A bactéria Escherichia coli é responsável por perdas econômicas significativas mundialmente, incluindo-se aquelas que ocorrem na produção avícola. O controle e a prevenção da colibacilose aviária são complexos, pois envolve a distinção de isolados que comumente habitam o trato gastrointestinal das aves daquelas consideradas patogênicas. Embora tenha sido assumido que a maioria dos isolados não possui potencial zoonótico, estudos recentes têm sugerido que isolados isoladas de humanos e de aves poderiam compartilhar o maquinário genético necessário para causar a doença no hospedeiro. Desta forma, os animais de produção poderiam atuar como reservatórios de estirpes potencialmente patogênicas para humanos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a caracterização molecular em grupos filogenéticos de E. coli isoladas de aves (APEC) e de humanos (UPEC) e propor um futuro acompanhamento da flutuação da patogenicidade dos isolados APEC em planteis avícolas. Foram selecionadas 450 isolados UPEC e 460 APEC para classificação em quatro grupos filogenéticos (A, B1, B2 e D) através de um protocolo de multiplex-PCR. Estes resultados foram comparados com a presença ou ausência de 38 genes associados à virulência e com o índice de patogenicidade in vivo estabelecido para cada isolado em estudo anterior. Em relação aos isolados APEC, 31,1% foram classificadas no grupo D, 25,2% no grupo B2, 24,1% no grupo B1 e 19,6% no grupo A. Entre os isolados UPEC, 53,6% das foram classificadas no grupo B2, 25,3% no grupo D, 15,1% no grupo A e apenas 6,0% no grupo B1. Os isolados virulentos geralmente classificam-se no grupo B2, porém algumas podem ser classificadas no grupo D. Enquanto que os isolados comensais em geral pertencem aos grupos A e B1. Observou-se associação entre determinados genes e os grupos filogenéticos, tanto para isolados APEC quanto UPEC. Observou-se diferença significativa entre os índices de patogenicidade conforme a fonte de isolamento, sendo que os isolados de lesões apresentaram os maiores índices. Também foi observada uma associação direta entre os índices de patogenicidade obtidos in vivo e os grupos filogenéticos. Os isolados do grupo B2 e D apresentaram maiores índices em relação aos isolados B1 e A. Uma vez que a distribuição dos isolados APEC nos grupos filogenéticos apresentou associação significativa com a patogenicidade, o multiplex-PCR torna-se uma importante ferramenta disponível para o screening da patogenicidade das amostras isoladas na cadeia avícola. / Escherichia coli is responsible for significant economic losses, including those occurring in poultry production. The control and prevention of avian colibacillosis are complex because it involves the distinction of pathogenic strains and those that are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract flora of health birds. Although it has been assumed that most strains do not have zoonotic potential, recent studies have suggested that strains isolated from humans and poultry could share the genetic machinery needed to cause the disease in the host. Therefore, production animals could act as reservoirs of strains potentially pathogenic to humans. The aim of this study was to carry out the molecular characterization in phylogenetic groups of strains of E. coli isolated from poultry (APEC) and humans (UPEC), and to propose a future monitoring of the pathogenicity of APEC strains in poultry farms. A total of 450 UPEC and 460 APEC strains were selected for classification into four phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2 and D) using a multiplex-PCR protocol. These results were compared with the presence or absence of 38 virulence-associated genes and the in vivo pathogenicity index established for each strain in a previous study. Regarding the APEC strains, 31.1% were classified in group D, 25.2% in group B2, 24.1% in group B1 and 19.6% in group A. Among the UPEC strains, 53.6% were classified in group B2, 25.3% in group D, 15.1% in group A and only 6.0% in group B1. Virulent strains are generally classified in group B2, but some may be classified in group D. While commensal isolates generally belong to groups A or B1. It was observed an association between certain genes and phylogenetic groups, both for APEC and UPEC strains. A significant difference was observed among pathogenicity indices according to the source of isolation, and the strains isolated from lesions presented the highest indices. A direct association between pathogenicity indices obtained in vivo and phylogenetic groups was also observed. Strains of groups B2 and D showed higher indices compared to strains from B1 and A. Since the distribution of APEC strains in phylogenetic groups showed a significant association with pathogenicity, multiplex-PCR becomes an important tool available for screening pathogenicity of the isolated samples in the poultry chain.

Chromosomal replication is a source of spontaneous DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). In E. coli, DSBs are repaired by homologous recombination using an undamaged sister template. During repair, the RecA protein polymerizes on single-stranded DNA generated at the site of the DSB and catalyses the search for sequence homologies on the undamaged sister template. This study utilized fluorescence microscopy to investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of the RecA protein at the site of a replication-dependent DSB generated at the lacZ locus of the E. coli chromosome. The DSB was generated by SbcCD-mediated cleavage of a hairpin DNA structure formed on the lagging strand template of the replication fork by a long palindromic sequence. The tandem insertion of a recA-mCherry gene with the endogenous recA gene at the natural chromosomal locus produced no detectable effect on cell viability in the presence of DSB formation. During repair, the fluorescently-labelled RecA protein formed a transient focus, which was inferred to be the RecA nucleoprotein filament at the site of the replication-dependent DSB. The duration of the RecA focus at the site of the DSB was modestly reduced in a ΔdinI mutant and modestly increased in a ΔuvrD or ΔrecX mutant. Most cells underwent a period of extended cohesion of the sister lacZ loci after disappearance of the RecA focus. Segregation of the sister lacZ loci was followed by cell division, with each daughter cell obtaining a copy of the fluorescently-labelled lacZ locus. The RecA focus at the site of the DSB was observed predominantly between the mid-cell and the 1⁄4 position. In the absence of DSB formation, the lacZ locus exhibited dynamic movement between the mid-cell and the 1⁄4 position until the onset of segregation. Formation of the DSB and initiation of repair occurred at the spatial localization for replication of the lacZ locus while the downstream repair events occurred very close to the mid-cell. Genomic analysis of RecA-DNA interactions by ChIP-seq was used to demonstrate that the RecA focus at the lacZ locus was generated by the repair of the palindrome-induced DSB and not the repair of one-ended DSBs emanating from stalled replication forks at the repressor-bound operator arrays. This study has shown that the repair of a replication-dependent DSB occurs exclusively during the period of cohesion of the sister loci and the repair is efficiently completed prior to segregation of the two sister loci.

The aromatic beta-glucosides of plant origin, salicin and arbutin, serve as carbon sources for the sustenance of bacteria when ‘preferred’ sugars are absent in the environment. In the family Enterobacteriaceae, there are varied patterns for utilization of these beta-glucosides, wherein, in some members the ability to utilize salicin or arbutin is cryptic while in others it is completely absent. Escherichia coli harbors silent or cryptic genetic systems for the utilization of arbutin and salicin, which are activated by spontaneous mutation(s). Of these systems, the bgl operon of E.coli has been used as a paradigm for silent genes and extensive studies have been carried out to understand its silencing and activating mechanisms. Mutational activation of the wild type bgl operon in E.coli leads to the acquisition of the ability to utilize both arbutin and salicin. Preliminary studies have shown that aromatic beta-glucoside utilization in Shigella sonnei, which is evolutionarily related to E.coli, shows a two-step activation process wherein the wild type strain first becomes Arb+, which subsequently mutates to Sal+. The genetic systems responsible for beta-glucoside utilization, including the bgl operon, are conserved in S.sonnei to a large extent. A major difference is that the bglB gene encoding the phosphor-β-glucosidase B is insertionally inactivated in S.sonnei. As a result, activation of the bgl operon in the first stage leads to expression of the permease, BglF, which along with the phosphor-β-glucosidase A expressed from an unlinked constitutive gene, bglA, confers an Arb+phenotype. Salicin is not a substrate for the enzyme BglA and therefore a second mutational event is required for the acquisition of the Sal+ phenotype. Interestingly, the insertion within bglB is retained in AK102, the Sal+ second step mutant of S.sonnei. Therefore, the locus involved in conferring salicin utilization ability is unknown. However, S.sonnei is not amenable to routine genetic echniques and an E.coli bglB model was generated by creating an insertion in the bglB gene to identify the locus involved in conferring the Sal+ phenotype. Like S.sonnei, this E.coli strain, SD-1.3, also showed a two-step activation process for the utilization of salicin. Utilization of salicin in the Sal+ second step mutant of SD-1.3 could require activation of other silent genetic systems such as the asc operon and the chb operon or mutation in loci such as bglB or bglA. Linkage analysis by P1 transduction showed that activation of the asc operon is required for conferring a Sal+ phenotype in the second step mutant. The asc operon comprises of two genes, ascF encoding a PTS permease and ascB encoding a phosphor-β-glucosidaseB.The Precise mechanism of activation of the asc operon is not known but, it has been speculated that AscG, encoded by an upstream gene, acts as a repressor. Results presented in this thesis show that BglF is responsible for the transport of salicin and AscB provides the phosphor-β-glucosidase B in the Sal+ second step mutant of the E.coli strain SD-1.3. Analysis of the expression of the ascFB operon by measuring the transcripts as well as the activity of phosphor-β-glucosidase B showed that it is enhanced in the Sal+ second step mutant of SD-1.3 in the presence of the inducer. The expression of the ascFB operon is also increased constitutively when ascG is replaced by an antibiotic cassette in the parent strain SD-1.3 and the Arb+ first step mutant, indicating that AscG acts as a repressor for the asc operon. Moreover, inactivation of ascG in the parent leads to utilization of salicin in a single step by the activation of the bgl operon to provide the transport function, indicating that the inactivation of ascG is sufficient to activate the expression of ascB. Similarly, loss of AscG–mediated repression of the asc operon confers salicin utilization ability to the Arb+ first step mutant of SD-1.3. Interestingly, measurement of phosphor-β-glucosidase B activity in a Sal+ second step mutant derivative deleted for ascG showed a constitutive increase in the expression of the ascFB operon. Thus, AscG mediates the induction of the asc operon in response to salicin. In order to study the mechanism of activation of the asc operon, the ascB gene was cloned from the Arb+ first step mutant and the Sal+ second step mutant of SD-1.3 in a low copy number vector. Both these constructs were able to confer a Sal+ phenotype to the Arb+ first step mutant indicating absence of any genetic change in ascB in the Sal+ second step mutant. This was also confirmed by sequencing of ascB gene from the strains that showed no changes in the nucleotide sequence. Absence of any insertions within ascG showed that activation of the ascoperon is not achieved through disruption of ascG in the Sal+ second step mutants analyzed. AscG belongs to the GalR family of repressors in which some members require a mutation to enable the binding of sugar to mediate induction. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that there was no change in the ascG gene in the Sal+ mutants analyzed. However, when the upstream regulatory region of the ascFB operon was analyzed a mutation was found in the -10 sequence of the putative promoter of the ascFB genes. This change leads to a stronger promoter as it brings the -10 sequence closer to the consensus sequence. Therefore, salicin utilization is achieved in the Sal+ second step mutant analyzed by an increase in expression of the asc operon by a promoter-up mutation. The negative effect of binding of AscG on expression of the ascFB operon is relieved in presence of the inducer, salicin. The possible role of the asc operon in salicin utilization in S.sonnei was tested by replacing the ascB gene by anantibiotic cassette in AK102, the Sal+ second step mutant of S. sonnei. This did not lead to loss of salicin utilization. By gene targeting approach it was also found that none of the phosphor-β-glucosidases known in E.coli are involved in degradation of salicin in AK102. A search of the S. sonnei genome database indicated the presence of two putative phosphor-β-glucosidases encoded by glvG and SSO1595. Replacement of glvG gene by anantibiotic cassette in AK102 did not lead to loss of salicin utilization. However, a similar replacement of SSO1595 in AK102 resulted in a Sal+ phenotype indicating that SSO1595 provides the phosphor-β-glucosidase in the Sal+ second step mutant of S. sonnei. A homolog of this enzyme is not present in E.coliorinany of the other members of the Shigella genus. Transcription alanalysis as well as measurement of phosphor-β-glucosidase B activity showed that expression of SSO1595 is enhanced constitutively in AK102. To study the mechanism of mutational activation for achieving salicin utilization in S. sonnei, SSO1595 was cloned from AK101, theArb+ first step mutant and AK102, the Sal+ second step mutant in a low copy numbe rvector. Both these constructs were able to confer a Sal+ phenotype to AK101 indicating an absence of genetic change in SSO1595 in AK102. This was also confirmed by sequencing of SSO1595 gene from the strains. Analysis of the upstream regulatory region of SSO1595 in AK102 indicated a deletion of around 1.0kbp sequence. This was also confirmed by nucleotide sequencing of the region. By primer extension analysis it was found that a new transcriptional start site is generated upstream to the deletion in the Sal+ second stepmutant of S.sonnei. Acquisition of the Sal+ phenotype in AK102 is therefore the resultof the SSO1595 gene being brought under a new promoter as a result of a DNA rearrangement. Overall, this study suggests that a high degree of similarity at the genomic level between organisms does not always ensure similarity in genetic mechanisms as two distinct pathways are responsible for conferring utilization of salicinin S. sonnei and E.coli.

Submitted by Nuzia Santos (nuzia@cpqrr.fiocruz.br) on 2016-10-19T12:25:32Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao_BCM_AssmaaElKhal.pdf: 1644167 bytes, checksum: 7bb691d3e4aacbab44aea2489c898875 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Nuzia Santos (nuzia@cpqrr.fiocruz.br) on 2016-10-19T12:38:07Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao_BCM_AssmaaElKhal.pdf: 1644167 bytes, checksum: 7bb691d3e4aacbab44aea2489c898875 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-19T12:38:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao_BCM_AssmaaElKhal.pdf: 1644167 bytes, checksum: 7bb691d3e4aacbab44aea2489c898875 (MD5) / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil / O crescente surgimento de resistência bacteriana aos antibióticos convencionais é um grave problema que precisa ser enfrentado, seja pela descoberta de novas substâncias antimicrobianas, naturais ou sintéticas, ou através da pesquisa de terapias alternativas que sejam economicamente acessíveis. A terapia de fagos é uma dessas alternativas. Trata-se de uma forma de controle biológico, baseado em vírus específicos que infectam e destroem células bacterianas: os bacteriófagos. No entanto, esta é uma fonte terapêutica ainda pouco explorada. Esse trabalho utilizou o cultivo, isolamento e sequenciamento do genoma, além de técnicas de genômica de alto desempenho para isolar e caracterizar o genoma de bacteriófagos específicos para a linhagem enteroinvasiva de Escherichia coli ATCC 43893, visando o entendimento e a definição do ciclo de infecção desses vírus (líticos ou lisogênicos). A metodologia utilizada nessa pesquisa possibilitou o isolamento de 12 vírus. 8 diferentes linhagens virais tiveram seu material genético extraído e purificado, apresentando bom rendimento e quantidade reduzida de DNA bacteriano contaminante. O sequenciamento do genoma desses 8 vírus foi realizado usando a plataforma de nova geração MiSeq. Foi analisada a diversidade genética desses bacteriófagos e verificou-se que são vírus da ordem Caudovirales, sendo 2 da família Siphoviridae e 6 da família Myoviridae. Apenas um deles mostrou potencial de ter ciclo lisogênico, os outros sete vírus não continham nenhum gene que sugerisse isso. Entretanto, apesar dos bacteriófagos isolados não terem apresentado genes relacionados ao ciclo lisogênico, análises mais aprofundadas devem ser realizadas para comprovar que são realmente exclusivamente líticos, já que muitos não apresentam seu genoma completo e mais de 50% dos genes anotados não têm função definida. / serious problem that needs to be faced, either through the discovery of new antimicrobial substances, natural or synthetic, or by searching for alternative therapies that are affordable. The phage therapy is one of those alternatives. It is a form of biological control based on specific viruses that infect and kill bacterial cells: the bacteriophages. However, this therapeutic source is still poorly explored. This study used the cultivation, isolation and sequencing of the genome, as well as high-performance genomic techniques to isolate and characterize the genome of specific bacteriophages for enteroinvasive Escherichia coli ATCC 43893, for the understanding and the definition of the infection cycle (lytic or lysogenic) of these viruses. The methodology used in this study allowed the isolation of 12 viruses. 8 different viral strains had their genetic material extracted and purified, with good yield and reduced amount of contaminating bacterial DNA. The sequencing of the genome of these 8 viruses was conducted using the new generation MiSeq platform. The the genetical diversity of these bacteriophages was analyzed and it was found that the viruses belong to the Caudovirales order, which 2 belong to the Siphoviridae family and 6 to the Myoviridae family. Only one of them showed the potential to have lysogenic cycle, the other seven viruses contained no gene to suggest that. However, despite the isolated bacteriophages have not presented genes related to lysogenic cycle, further analysis should be conducted to demonstrate that they are really exclusively lytic, since many do not have their genome completed and more than 50% of the annotated genes have no defined function.

A bactéria Escherichia coli é responsável por perdas econômicas significativas mundialmente, incluindo-se aquelas que ocorrem na produção avícola. O controle e a prevenção da colibacilose aviária são complexos, pois envolve a distinção de isolados que comumente habitam o trato gastrointestinal das aves daquelas consideradas patogênicas. Embora tenha sido assumido que a maioria dos isolados não possui potencial zoonótico, estudos recentes têm sugerido que isolados isoladas de humanos e de aves poderiam compartilhar o maquinário genético necessário para causar a doença no hospedeiro. Desta forma, os animais de produção poderiam atuar como reservatórios de estirpes potencialmente patogênicas para humanos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a caracterização molecular em grupos filogenéticos de E. coli isoladas de aves (APEC) e de humanos (UPEC) e propor um futuro acompanhamento da flutuação da patogenicidade dos isolados APEC em planteis avícolas. Foram selecionadas 450 isolados UPEC e 460 APEC para classificação em quatro grupos filogenéticos (A, B1, B2 e D) através de um protocolo de multiplex-PCR. Estes resultados foram comparados com a presença ou ausência de 38 genes associados à virulência e com o índice de patogenicidade in vivo estabelecido para cada isolado em estudo anterior. Em relação aos isolados APEC, 31,1% foram classificadas no grupo D, 25,2% no grupo B2, 24,1% no grupo B1 e 19,6% no grupo A. Entre os isolados UPEC, 53,6% das foram classificadas no grupo B2, 25,3% no grupo D, 15,1% no grupo A e apenas 6,0% no grupo B1. Os isolados virulentos geralmente classificam-se no grupo B2, porém algumas podem ser classificadas no grupo D. Enquanto que os isolados comensais em geral pertencem aos grupos A e B1. Observou-se associação entre determinados genes e os grupos filogenéticos, tanto para isolados APEC quanto UPEC. Observou-se diferença significativa entre os índices de patogenicidade conforme a fonte de isolamento, sendo que os isolados de lesões apresentaram os maiores índices. Também foi observada uma associação direta entre os índices de patogenicidade obtidos in vivo e os grupos filogenéticos. Os isolados do grupo B2 e D apresentaram maiores índices em relação aos isolados B1 e A. Uma vez que a distribuição dos isolados APEC nos grupos filogenéticos apresentou associação significativa com a patogenicidade, o multiplex-PCR torna-se uma importante ferramenta disponível para o screening da patogenicidade das amostras isoladas na cadeia avícola. / Escherichia coli is responsible for significant economic losses, including those occurring in poultry production. The control and prevention of avian colibacillosis are complex because it involves the distinction of pathogenic strains and those that are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract flora of health birds. Although it has been assumed that most strains do not have zoonotic potential, recent studies have suggested that strains isolated from humans and poultry could share the genetic machinery needed to cause the disease in the host. Therefore, production animals could act as reservoirs of strains potentially pathogenic to humans. The aim of this study was to carry out the molecular characterization in phylogenetic groups of strains of E. coli isolated from poultry (APEC) and humans (UPEC), and to propose a future monitoring of the pathogenicity of APEC strains in poultry farms. A total of 450 UPEC and 460 APEC strains were selected for classification into four phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2 and D) using a multiplex-PCR protocol. These results were compared with the presence or absence of 38 virulence-associated genes and the in vivo pathogenicity index established for each strain in a previous study. Regarding the APEC strains, 31.1% were classified in group D, 25.2% in group B2, 24.1% in group B1 and 19.6% in group A. Among the UPEC strains, 53.6% were classified in group B2, 25.3% in group D, 15.1% in group A and only 6.0% in group B1. Virulent strains are generally classified in group B2, but some may be classified in group D. While commensal isolates generally belong to groups A or B1. It was observed an association between certain genes and phylogenetic groups, both for APEC and UPEC strains. A significant difference was observed among pathogenicity indices according to the source of isolation, and the strains isolated from lesions presented the highest indices. A direct association between pathogenicity indices obtained in vivo and phylogenetic groups was also observed. Strains of groups B2 and D showed higher indices compared to strains from B1 and A. Since the distribution of APEC strains in phylogenetic groups showed a significant association with pathogenicity, multiplex-PCR becomes an important tool available for screening pathogenicity of the isolated samples in the poultry chain.

A bactéria Escherichia coli é responsável por perdas econômicas significativas mundialmente, incluindo-se aquelas que ocorrem na produção avícola. O controle e a prevenção da colibacilose aviária são complexos, pois envolve a distinção de isolados que comumente habitam o trato gastrointestinal das aves daquelas consideradas patogênicas. Embora tenha sido assumido que a maioria dos isolados não possui potencial zoonótico, estudos recentes têm sugerido que isolados isoladas de humanos e de aves poderiam compartilhar o maquinário genético necessário para causar a doença no hospedeiro. Desta forma, os animais de produção poderiam atuar como reservatórios de estirpes potencialmente patogênicas para humanos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a caracterização molecular em grupos filogenéticos de E. coli isoladas de aves (APEC) e de humanos (UPEC) e propor um futuro acompanhamento da flutuação da patogenicidade dos isolados APEC em planteis avícolas. Foram selecionadas 450 isolados UPEC e 460 APEC para classificação em quatro grupos filogenéticos (A, B1, B2 e D) através de um protocolo de multiplex-PCR. Estes resultados foram comparados com a presença ou ausência de 38 genes associados à virulência e com o índice de patogenicidade in vivo estabelecido para cada isolado em estudo anterior. Em relação aos isolados APEC, 31,1% foram classificadas no grupo D, 25,2% no grupo B2, 24,1% no grupo B1 e 19,6% no grupo A. Entre os isolados UPEC, 53,6% das foram classificadas no grupo B2, 25,3% no grupo D, 15,1% no grupo A e apenas 6,0% no grupo B1. Os isolados virulentos geralmente classificam-se no grupo B2, porém algumas podem ser classificadas no grupo D. Enquanto que os isolados comensais em geral pertencem aos grupos A e B1. Observou-se associação entre determinados genes e os grupos filogenéticos, tanto para isolados APEC quanto UPEC. Observou-se diferença significativa entre os índices de patogenicidade conforme a fonte de isolamento, sendo que os isolados de lesões apresentaram os maiores índices. Também foi observada uma associação direta entre os índices de patogenicidade obtidos in vivo e os grupos filogenéticos. Os isolados do grupo B2 e D apresentaram maiores índices em relação aos isolados B1 e A. Uma vez que a distribuição dos isolados APEC nos grupos filogenéticos apresentou associação significativa com a patogenicidade, o multiplex-PCR torna-se uma importante ferramenta disponível para o screening da patogenicidade das amostras isoladas na cadeia avícola. / Escherichia coli is responsible for significant economic losses, including those occurring in poultry production. The control and prevention of avian colibacillosis are complex because it involves the distinction of pathogenic strains and those that are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract flora of health birds. Although it has been assumed that most strains do not have zoonotic potential, recent studies have suggested that strains isolated from humans and poultry could share the genetic machinery needed to cause the disease in the host. Therefore, production animals could act as reservoirs of strains potentially pathogenic to humans. The aim of this study was to carry out the molecular characterization in phylogenetic groups of strains of E. coli isolated from poultry (APEC) and humans (UPEC), and to propose a future monitoring of the pathogenicity of APEC strains in poultry farms. A total of 450 UPEC and 460 APEC strains were selected for classification into four phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2 and D) using a multiplex-PCR protocol. These results were compared with the presence or absence of 38 virulence-associated genes and the in vivo pathogenicity index established for each strain in a previous study. Regarding the APEC strains, 31.1% were classified in group D, 25.2% in group B2, 24.1% in group B1 and 19.6% in group A. Among the UPEC strains, 53.6% were classified in group B2, 25.3% in group D, 15.1% in group A and only 6.0% in group B1. Virulent strains are generally classified in group B2, but some may be classified in group D. While commensal isolates generally belong to groups A or B1. It was observed an association between certain genes and phylogenetic groups, both for APEC and UPEC strains. A significant difference was observed among pathogenicity indices according to the source of isolation, and the strains isolated from lesions presented the highest indices. A direct association between pathogenicity indices obtained in vivo and phylogenetic groups was also observed. Strains of groups B2 and D showed higher indices compared to strains from B1 and A. Since the distribution of APEC strains in phylogenetic groups showed a significant association with pathogenicity, multiplex-PCR becomes an important tool available for screening pathogenicity of the isolated samples in the poultry chain.

The work discussed in this thesis deals with the significance of initiator tRNA gene copy number in Escherichia coli. A summary of the relevant literature discussing the process of protein synthesis, initiator tRNA selection and gene redundancy is presented in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 describes the ‘Materials and Methods’ used in the experimental work carried out in this thesis. The next three chapters address the significance of initiator tRNA gene copy number in E. coli at three levels; at the level of the molecule (Chapter 3), at the level of the cell (Chapter 4) and at the level of the population (Chapter 5). At the end of the thesis are appended three publications, which include two papers where I have contributed to work not discussed in this thesis and one review article. A brief summary of chapters 3 to 5 is provided below: (i) Chapter 3: Can E. coli remain viable without the 3 G-C base pairs in initiator tRNA? Initiator tRNAs are distinguished from elongator tRNAs by several features key among which are the three consecutive and near universally conserved G-C base pairs found in the anticodon stem of initiator tRNAs. These bases have long been believed to be essential for the functioning of a living cell, both from in vitro and in vivo analysis. In this study, using targeted mutagenesis and an in vivo genetics based approach, we have shown that the 3 G-C base pairs can be dispensed with in E. coli, and the cell can be sustained on unconventional initiator tRNAs lacking the intact 3 G-C base pairs. Our study uncovered the importance of considering the relative amounts of molecules in a living cell, and their role in maintaining the fidelity of protein synthesis. (ii) Chapter 4: Can elongator tRNAs initiate protein synthesis? There are two types of tRNAs; initiator tRNA, of which there is one representative in the cell, and elongator tRNAs of which there are several representatives. In this study, we have uncovered initiation of protein synthesis by elongator tRNAs by depleting the initiator tRNA content in the cell. This raises the possibility that competition between initiator and elongator tRNAs at the P site of the ribosome occurs routinely in the living cell, and provides a basis for initiation at several 'start' sites in the genome that may not be currently annotated as such. We speculate that such a phenomenon could be exploited by the cell to generate phenotypic diversity without compromising genomic integrity. (iii) Chapter 5: How many initiator tRNA genes does E. coli need? E. coli has four genes that encode initiator tRNA, these are the metZWV genes that occur at 63.5 min in the genome, and the metY gene that occurs at 71.5 min in the genome. Earlier studies indicated that the absence of metY had no apparent impact on cell growth. In view of the importance of initiator tRNA gene copy number in maintaining the rate and fidelity of protein synthesis, we examined the fitness of strains carrying different numbers of initiator tRNA genes by competing them against each other in both rich and limited nutrient environments. Our results indicate a link between caloric restriction and protein synthesis mediated by the initiator tRNA gene copy number.

En 2022, le cancer colorectal (CCR) est le deuxième cancer le plus meurtrier au Canada et le troisième dans le monde. Plusieurs facteurs dont l’alimentation, le manque d'activité physique et la génétique, ont été identifiés comme contribuant au développement du CCR. Le microbiote intestinal, une communauté de micro-organismes vivant dans l'intestin de l'hôte, est également associé au développement du CCR, comme particulièrement Escherichia coli productrice de colibactine. Cette génotoxine induit des réticulations inter brin et cassures double brin (DSBs) de l’ADN dans les cellules de mammifères, entraînant des mutations et un risque élevé de développement du CCR. Nous avons pour objectif de contrôler la prolifération et la production de colibactin de la bactérie pks+ E. coli. Nous avons évalué la prévalence des bactéries pks+ et des bactéries bft+ chez des patients atteints de CCR et individus sains de la province de Québec (Canada), en utilisant une cohorte de 156 participants. Nous avons constaté qu'une grande proportion d’individus sains sont colonisés par des bactéries pks+ (42%) et à des niveaux similaires à ceux des patients atteints de CCR (46%). En ce qui concerne la bactérie entérotoxigénique Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF), le gène bft a été détecté chez 21% des contrôles sains et 32% des patients atteints de CCR, et 8% des contrôles sains et 13% des patients atteints de CRC étaient colonisés à la fois par des bactéries pks+ et par ETBF. Comme ces individus sains sont plus susceptibles de développer un CCR, il est vital de fournir des traitements nutritionnels et médicinaux personnalisés pour contrôler la croissance de ces bactéries. Nous avons ensuite étudié l'effet de la supplémentation en prébiotiques sur la génotoxicité des souches de E. coli productrice de colibactine dans un modèle cellulaire. L'inuline et les galacto-oligosaccharides ont augmenté l'expression du gène de la colibactine A chez E. coli pks+, ce qui a été aboli par l'addition de 125 µM de sulfate de fer. La souche de E. coli NC101 (EcNC101) a augmenté les dysplasies et DSBs dans les cellules d'adénocarcinome humain Caco-2, en présence de l'un ou l'autre des oligosaccharides. 6 Nos résultats indiquent que les oligosaccharides aggravent les dommages à l'ADN causés par les bactéries productrices de colibactine. Étant donné la popularité croissante de la supplémentation en prébiotiques et leur facilité d'accès, d'autres études sont nécessaires pour déterminer comment ces prébiotiques peuvent réguler le développement et la progression des tumeurs dans des modèles animaux et chez les humains en présence d'une colonisation par E. coli pks+. Nous avons constaté précédemment que l'inuline avait à la fois des effets protecteurs et des effets promoteurs de tumeurs dans le CCR, et ces divergences peuvent être attribuées à la présence de E. coli pks+. En utilisant le modèle de souris ApcMin/+ de CCR, nous avons cherché à savoir si les bactéries E. coli productrice de colibactine modifiaient la protection conférée par l'inuline contre le développement et la progression des tumeurs. La supplémentation en inuline a conduit à une augmentation de la colonisation par EcNC101, ce qui a entraîné une élévation des DSBs, de la charge tumorale et de la progression tumorale chez les souris ApcMin/+, de manière dépendante à la colibactine. E. coli Nissle 1917 pasteurisé a inhibé la croissance tumorale en inhibant la prolifération de EcNC101 induite par l'inuline. Nos résultats soulignent la nécessité de dépister les bactéries pks+ chez les patients et de leur fournir des conseils nutritionnels préventifs. En résumé, nous avons rapporté que les pré-biotiques, pro-biotiques et post-biotiques peuvent influencer la croissance de E. coli pks+ et/ou la sécrétion de colibactine. Par conséquent, la pertinence de ce projet serait de fournir une thérapie nutritionnelle personnalisée basée sur ces résultats pour les individus colonisés par ces bactéries, qui sont plus enclins à développer un cancer colorectal. / In 2022, colorectal cancer (CRC) was the second deadliest cancer in Canada and the third globally. Factors such as diet, lack of physical activity, and genetics have been identified as contributors to CRC development. The intestinal microbiota, a community of microorganisms living in the host intestine, has been associated with CRC development, particularly the colibactin-producing Escherichia coli. The genotoxin colibactin induces interstrand cross-links (ICLs) double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) in mammalian cells, resulting in mutations and an elevated risk of CRC development. Therefore, these studies aimed to control the proliferation and production of colibactin of pks+ E. coli. Using a case-control study of 156 participants, we evaluated the prevalence of pks+ bacteria and bft+ bacteria in patients with CRC and healthy controls from the province of Québec (Canada). We found that similar to patients with CRC (46%), a large proportion of healthy controls were colonized by pks+ bacteria (42%). Regarding enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF), the bft gene was observed in 21% of healthy controls and 32% of patients with CRC, with 8% of healthy controls and 13% of patients with CRC colonized by both pks+ bacteria and ETBF. Providing personalized dietary and medicinal treatments to control the growth of these bacteria is necessary because these healthy individuals are more likely to develop CRC. The effect of prebiotic supplementation on the genotoxicity of colibactin-producing E. coli strains was investigated in a cellular model. Inulin and galactooligosaccharide increased the expression of the colibactin A gene in pks+ E. coli, which was abrogated by the addition of 125 µM of iron sulfate. E. coli strain NC101 (EcNC101) increased dysplasia and DSBs breaks in human adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells, in the presence of both inulin and galactooligosaccharide. Our findings indicate that oligosaccharides aggravate DNA damage caused by colibactin-producing bacteria. 4 Given the increasing popularity and accessibility of prebiotic supplementation, more studies are required to determine how these prebiotics may regulate tumor development and progression in animal models and humans in the presence of pks+ E. coli colonization. Inulin has protective and tumor-promoting effects on CRC; these discrepancies may be attributed to the presence of pks+ E. coli. Using the ApcMin/+ mouse model of CRC, we explored whether colibactin-producing E. coli altered the protection conferred by inulin against tumor development and progression. Inulin supplementation increased EcNC101 colonization, resulting in more DSBs, tumor burden, and tumor progression in ApcMin/+ mice, in a colibactin dependant manner. Pasteurized E. coli Nissle 1917 inhibited tumor growth by reversing inulin-driven EcNC101 proliferation. Our findings emphasized the need to screen patients for pks+ bacteria and provide them with preventive dietary counseling. In summary, we reported that prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics could influence pks+ E. coli growth, colibactin secretion, or both. Therefore, the significance of this project lies in providing personalized nutritional-based therapy based on the findings for individuals colonized by these bacteria, who are more prone to develop CRC.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1961 B36

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1955 B75 / Master of Science