Abstract
Bacterial pathogens must adapt/respond rapidly to changing environmental conditions. Ribonucleases (RNases) can be crucial factors contributing to the fast adaptation of RNA levels to different environmental demands. It has been demonstrated that the exoribonuclease polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) facilitates survival of Campylobacter jejuni in low temperatures and favors swimming, chick colonization, and cell adhesion/invasion. However, little is known about the mechanism of action of other ribonucleases in this microorganism. Members of the RNB family of enzymes have been shown to be involved in virulence of several pathogens. We have searched C. jejuni genome for homologues and found one candidate that displayed properties more similar to RNase R (Cj-RNR). We show here that Cj-RNR is important for the first steps of infection, the adhesion and invasion of C. jejuni to eukaryotic cells. Moreover, Cj-RNR proved to be active in a wide range of conditions. The results obtained lead us to conclude that Cj-RNR has an important role in the biology of this foodborne pathogen.
Highlights
Members of the RNB family are involved in virulence; nothing is known about the Campylobacter jejuni homologue
In the genome of C. jejuni, we found a homologue of the RNB family of enzymes, which, based on sequence alignment, seems to be more similar to RNase R.6
Cj-RNR is more similar to the RNase R from H. pylori, which is an Epsilonproteobacteria
Summary
Members of the RNB family are involved in virulence; nothing is known about the Campylobacter jejuni homologue. Results: Cj-RNase R is active in several conditions. It is important for adhesion and invasion. Conclusion: RNase R is important for C. jejuni biology and infection. Bacterial pathogens must adapt/respond rapidly to changing environmental conditions. Members of the RNB family of enzymes have been shown to be involved in virulence of several pathogens. We show here that Cj-RNR is important for the first steps of infection, the adhesion and invasion of C. jejuni to eukaryotic cells. The results obtained lead us to conclude that Cj-RNR has an important role in the biology of this foodborne pathogen
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