Understanding the Regulation and Activity of Hyaluronidase Produced by Aeromonads
Disciplines
Bacteriology | Microbiology | Pathogenic Microbiology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Hyaluronidases (HAase) are enzymes produced by a number of organisms, including bacteria, that degrade the substrate hyaluronan (HA). Hyaluronan is a polysaccharide, specifically a glycosaminoglycan, widely present in soft tissue of animals. In nature, the degradation of HA by a bacterial hyaluronidase is to use HA as a carbon and nitrogen source; however, HAase enhance tissue destruction and spread of infection by pathogens. Aeromonas are waterborne bacterial pathogens that cause diseases including gastroenteritis, wound infections, and acute necrotizing fasciitis. An initial screen of five different species showed the presence of a putative HAase gene in Aeromonas hydrophila, A. salmonicida, A. veronii, and A. aquariorum, but not A. bestarium. Although most Aeromonas strains were positive for the HAase gene, very few demonstrated phenotypic HAase activity (no HA degradation). Only one strain, A. hydrophilia 1280, displayed HA degradation regardless of condition. It has become apparent that an understanding of the regulatory elements controlling HAase expression and activity for aeromonads is lacking, and therefore the objective of this study. To date it appears that expression of HAase is independent of glucose availability; however, other growth medium constituents seem to influence activity and are under investigation. In addition to medium components, control of gene expression by quorum sensing and the possible role of metal co-factors in enzyme activity are under investigation. Understanding the regulation and activity of Aeromonas HAase will be important to understanding the mechanisms leading to tissue destruction and spread of infection as a means of preventing progression and severity of disease.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Donald J. McGarey
Additional Faculty
Pyeongsug Kim: pkim@kennesaw.edu
Understanding the Regulation and Activity of Hyaluronidase Produced by Aeromonads
Hyaluronidases (HAase) are enzymes produced by a number of organisms, including bacteria, that degrade the substrate hyaluronan (HA). Hyaluronan is a polysaccharide, specifically a glycosaminoglycan, widely present in soft tissue of animals. In nature, the degradation of HA by a bacterial hyaluronidase is to use HA as a carbon and nitrogen source; however, HAase enhance tissue destruction and spread of infection by pathogens. Aeromonas are waterborne bacterial pathogens that cause diseases including gastroenteritis, wound infections, and acute necrotizing fasciitis. An initial screen of five different species showed the presence of a putative HAase gene in Aeromonas hydrophila, A. salmonicida, A. veronii, and A. aquariorum, but not A. bestarium. Although most Aeromonas strains were positive for the HAase gene, very few demonstrated phenotypic HAase activity (no HA degradation). Only one strain, A. hydrophilia 1280, displayed HA degradation regardless of condition. It has become apparent that an understanding of the regulatory elements controlling HAase expression and activity for aeromonads is lacking, and therefore the objective of this study. To date it appears that expression of HAase is independent of glucose availability; however, other growth medium constituents seem to influence activity and are under investigation. In addition to medium components, control of gene expression by quorum sensing and the possible role of metal co-factors in enzyme activity are under investigation. Understanding the regulation and activity of Aeromonas HAase will be important to understanding the mechanisms leading to tissue destruction and spread of infection as a means of preventing progression and severity of disease.