manno-nonulosonic acid (Pse5Am7Ac), bacillosamine derivatives and a potential legionaminic acid derivative (Leg5AmNMe7Ac) which were not previously identified in H. pylori. These data open the way to the study of the mechanism and role of protein glycosylation on protein function and virulence in H. pylori.

Analysis of the LIV system of Campylobacter jejuni reveals alternative roles for LivJ and LivK in commensalism beyond branched-chain amino acid transport

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of diarrheal disease in humans and an intestinal commensal in poultry and other agriculturally important animals. These zoonotic infections result in significant amounts of C. jejuni present in the food supply to contribute to disease in humans. We previously found that a transposon insertion in Cjj81176_1038, encoding a homolog of the Escherichia coli LivJ periplasmic binding protein of the leucine, isoleucine, and valine (LIV) branched-chain amino acid transport system, reduced the commensal colonization capacity of C. jejuni 81-176 in chicks. Cjj81176_1038 is the first gene of a six-gene locus that encodes homologous components of the E. coli LIV system. By analyzing mutants with in-frame deletions of individual genes or pairs of genes, we found that this system constitutes a LIV transport system in C. jejuni responsible for a high level of leucine acquisition and, to a lesser extent, isoleucine and valine acquisition. Despite each LIV protein being required for branched-chain amino acid transport, only the LivJ and LivK periplasmic binding proteins were required for wild-type levels of commensal colonization of chicks. All LIV permease and ATPase components were dispensable for in vivo growth. These results suggest that the biological functions of LivJ and LivK for colonization are more complex than previously hypothesized and extend beyond a role for binding and acquiring branched-chain amino acids during commensalism. In contrast to other studies indicating a requirement and utilization of other specific amino acids for colonization, acquisition of branched-chain amino acids does not appear to be a determinant for C. jejuni during commensalism.

Colonization factors of Campylobacter jejuni in the chicken gut

Campylobacter contaminated broiler chicken meat is an important source of foodborne gastroenteritis and poses a serious health burden in industrialized countries. Broiler chickens are commonly regarded as a natural host for this zoonotic pathogen and infected birds carry a very high C. jejuni load in their gastrointestinal tract, especially the ceca. This eventually results in contaminated carcasses during processing. Current intervention methods fail to reduce the colonization of broiler chicks by C. jejuni due to an incomplete understanding on the interaction between C. jejuni and its avian host. Clearly, C. jejuni developed several survival and colonization mechanisms which are responsible for its highly adapted nature to the chicken host. But how these mechanisms interact with one another, leading to persistent, high-level cecal colonization remains largely obscure. A plethora of mutagenesis studies in the past few years resulted in the identification of several of the genes and proteins of C. jejuni involved in different aspects of the cellular response of this bacterium in the chicken gut. In this review, a thorough, up-to-date overview will be given of the survival mechanisms and colonization factors of C. jejuni identified to date. These factors may contribute to our understanding on how C. jejuni survival and colonization in chicks is mediated, as well as provide potential targets for effective subunit vaccine development.

Change is good: variations in common biological mechanisms in the epsilonproteobacterial genera Campylobacter and Helicobacter

Microbial evolution and subsequent species diversification enable bacterial organisms to perform common biological processes by a variety of means. The epsilonproteobacteria are a diverse class of prokaryotes that thrive in diverse habitats. Many of these environmental niches are labeled as extreme, whereas other niches include various sites within human, animal, and insect hosts. Some epsilonproteobacteria, such as Campylobacter jejuni and Helicobacter pylori, are common pathogens of humans that inhabit specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract. As such, the biological processes of pathogenic Campylobacter and Helicobacter spp. are often modeled after those of common enteric pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. While many exquisite biological mechanisms involving biochemical processes, genetic regulatory pathways, and pathogenesis of disease have been elucidated from studies of Salmonella spp. and E. coli, these paradigms often do not apply to the same processes in the epsilonproteobacteria. Instead, these bacteria often display extensive variation in common biological mechanisms relative to those of other prototypical bacteria. In this review, five biological processes of commonly studied model bacterial species are compared to those of the epsilonproteobacteria C. jejuni and H. pylori. Distinct differences in the processes of flagellar biosynthesis, DNA uptake and recombination, iron homeostasis, interaction with epithelial cells, and protein glycosylation are highlighted. Collectively, these studies support a broader view of the vast repertoire of biological mechanisms employed by bacteria and suggest that future studies of the epsilonproteobacteria will continue to provide novel and interesting information regarding prokaryotic cellular biology.

Participation of CheR and CheB in the chemosensory response of Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans and a commensal bacterium of the intestinal tracts of animals, especially poultry. Chemotaxis is an important determinant for chicken colonization of C. jejuni. Adaptation has a crucial role in the gradient-sensing mechanism that underlies chemotaxis. The genome sequence of C. jejuni reveals the presence of genes encoding putative adaptation proteins, CheB and CheR. In-frame deletions of cheB, cheR and cheBR were constructed and the chemosensory behaviour of the resultant mutants was examined on swarm plates. CheB and CheR proteins significantly influence chemotaxis but are not essential for this behaviour to occur. Increased mobility of two methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs), DocC and Tlp1, during SDS-PAGE was detected in the mutants lacking functional CheB in the presence of CheR, presumably resulting from stable methylation of receptors. In vitro studies using tissue culture revealed that deletion of cheR resulted in hyperadherent and hyperinvasive phenotypes, while deletion of cheB resulted in nonadherent, noninvasive phenotypes. Furthermore, the ΔcheBR mutant showed significantly reduced ability to colonize chick caeca. Our data suggest that modification of chemoreceptors by the CheBR system is involved in regulation of chemotaxis in C. jejuni although CheB is apparently not controlled by phosphorylation.

Simultaneous glycan-peptide characterization using hydrophilic interaction chromatography and parallel fragmentation by CID, higher energy collisional dissociation, and electron transfer dissociation MS applied to the N-linked glycoproteome of Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is a gastrointestinal pathogen that is able to modify membrane and periplasmic proteins by the N-linked addition of a 7-residue glycan at the strict attachment motif (D/E)XNX(S/T). Strategies for a comprehensive analysis of the targets of glycosylation, however, are hampered by the resistance of the glycan-peptide bond to enzymatic digestion or β-elimination and have previously concentrated on soluble glycoproteins compatible with lectin affinity and gel-based approaches. We developed strategies for enriching C. jejuni HB93-13 glycopeptides using zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction chromatography and examined novel fragmentation, including collision-induced dissociation (CID) and higher energy collisional (C-trap) dissociation (HCD) as well as CID/electron transfer dissociation (ETD) mass spectrometry. CID/HCD enabled the identification of glycan structure and peptide backbone, allowing glycopeptide identification, whereas CID/ETD enabled the elucidation of glycosylation sites by maintaining the glycan-peptide linkage. A total of 130 glycopeptides, representing 75 glycosylation sites, were identified from LC-MS/MS using zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled to CID/HCD and CID/ETD. CID/HCD provided the majority of the identifications (73 sites) compared with ETD (26 sites). We also examined soluble glycoproteins by soybean agglutinin affinity and two-dimensional electrophoresis and identified a further six glycosylation sites. This study more than doubles the number of confirmed N-linked glycosylation sites in C. jejuni and is the first to utilize HCD fragmentation for glycopeptide identification with intact glycan. We also show that hydrophobic integral membrane proteins are significant targets of glycosylation in this organism. Our data demonstrate that peptide-centric approaches coupled to novel mass spectrometric fragmentation techniques may be suitable for application to eukaryotic glycoproteins for simultaneous elucidation of glycan structures and peptide sequence.

Identification of Campylobacter jejuni genes involved in its interaction with epithelial cells

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of infectious gastroenteritis in industrialized nations. Its ability to enter and survive within nonphagocytic cells is thought to be very important for pathogenesis. However, little is known about the C. jejuni determinants that mediate these processes. Through an extensive transposon mutagenesis screen, we have identified several loci that are required for C. jejuni efficient entry and survival within epithelial cells. Among these loci, insertional mutations in aspA, aspB, and sodB resulted in drastic reduction in C. jejuni entry and/or survival within host cells and a severe defect in colonization in an animal model. The implications of these findings for the understanding of C. jejuni-host cell interactions are discussed.

Genetic diversity in Campylobacter jejuni is associated with differential colonization of broiler chickens and C57BL/6J IL10-deficient mice

Previous studies have demonstrated that Campylobacter jejuni, the leading causative agent of bacterial food-borne disease in the USA, exhibits high-frequency genetic variation that is associated with changes in cell-surface antigens and ability to colonize chickens. To expand our understanding of the role of genetic diversity in the disease process, we analysed the ability of three C. jejuni human disease isolates (strains 11168, 33292 and 81-176) and genetically marked derivatives to colonize Ross 308 broilers and C57BL/6J IL10-deficient mice. C. jejuni colonized broilers at much higher efficiency (all three strains, 23 of 24 broilers) than mice (11168 only, 8 of 24 mice). C. jejuni 11168 genetically marked strains colonized mice at very low efficiency (2 of 42 mice); however, C. jejuni reisolated from mice colonized both mice and broilers at high efficiency, suggesting that this pathogen can adapt genetically in the mouse. We compared the genome composition in the three wild-type C. jejuni strains and derivatives by microarray DNA/DNA hybridization analysis; the data demonstrated a high degree of genetic diversity in three gene clusters associated with synthesis and modification of the cell-surface structures capsule, flagella and lipo-oligosaccharide. Finally, we analysed the frequency of mutation in homopolymeric tracts associated with the contingency genes wlaN (GC tract) and flgR (AT tracts) in culture and after passage through broilers and mice. C. jejuni adapted genetically in culture at high frequency and the degree of genetic diversity was increased by passage through broilers but was nearly eliminated in the gastrointestinal tract of mice. The data suggest that the broiler gastrointestinal tract provides an environment which promotes outgrowth and genetic variation in C. jejuni; the enhancement of genetic diversity at this location may contribute to its importance as a human disease reservoir.

An overview of methods used to clarify pathogenesis mechanisms of Campylobacter jejuni

Thermotolerant campylobacters are the most frequent cause of bacterial infection of the lower intestine worldwide. The mechanism of pathogenesis of Campylobacter jejuni comprises four main stages: adhesion to intestinal cells, colonization of the digestive tract, invasion of targeted cells, and toxin production. In response to the high number of cases of human campylobacteriosis, various virulence study models are available according to the virulence stage being analyzed. The aim of this review is to compare the different study models used to look at human disease. Molecular biology tools used to identify genes or proteins involved in virulence mechanisms are also summarized. Despite high cost and limited availability, animal models are frequently used to study digestive disease, in particular to analyze the colonization stage. Eukaryotic cell cultures have been developed because of fewer restrictions on their use and the lower cost of these cultures compared with animal models, and this ex vivo approach makes it possible to mimic the bacterial cell-host interactions observed in natural disease cases. Models are complemented by molecular biology tools, especially mutagenesis and DNA microarray methods to identify putative virulence genes or proteins and permit their characterization. No current model seems to be ideal for studying the complete range of C. jejuni virulence. However, the models available deal with different aspects of the complex pathogenic mechanisms particular to this bacterium.

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa magnesium transporter MgtE inhibits transcription of the type III secretion system

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes life-long pneumonia in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). These long-term infections are maintained by bacterial biofilm formation in the CF lung. We have recently developed a model of P. aeruginosa biofilm formation on cultured CF airway epithelial cells. Using this model, we discovered that mutation of a putative magnesium transporter gene, called mgtE, led to increased cytotoxicity of P. aeruginosa toward epithelial cells. This altered toxicity appeared to be dependent upon expression of the type III secretion system (T3SS). In this study, we found that mutation of mgtE results in increased T3SS gene transcription. Through epistasis analyses, we discovered that MgtE influences the ExsE-ExsC-ExsD-ExsA gene regulatory system of T3SS by either directly or indirectly inhibiting ExsA activity. While variations in calcium levels modulate T3SS gene expression in P. aeruginosa, we found that addition of exogenous magnesium did not inhibit T3SS activity. Furthermore, mgtE variants that were defective for magnesium transport could still complement the cytotoxicity effect. Thus, the magnesium transport function of MgtE does not fully explain the regulatory effects of MgtE on cytotoxicity. Overall, our results indicate that MgtE modulates expression of T3SS genes.

N-linked glycosylation in bacteria: an unexpected application

Traditionally, glycoproteins have been considered the exclusive property of eukaryotes and archaea, but it is now evident that glycoproteins are found in all domains of life. In recent years N-linked glycosylation among some epsilon-proteobacteria has emerged as a new and exciting research area and represents a useful model to understand this complex process in simple, genetically tractable bacteria. Above all, the transfer of N-linked glycosylation systems to the work-horse bacterium, Escherichia coli, has enabled, for the first time, the production of recombinant glycoproteins. This has potentially provided the option for tailor-made glycoproteins and has opened up the field of glycoengineering, particularly with respect to the development of glycoconjugate vaccines.

Update on Campylobacter jejuni vaccine development for preventing human campylobacteriosis

Campylobacteriosis constitutes a serious medical and socioeconomic problem worldwide. Rapidly increasing antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains compels us to develop alternative therapeutic strategies and to search for efficient immunoprophylactic methods. The vast majority of Campylobacter infections in developed countries occur as sporadic cases, mainly caused by eating undercooked Campylobacter-contaminated poultry. The most efficient strategy of decreasing the number of human Campylobacter infections is by implementing protective vaccinations for humans and/or chickens. Despite more than 10 years of research, an effective anti-Campylobacter vaccine has not been developed. This review highlights our increasing knowledge of Campylobacter interaction with host cells and focuses on recently published data describing the efficacy of anti-Campylobacter vaccine prototypes.

Advances in Campylobacter biology and implications for biotechnological applications

Campylobacter jejuni is a major foodborne pathogen of animal origin and a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. During the past decade, especially since the publication of the first C. jejuni genome sequence, major advances have been made in understanding the pathobiology and physiology of this organism. It is apparent that C. jejuni utilizes sophisticated mechanisms for effective colonization of the intestinal tracts in various animal species. Although Campylobacter is fragile in the environment and requires fastidious growth conditions, it exhibits great flexibility in the adaptation to various habitats including the gastrointestinal tract. This high adaptability is attributable to its genetically, metabolically and phenotypically diverse population structure and its ability to change in response to various challenges. Unlike other enteric pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, Campylobacter is unable to utilize exogenous glucose and mainly depends on the catabolism of amino acids as a carbon source. Campylobacter proves highly mutable in response to antibiotic treatments and possesses eukaryote‐like dual protein glycosylation systems, which modify flagella and other surface proteins with specific sugar structures. In this review we will summarize the distinct biological traits of Campylobacter and discuss the potential biotechnological approaches that can be developed to control this enteric pathogen.

A DNase encoded by integrated element CJIE1 inhibits natural transformation of Campylobacter jejuni

The species Campylobacter jejuni is considered naturally competent for DNA uptake and displays strong genetic diversity. Nevertheless, nonnaturally transformable strains and several relatively stable clonal lineages exist. In the present study, the molecular mechanism responsible for the nonnatural transformability of a subset of C. jejuni strains was investigated. Comparative genome hybridization indicated that C. jejuni Mu-like prophage integrated element 1 (CJIE1) was more abundant in nonnaturally transformable C. jejuni strains than in naturally transformable strains. Analysis of CJIE1 indicated the presence of dns (CJE0256), which is annotated as a gene encoding an extracellular DNase. DNase assays using a defined dns mutant and a dns-negative strain expressing Dns from a plasmid indicated that Dns is an endogenous DNase. The DNA-hydrolyzing activity directly correlated with the natural transformability of the knockout mutant and the dns-negative strain expressing Dns from a plasmid. Analysis of a broader set of strains indicated that the majority of nonnaturally transformable strains expressed DNase activity, while all naturally competent strains lacked this activity. The inhibition of natural transformation in C. jejuni via endogenous DNase activity may contribute to the formation of stable lineages in the C. jejuni population.

A Campylobacter jejuni znuA orthologue is essential for growth in low-zinc environments and chick colonization

Campylobacter jejuni infection is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States and is acquired primarily through the ingestion of contaminated poultry products. Here, we describe the C. jejuni orthologue of ZnuA in other gram-negative bacteria. ZnuA (Cj0143c) is the periplasmic component of a putative zinc ABC transport system and is encoded on a zinc-dependent operon with Cj0142c and Cj0141c, which encode the other two likely components of the transport system of C. jejuni. Transcription of these genes is zinc dependent. A mutant lacking Cj0143c is growth deficient in zinc-limiting media, as well as in the chick gastrointestinal tract. The protein is glycosylated at asparagine 28, but this modification is dispensable for zinc-limited growth and chick colonization. Affinity-purified FLAG-tagged Cj0143c binds zinc in vitro. Based on our findings and on its homology to E. coli ZnuA, we conclude that Cj0143c encodes the C. jejuni orthologue of ZnuA.

Campylobacter jejuni response to human mucin MUC2: modulation of colonization and pathogenicity determinants

Campylobacter jejuni is the main cause of bacterial acute gastroenteritis worldwide. In its colonization of the host intestinal tract, it encounters secreted mucins in the mucus layer and surface mucins in the epithelial cells. Mucins are complex glycoproteins that comprise the major component of mucus and give mucus its viscous consistency. MUC2 is the most abundant secreted mucin in the human intestine; it is a major chemoattractant for C. jejuni, and the bacterium binds to it. There are no studies on the transcriptional response of the bacterium to this mucin. Here, cell-culture techniques and quantitative RT-PCR were used to characterize in vitro the effects of MUC2 on C. jejuni growth and the changes in expression of 20 C. jejuni genes related to various functions. The genes encoding cytolethal distending toxin protein (cdtABC), vacuolating cytotoxin (vacB), C. jejuni lipoprotein (jlpA), Campylobacter invasion antigen (ciaB), the multidrug efflux system (cmeAB), putative mucin-degrading enzymes (cj1344c, cj0843c, cj0256 and cj1055c), flagellin A (flaA) and putative rod-shape-determining proteins (mreB and mreC) were upregulated, whereas those encoding Campylobacter adhesion fibronectin-binding protein (cadF) and sialic acid synthase (neuB1) were downregulated. These results showed that C. jejuni utilizes MUC2 as an environmental cue for the modulation of expression of genes with various functions including colonization and pathogenicity.

Genetic manipulation of Campylobacter jejuni

Molecular manipulation has been a limiting factor in C. jejuni research for many years. Recent advances in molecular techniques adapted for C. jejuni have furthered our understanding of the organism. This unit is dedicated to common molecular tools in bacterial research specifically tailored for C. jejuni. These include colony PCR, DNA isolation, and RNA isolation. The unit also reviews techniques for genetic manipulation, such as the use of plasmids, natural transformation, electroporation, conjugation, and transposition. In addition, a reporter system, the arylsulfatase assay, can be used to study gene expression.

Campylobacter jejuni CsrA mediates oxidative stress responses, biofilm formation, and host cell invasion

The putative global posttranscriptional regulator csrA was mutated in Campylobacter jejuni 81-176. The csrA mutant was attenuated in surviving oxidative stress. CsrA also contributed to biofilm formation and adherence to and invasion of INT407 intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting a regulatory role for CsrA in C. jejuni pathogenesis.

Campylobacter jejuni survives within epithelial cells by avoiding delivery to lysosomes

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the major causes of infectious diarrhea world-wide, although relatively little is know about its mechanisms of pathogenicity. This bacterium can gain entry into intestinal epithelial cells, which is thought to be important for its ability to persistently infect and cause disease. We found that C. jejuni is able to survive within intestinal epithelial cells. However, recovery of intracellular bacteria required pre-culturing under oxygen-limiting conditions, suggesting that C. jejuni undergoes significant physiological changes within the intracellular environment. We also found that in epithelial cells the C. jejuni–containing vacuole deviates from the canonical endocytic pathway immediately after a unique caveolae-dependent entry pathway, thus avoiding delivery into lysosomes. In contrast, in macrophages, C. jejuni is delivered to lysosomes and consequently is rapidly killed. Taken together, these studies indicate that C. jejuni has evolved specific adaptations to survive within host cells.

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common causes of food-borne illness in the United States and a major cause of diarrheal disease throughout the world. After infection through the oral route, this bacterium invades the cells of the intestinal epithelium, a property that is important for its ability to cause disease. Usually, bacteria and other material entering the cell move to compartments called lysosomes, where an acidic mix of enzymes breaks it down. This study shows that C. jejuni can survive within intestinal epithelial cells by avoiding delivery to lysosomes. In contrast, in macrophages, which are specialized cells with the capacity to engulf and kill bacteria, C. jejuni cannot avoid delivery into lysosomes and consequently is rapidly killed. These studies help explain an important virulence attribute of C. jejuni.

Campylobacter jejuni-mediated disease pathogenesis: an update

Infection by Campylobacter jejuni is considered to be the most prevalent cause of bacterial-mediated diarrhoeal disease worldwide. Both in the developing and the developed world, young children remain most susceptible. Although disease is generally mild and self-limiting, severe post-infectious complications such as Gullain-Barré syndrome may occur. Despite the significant health burden caused by the organism, our current understanding of disease pathogenesis remains in its infancy. Elucidation of the genome sequences of many different C. jejuni strains in recent years has started to accelerate research in Campylobacter genetics, pathogenesis and host immunity in response to infection. Campylobacter jejuni is the first prokaryote shown to code for both O- and N-linked glycosylation systems, a feature that is likely to not only modulate bacterial virulence and survival, but also influence host-pathogen interactions and disease outcome. Here recent developments in C. jejuni research, with a particular focus on disease pathogenesis including early host immune responses, are highlighted.

Campylobacter jejuni: molecular biology and pathogenesis

Campylobacter jejuni is a foodborne bacterial pathogen that is common in the developed world. However, we know less about its biology and pathogenicity than we do about other less prevalent pathogens. Interest in C. jejuni has increased in recent years as a result of the growing appreciation of its importance as a pathogen and the availability of new model systems and genetic and genomic technologies. C. jejuni establishes persistent, benign infections in chickens and is rapidly cleared by many strains of laboratory mouse, but causes significant inflammation and enteritis in humans. Comparing the different host responses to C. jejuni colonization should increase our understanding of this organism.