Oxygen and contact with human intestinal epithelium independently stimulate virulence gene expression in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) are important intestinal pathogens causing acute and persistent diarrhoeal illness worldwide. Although many putative EAEC virulence factors have been identified, their association with pathogenesis remains unclear. As environmental cues can modulate bacterial virulence, we investigated the effect of oxygen and human intestinal epithelium on EAEC virulence gene expression to determine the involvement of respective gene products in intestinal colonisation and pathogenesis. Using in vitro organ culture of human intestinal biopsies, we established the colonic epithelium as the major colonisation site of EAEC strains 042 and 17‐2. We subsequently optimised a vertical diffusion chamber system with polarised T84 colon carcinoma cells for EAEC infection and showed that oxygen induced expression of the global regulator AggR, aggregative adherence fimbriae, E. coli common pilus, EAST‐1 toxin, and dispersin in EAEC strain 042 but not in 17‐2. Furthermore, the presence of T84 epithelia stimulated additional expression of the mucinase Pic and the toxins HlyE and Pet. This induction was dependent on physical host cell contact and did not require AggR. Overall, these findings suggest that EAEC virulence in the human gut is modulated by environmental signals including oxygen and the intestinal epithelium.     

CS3纤毛抗原表达调控机理的研究

CS3亚基结构基因的核苷酸序列分析表明,在其翻译起始位点的上游存在着rbs位点及原核启动子的—10区和—35区DNA序列。凝胶阻滞和启动报告基因表达的实验确证了CS3亚基结构基因具有自身的启动子(Ps),怛它的作用受其上游区域的抑制。核苷酸序列分析发现,在Ps—35区上游550bp和840bp处各存在一个富A-T簇。结合原核启动子的一般作用规律推知,CS3的表达可能受DNA结合蛋白型的正向调节因子的作用,互补实验结果表明cfaD基因不仅可消除上游区对Ps的抑制,而且可大幅度地提高Ps的启动能力。在分析表达调控的基础上获得CS3重组高效表达。同时提出了其表达调控模型。     

猪Follistatin cDNA克隆及在大肠杆菌中的表达

提取猪卵巢总RNA,用RT-PCR方法克隆了猪FollistatincDNA的完整开放阅读框,长1038bp。将FollistatincDNA连接到原核表达载体pGEX-4T-3中,转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3),以IPTG诱导,进行了GST-FS融合蛋白表达。用SDS-PAGE和Western杂交检测,结果显示在63kD处有特异性表达蛋白。     

CS3菌毛可以作为异源抗原决定簇的嵌合表达载体

CS3是肠毒素源性大肠杆菌的菌毛蛋白,是一种很强的免疫原。研究了利用CS3菌毛作为异源抗原决定簇载体的可能性。在计算机分析预测CS3亚基的抗原表位区、二级结构的基础上,运用PCR定点突变在CS3亚基结构基因中引入了SacⅡ酶切位点序列,插入编码霍乱毒素B亚基抗原表位CTP3的DNA序列,构建了表达CS3/CTP3的重组菌株。电镜和免疫电镜观察证明,CS3/CTP3以杂合菌毛的形式存在于菌体表面,SDS聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳显示了CS3/CTP3杂合蛋白的存在。口服和腹腔注射免疫Bal b/c小鼠,该重组菌株可诱发抗CS3和抗CTP3的双重免疫应答。结果表明CS3可以作为表达异源抗原决定簇的表达载体,可望成为研制口服粘膜免疫多价疫苗的新型系统。     

CS3 fimbriae of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli as chimeric expression carriers of heterologous antigenic determinants

CS3 fimbriae, which are the strong immunogen, are produced by human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). The possibility of using CS3 as a carrier of foreign antigenic determinants was investigated. A SacⅡ site sequence was inserted into the structural gene of CS3 subunit by site-specific mutagenesis based on analyzing and predicting the properties of the proteins. A recombinant strain expressing CS3/CTP3 hybrid fimbriae was constructed by inserting the sequence encoding CTP3 into the SacII site created by directed mutagenesis in the structural gene of CS3 subunit and transforming the recombinant plasmid into the host of DH5α. The result of SDS-PAGE showed that the hybrid CS3/CTP3 molecules were the fusion proteins with molecular masses of about 18.5 ku. Inoculating mice orally and intraperitoneally showed that both antibodies against CS3 and CTP3 were elicited. These results indicate that CS3 pili could be an exposure vector for heterologous antigenic determinants and become a powerful tool for the development of oral vaccines directed against mucosal pathogens.     

CS3 fimbriae of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli as chimeric expression carriers of heterologous antigenic determinants

CS3 fimbriae, which are the strong immunogen, are produced by human enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). The possibility of using CS3 as a carrier of foreign antigenic determinants was investigated. A SacII site sequence was inserted into the structural gene of CS3 subunit by site-specific mutagenesis based on analyzing and predicting the properties of the proteins. A recombinant strain expressing CS3/CTP3 hybrid fimbriae was constructed by inserting the sequence encoding CTP3 into the SacII site created by directed mutagenesis in the structural gene of CS3 subunit and transforming the recombinant plasmid into the host of DH5α. The result of SDS-PAGE showed that the hybrid CS3/CTP3 molecules were the fusion proteins with molecular, masses of about 18.5 ku. Inoculating mice orally and intraperitoneally showed that both antibodies against CS3 and CTP3 were elicited. These results indicate that CS3 pill could be an exposure vector for heterologous antigenic determinants and become a powerful tool for     

Expression of CS fimbriae in Escherichia coli strains of human and animal origin belonging to O-serovar 6, K-serovar 15 or H-serovar 16

Abstract A non-conjugative CS-fimbriae-associated plasmid pCS001 was mobilized into rifampicin-resistant mutants of strains of Escherichia coli of O-serovar 6 or K-serovar 15 or H-serovar 16. By a variety of serological procedures only the production of CS3 fimbriae was detected in transoconjugants. The finding extend previous observations that only strains of E. coli of serotype O6:K15:H16 or H− and of appropriate biotype are able to express either CS1 or CS2 fimbriae, as even a recipient of serotype O6:K15:H31 possessing a rhamnose-positive fermentation phenotype did not express either of these two fimbriae. The results indicate that expression of CS1 or CS2 fimbriae probably involves chromosomal determinants only found in strains of serotype O6:K15:H16 or H−.     

Kinetics of phase variation between S and type-1 fimbriae of Escherichia coli

Abstract The rate of fimbrial phase variation in Escherichia coli strain 3040 was determined. The strain has type-1 and S fimbriae. The bacterial culture was fractionated into homogeneous subpopulations expressing either one of the fimbrial types only; the subpopulations were inoculated into broth and the fimbriation of individual cells was assayed by immunofluorescence as a function of time. The rate of the shift from S- or type-1-fimbriate cells to non-fimbriate ones was of the order of 10⁻² per cell generation and more rapid than a direct shift from one fimbrial phase to another, although both types of phase variations were observed.     

重组基因表达对大肠杆菌生理的影响

重组基因在表达外源蛋白质时常常会耗用大量的宿主细胞资源,从而对宿主造成代谢负荷,代谢负荷使得宿主的生化和生理产生很大的变化,甚至损害宿主正常的代谢功能。而过重的代谢负荷会影响目标蛋白的表达量和表达质量。综述了产生代谢负荷的原因,宿主细胞对代谢负荷的应激反应、以及减轻代谢负荷的策略。     

P fimbriae on uropathogenic Escherichia coli O16:K1 and O18 strains

Abstract The fimbrial composition of 12 P-fimbriate uropathogenic Escherichia coli O16 and O18 strains was analysed by immunoprecipitation with 14 fimbria-specific antisera. All the O16 strains possessed a P fimbrial serovariant with an apparent M _r of 17500. One strain had an additional, serologically closely related P fimbria with an apparent M _r of 19 800. Two groups were found among the O18 strains; one possessing a type 1C fimbria and a 19800-Da P fimbria, the other lacking type 1C fimbriae and possessing a P-fimbrial variant with an apparent M _r of 17 800. Fimbriae on strains within the groups were serologically similar by immunoprecipitation assays. Also, the fimbriae on the O16 and O18 strains were mutually cross-reactive. The grouping of the O18 strains by fimbrial serology corresponded to the previous clonal grouping based on other phenotypic characters.     

Binding of purified Escherichia coli O75X adhesin to frozen sections of human kidney

Abstract Binding characteristics of the purified Escherichia coli O75X adhesin in frozen sections of human kidney were determined, using antibodies raised against the purified antigen and rhodamine-conjugated second antibodies. To identify the adhesin-binding nephron domains, the same tissue sections were double stained with fluorescein isothiocynate-conjugated nephron site-specific lectins. The results revealed that, at the tubular pole, the O75X adhesin bound selectively to the basement membrane of proximal and distal tubules and, with a slightly lower efficiency, of collecting ducts. In the glomerulus, the O75X adhesin bound only to the parietal epithelial cells (Bowman's capsule). The purified O75X adhesin bound also to exfoliated epithelial cells in human urine. Our results suggest that the O75X adhesin may contribute to the uropathogenicity of E. coli by binding the bacteria to tissue structures in the human urinary tract.     

A specific genetic background is required for acquisition and expression of virulence factors in Escherichia coli

In bacteria, the evolution of pathogenicity seems to be the result of the constant arrival of virulence factors (VFs) into the bacterial genome. However, the integration, retention, and/or expression of these factors may be the result of the interaction between the new arriving genes and the bacterial genomic background. To test this hypothesis, a phylogenetic analysis was done on a collection of 98 Escherichia coli/Shigella strains representing the pathogenic and commensal diversity of the species. The distribution of 17 VFs associated to the different E. coli pathovars was superimposed on the phylogenetic tree. Three major types of VFs can be recognized: (1) VFs that arrive and are expressed in different genetic backgrounds (such as VFs associated with the pathovars of mild chronic diarrhea: enteroaggregative, enteropathogenic, and diffusely-adhering E. coli), (2) VFs that arrive in different genetic backgrounds but are preferentially found, associated with a specific pathology, in only one particular background (such as VFs associated with extraintestinal diseases), and (3) VFs that require a particular genetic background for the arrival and expression of their virulence potential (such as VFs associated with pathovars typical of severe acute diarrhea: enterohemorragic, enterotoxigenic, and enteroinvasive E. coli strains). The possibility of a single arrival of VFs by chance, followed by a vertical transmission, was ruled out by comparing the evolutionary histories of some of these VFs to the strain phylogeny. These evidences suggest that important changes in the genome of E. coli have occurred during the diversification of the species, allowing the virulence factors associated with severe acute diarrhea to arrive in the population. Thus, the E. coli genome seems to be formed by an "ancestral" and a "derived" background, each one responsible for the acquisition and expression of different virulence factors.     

Role of type 1 fimbriae and mannose in the development of Escherichia coli K12 biofilm: from initial cell adhesion to biofilm formation

The influence of type 1 fimbriae, mannose-sensitive structures, on biofilm development and maturation has been examined by the use of three isogenic Escherichia coli K12 strains: wild type, fimbriated, and non-fimbriated. Experiments with the three strains were done in minimal medium or Luria–Bertani broth supplemented with different concentrations of d-mannose. The investigation consisted of: (1) characterizing the bacterial surface of the three strains with respect to hydrophilicity and surface charge, (2) investigating the effect of type 1 fimbriae on bacterial adhesion rate and reversibility of initial adhesion on glass surfaces, and (3) verifying the role of type 1 fimbriae and exopolysaccharides (EPS) in biofilm maturation. The results suggest that type 1 fimbriae are not required for the initial bacterial adhesion on glass surfaces as the non-fimbriated cells had higher adhesion rates and irreversible deposition. Type 1 fimbriae, however, are critical for subsequent biofilm development. It was hypothesized that in the biofilm maturation step, the cells synthesize mannose-rich EPS, which functions as a ‘conditioning film’ that can be recognized by the type 1 fimbriae.     

Effect of zinc deficiency on the mRNA expression pattern in liver and jejunum of adult rats: monitoring gene expression using cDNA microarrays combined with real-time RT-PCR

In the study presented here, the effect of zinc deficiency on mRNA expression levels in liver and jejunum of adult rats was analyzed. Feed intake was restricted to 8 g/day. The semi-synthetic diet was fortified with pure phytate and contained either 2 μg Zn/g (Zn deficiency, n = 6) or 58 μg Zn/g (control, n = 7). After 29 days of Zn depletion feeding, entire jejunum and liver were retrieved and total RNA was extracted. Tissue specific expression pattern were screened and quantified by microarray analysis and verified individually via real-time RT-PCR. A relative quantification was performed with the newly developed Relative Expression Software Tool © on numerous candidate genes which showed a differential expression.

This study provides the first comparative view of gene expression regulation and fully quantitative expression analysis of 35 candidate genes in a non-growing Zn deficient adult rat model. The expression results indicate the existence of individual expression pattern in liver and jejunum and their tissue specific regulation under Zn deficiency. In addition, in jejunum a number of B-cell related genes could be demonstrated to be suppressed at Zn deficiency. In liver, metallothionein subtype 1 and 2 (MT-1 and MT-2) genes could be shown to be dramatically repressed and therefore represent putative markers for Zn deficiency. Expression results imply that some genes are expressed constitutively, whereas others are highly regulated in tissues responsible for Zn homeostasis.     

重组葡激酶基因在大肠杆菌内的高水平表达及生物学活性研究

将测序后的葡激酶重组质粒ＰＵＣ－ＳＡＫ经酶切后,组装于表达载体ｐＢＶ２２０,构建成ｐＢＶ－ＳＡＫ表达质粒,转化大肠杆菌。重组葡激酶表达水平达６０％～７０％,相对分子质量为 １５ ５００,主要以可溶状态存在于细胞中。生物活性测定证实,重组葡激酶具有很强的纤溶活性。     

Colonization factors of diarrheagenicE. coli and their intestinal receptors

WhileEscherichia coli is common as a commensal organism in the distal ileum and colon, the presence of colonization factors (CF) on pathogenic strains ofE. coli facilitates attachment of the organism to intestinal receptor molecules in a species- and tissue-specific fashion. After the initial adherence, colonization occurs, and the involvement of additional virulence determinants leads to illness. EnterotoxigenicE. coli (ETEC) is the most extensively studied of the five categories ofE. coli that cause diarrheal disease, and has the greatest impact on health worldwide. ETEC can be isolated from domestic animals and humans. The biochemistry, genetics, epidemiology, antigenic characteristics, and cell and receptor binding properties of ETEC have been extensively described. Another major category, enteropathogenicE. coli (EPEC), has virulence mechanisms, primarily effacement and cytoskeletal rearrangement of intestinal brush borders, that are distinct from ETEC. An EPEC CF receptor has been purified and characterized as a sialidated transmembrane glycoprotein complex directly attached to actin, thereby associating CF-binding with host-cell response. Three, additional categories ofE. coli diarrheal disease, their colonization factors and their host cell receptors are discussed. It appears that biofilms exist in the intestine in a manner similar to oral bacterial biofilms, and thatE. coli is part of these biofilms as both commensals and pathogens.Abbreviations CF colonization factor - CFA Colonization Factor Antigen - CS coli-surface-associated antigen - EAggEC enteroaggregativeE. coli - ECDD E. coli diarrheal disease - EHEC enterohemorrhagicE. coli - EIEC enteroinvasiveE. coli - EPEC enteropathogenicE. coli - ETEC enterotoxigenicE. coli - Gal galactose - GalNAc N-acetyl galactosamine - LT heat-labile toxin - NeuAc N-acetyl neuraminic acid - PCF Putative colonization factor - RBC red blood cells - SLT Shiga-like toxin - ST heat-stable toxin     

鼠疫耶尔森氏菌VcrV基因在大肠杆菌中的高效表达

将测序后的鼠疫耶尔森氏菌（Yersinia pestis)LcrV基因重组质粒pGEM－T／ypV酶切,克隆于原核表达载体pBV220,构建成pBV/ypV表达质粒,转化大肠杆菌DH5α,进行PCR及酶切鉴定,筛选阳性克隆,进行温控诱导表达,SDS－PAGE检测表达产物,在相对分子质量38000处有－表达条带,经薄层扫描分析目的蛋白带占全菌蛋白的38．4％以上,主要以可溶形式存在。     

3′端非翻译区影响TNFα cDNA在大肠杆菌中的表达

采用PCR方法改变了表达构建物pRL-rhTNF中的结构,即去掉rhTNFαcDNA3＇端非翻译区序列110bp(命名为pRL-rhTNFα2),转入大肠杆菌后,观察数个阳性转化子的表达情况,并与原型pRL-rhTNFα的表达进行比较。结果表明,去掉3＇端非翻译区的pRL-rhTNFα2能稳定表达rhTNFα,其发酵及纯化产品的生物学特征均等同于原型的,且其表达量比原型的有提高,提示3＇端非翻译区序列对表达有影响。3＇端非翻译区内存在一个相似于TA的重复序列——TTTA TTA七聚体。这可能是本研究中影响TNFα表达量的原因之一。