Inactivation of a Helicobacter pylori DNA methyltransferase alters dnaK operon expression following host-cell
John P Donahue1, Dawn A Israel, Victor J Torres
1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, A3310, MCN, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. john.donahue@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
Abstract:
The Helicobacter pylori hpyIM gene encodes a type II DNA methyltransferase that is highly conserved among strains. To investigate the potential role of M.HpyI methyltransferase activity in controlling gene expression in H. pylori, we analyzed gene transcription profiles in wild-type strain J166 and an isogenic hpyIM mutant strain using gene arrays. This analysis showed that the expression of a majority of genes was unaffected by hpyIM mutation, especially in exponential phase cultures. However, in stationary phase cultures and in cells adherent to AGS gastric epithelial cells in vitro, loss of hpyIM function altered the expression of the stress-responsive dnaK operon. Complementation of the hpyIM mutation using a shuttle plasmid encoding a wild-type copy of the gene re-established the wild-type pattern of dnaK operon expression. These data suggested that hpyIM, encoding a DNA methyltransferase, may have a role in H. pylori physiology that supersedes its original function in a type II restriction-modification system.
Insights
The Helicobacter pylori hpyIM gene, encoding a DNA methyltransferase, influences stress-responsive gene expression, particularly the dnaK operon, in stationary and adherent phases. This suggests a broader physiological role beyond DNA modification.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori is a significant human pathogen.
- The hpyIM gene encodes a type II DNA methyltransferase, conserved across H. pylori strains.
- The function of M.HpyI methyltransferase in H. pylori gene regulation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of M.HpyI methyltransferase activity in controlling gene expression in H. pylori.
- To analyze the impact of hpyIM gene mutation on H. pylori transcription profiles.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling using gene arrays.
- Comparison of wild-type strain J166 and an isogenic hpyIM mutant strain.
- Analysis of gene expression in exponential and stationary phases, and in adherent cells.
Main Results:
- The hpyIM mutation did not significantly affect the expression of most genes, especially in exponential phase.
- Loss of hpyIM function altered the expression of the stress-responsive dnaK operon in stationary phase and adherent cells.
- Complementation restored the wild-type dnaK operon expression pattern.
Conclusions:
- The hpyIM gene product, M.HpyI DNA methyltransferase, plays a role in H. pylori physiology.
- This role extends beyond its function in a type II restriction-modification system, impacting stress response gene regulation.
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