The Gram-negative species Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is a heterogeneous species of anaerobic bacteria important in Dental plaque biofilms and infections with significant societal impact, including periodontitis. Genomic DNA sequence is available for three strains of Fn, representative of the major subspecies with distinct phenotypes. Our laboratory first reported transformation of Fn. Recent developments include reliable transformation of two Fn strains with second generation shuttle plasmids, and the demonstration of site-directed mutagenesis in two Fn chromosomal genes. The greatest promise for investigations of microbial properties lies in molecular manipulations conducted in host strains with defined genomes. We propose to further develop systems of genetic transfer for Fn focusing on strains with available genomic sequence.
In Specific Aim 1 we will test the hypothesis that DNA restriction prevents or limits efficient transformation and mutagenesis in Fn, using insertional inactivation of selected Fn restriction endonucleases, or cloning of Fn methyltransferases in E. coil for use in pre-methylating DNA as a strategy to overcome restriction barriers.
In Specific Aim 2 we will test the hypothesis that the novel replicon of a native fusobacterial plasmid pFN3 will provide the basis for an alternate stable vector system with a distinct host range. The pFN3 replicon will be characterized and its host range tested in comparison to previously described Fn replicons. Finally, sequence analyses suggest that native fusobacterial plasmids may be mobilizable by conjugation.
In Specific Aim 3 we will test the hypothesis that conjugative gene transfer can be used in Fn. This may be of particular benefit in bypassing host restriction barriers; because single stranded DNA, typically resistant to restriction endonucleases, is transferred to the recipient strain. These studies will enable molecular analyses in representative strains of a diverse and important indigenous pathogen, and will thus provide a critical foundation for future studies of ecology and pathogenesis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01DE015348-01A2
Application #
6868710
Study Section
Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Sciences Study Section (ODCS)
Program Officer
Nokta, Mostafa A
Project Start
2005-01-04
Project End
2008-11-30
Budget Start
2005-01-04
Budget End
2005-11-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$298,708
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Dentistry
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
092530369
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095
Kaplan, Christopher W; Ma, Xiaoyuan; Paranjpe, Avina et al. (2010) Fusobacterium nucleatum outer membrane proteins Fap2 and RadD induce cell death in human lymphocytes. Infect Immun 78:4773-8
Claypool, Brianna M; Yoder, Sean C; Citron, Diane M et al. (2010) Mobilization and prevalence of a Fusobacterial plasmid. Plasmid 63:11-9
Kaplan, Christopher W; Lux, Renate; Haake, Susan Kinder et al. (2009) The Fusobacterium nucleatum outer membrane protein RadD is an arginine-inhibitable adhesin required for inter-species adherence and the structured architecture of multispecies biofilm. Mol Microbiol 71:35-47
Karpathy, Sandor E; Qin, Xiang; Gioia, Jason et al. (2007) Genome sequence of Fusobacterium nucleatum subspecies polymorphum - a genetically tractable fusobacterium. PLoS One 2:e659
Kinder Haake, Susan; Yoder, Sean; Gerardo, Sharon Hunt (2006) Efficient gene transfer and targeted mutagenesis in Fusobacterium nucleatum. Plasmid 55:27-38
Kaplan, C W; Lux, R; Huynh, T et al. (2005) Fusobacterium nucleatum apoptosis-inducing outer membrane protein. J Dent Res 84:700-4