[Screen and identification of Streptocococcus pneumoniae genes specifically induced in host]

To identify in vivo-induced genes of S. pneumoniae and search new potential drug targets and vaccine candidates, a selection system was developed based on the in vivo expression technology (IVET). Promoter galU gene which is critical for the capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis and lacZY gene which encodes bea-galactosidase were employed as dual reporter genes. The galU-deficient mutant of S. pneumoniae is incapable of utilizing galactose and synthesizing capsular polysaccharide, therefore can't survival in the host. Firstly, the random pieces of S. pneumoniae chromosomal DNA (200-500 bp), obtained by partial Sau3Al restriction digestion, were subcloned into the Bgl II site of pEVP3-galU. Transformation by this plasmid library yielded promoter-trap library in S. pneumoniae. Then, the library was used to infect animals. Bacteria were harvested from lung tissue. White clones on TSA agar containing X-gal were used to reinfect animals. The sequence of infection and sorting was performed twice, 165 white clones harvested from the final round of infection were analyzed. A total of 15 unique sequences were obtained through in vivo screen. The bioinformatics analysis showed that these ivi genes involved in colonization and adherence, energy metabolism, nutrient substance transport, transcription regulation, DNA metabolism and cell wall synthesis. And there were some hypothetical proteins have unknown functions. Part of these genes may be related with virulence and can be used as vaccine candidates and drug targets.