Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative anaerobe implicated in various forms of periodontal diseases. It is also associated with infections in other parts of the body and is one of the most prevalent species in intra- amniotic infection, causing preterm birth. F. nucleatum binds to and invades host epithelial and endothelial cells, a mechanism allowing colonization at different host sites. Previous studies have shown that F. nucleatum can translocate to the pregnant mouse placenta via haematogenous transmission, followed by activation of localized placental inflammatory responses, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Invasion of mouse placental endothelial cells by F. nucleatum has also been observed in vivo. So far, only one adhesin, FadA (for Fusobacterium adhesin A), has been identified to be required for bacterial binding and invasion of host cells in both tissue-culture and animal models. FadA is a unique adhesin consisting of two forms: the intact non-secreted form (pre-FadA) composed of 129 amino-acid (aa) residues, and the mature secreted form (mFadA) of 111 aa. The crystal structure of mFadA reveals two anti-parallel alpha-helices connected by an 8- aa loop. The crystal structure of mFadA suggests oligomerization in a head-to-tail pattern via a novel """"""""leucine chain"""""""" motif. Filament formation and binding to host cells require both pre-FadA and mFadA. A FadA adhesin model has been proposed, with pre-FadA anchored in the inner membrane and a chain of mFadA on top of pre-FadA protruding through the outer membrane. We hypothesize that the receptor-binding site may be located in the loop region, only fully exposed at the tip of the filament. Furthermore, several of the FadA filaments may bundle together to form a cluster of loops, which may be required for binding. One focus of this proposed study is to test the FadA adhesin model. Using a yeast-two-hybrid system, several putative receptors have been identified to interact with FadA. Thus, a second focus of this study is to validate the interactions between the putative receptors and FadA and to investigate the host responses to FadA.
Our specific aims are:
Aim I. Further characterization of the FadA adhesin in F. nucleatum. Five sub-aims are proposed: (i) investigating fadA expression under different conditions, (ii) investigating the spatial arrangement of FadA in F. nucleatum, (iii) investigating the involvement of the loop region in host-cell binding, (iv) investigating the role of the signal peptide in FadA complex formation, and (v) investigating possible accessory molecules in F. nucleatum associated with FadA.
Aim II. Investigation of FadA and host cell interactions. Two sub-aims are proposed: (i) continued identification and characterization of the FadA receptor, and (ii) investigating the effect of FadA on cellular processes. From this study, we hope to identify (i) potential therapeutic targets for inhibiting F. nucleatum colonization in the host, and (ii) host components and pathways affected by FadA, which will facilitate modulation of respective cellular processes and targeted drug delivery.

Public Health Relevance

In this competitive renewal application, we propose to continue in-depth investigation of the novel FadA adhesin from oral bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum, which is associated with periodontal disease and preterm birth. FadA plays an important role in the bacterial colonization in the host and in causing preterm birth. Continued structure-function analysis of FadA will facilitate therapeutic development to inhibit the bacterial colonization in the host and to reduce the incidence of preterm birth. Identification of host components and pathways affected by FadA will facilitate therapeutic development of modulate specific cellular processes and targeted drug delivery. PHS 398/2590 (Rev. 09/04, Reissued 4/2006) Page Continuation Format Page

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DE014924-08
Application #
8270369
Study Section
Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Sciences Study Section (ODCS)
Program Officer
Lunsford, Dwayne
Project Start
2002-12-01
Project End
2014-04-30
Budget Start
2012-05-01
Budget End
2013-04-30
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$373,148
Indirect Cost
$135,474
Name
Case Western Reserve University
Department
Dentistry
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
077758407
City
Cleveland
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
44106
Nie, Shuping; Tian, Baoyu; Wang, Xiaowei et al. (2015) Fusobacterium nucleatum subspecies identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. J Clin Microbiol 53:1399-402
Han, Yiping W (2015) Fusobacterium nucleatum: a commensal-turned pathogen. Curr Opin Microbiol 23:141-7
Han, Yiping Weng (2014) Commentary: Oral bacteria as drivers for colorectal cancer. J Periodontol 85:1155-7
Han, Y W; Wang, X (2013) Mobile microbiome: oral bacteria in extra-oral infections and inflammation. J Dent Res 92:485-91
Wang, Xiaowei; Buhimschi, Catalin S; Temoin, Stephanie et al. (2013) Comparative microbial analysis of paired amniotic fluid and cord blood from pregnancies complicated by preterm birth and early-onset neonatal sepsis. PLoS One 8:e56131
Rubinstein, Mara Roxana; Wang, Xiaowei; Liu, Wendy et al. (2013) Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes colorectal carcinogenesis by modulating E-cadherin/?-catenin signaling via its FadA adhesin. Cell Host Microbe 14:195-206
Témoin, Stéphanie; Wu, Karen L; Wu, Vivian et al. (2012) Signal peptide of FadA adhesin from Fusobacterium nucleatum plays a novel structural role by modulating the filament's length and width. FEBS Lett 586:1-6
Temoin, Stephanie; Chakaki, Alia; Askari, Ali et al. (2012) Identification of oral bacterial DNA in synovial fluid of patients with arthritis with native and failed prosthetic joints. J Clin Rheumatol 18:117-21
Han, Y W (2011) Oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes - what's next? J Dent Res 90:289-93
Morsani, Jussara M; Aminoshariae, Anita; Han, Yiping Weng et al. (2011) Genetic predisposition to persistent apical periodontitis. J Endod 37:455-9

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