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Modulation of Escherichia coli chaperones by nanoparticles and natural compounds

Undergraduate #75
Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Microbiology/Immunology/Virology
Session: 2
Room: Exhibit Hall

Mckenzie Young - Oakwood University
Co-Author(s): Breanne Charles, Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL; Jalen Joseph, Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL; Elaine Vanterpool, PhD, Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL.



Bacterial pathogens have regulatory and global regulating pathways which ensures survival in the host. Folding of proteins, including virulence factors, are critical in survival and adaptability to the environment. Escherichia coli is a common colonizer of the gastrointestinal system. The E. coli strains that normally colonize generally do not cause issues. There are however strains or serotypes of E. coli which are considered highly pathogenic and can cause infections including enterocolitis, meningitis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Chaperones, like DnaK, contributes to folding of toxins, essential proteins, and other virulence factors that promotes its pathogenicity. It is imperative that we identify ways of reducing the pathogenicity or survival processes of pathogenic strains of E. coli. To investigate the virulence or survival mechanisms, targeting protein expression of chaperone DnaK was evaluated. In this study, we hypothesize that silver nanoparticle (AgNPs), cuminaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde will inhibit the expression of the chaperone DnaK. By altering its expression, the virulence mechanisms of E. coli may be compromised. To test this hypothesis, E. coli was grown in serially diluted AgNPs, cinnamaldehyde, or cuminaldehyde. Growth was evaluated by a spectrophotometer at an optical density 600nm and samples from subinhibitory concentration were harvested, lysed, and total proteins were quantified. Chaperone DnaK expression was evaluated by ELISA using DnaK-specific antibodies. Untreated bacterial samples were used as negative controls. Results show that subinhibitory concentrations of cinnamaldehyde and the AgNP decreased the expression of the DnaK. However, in the presence of the cuminaldehyde, there was an upregulation the expression of DnaK by 150%. The modulation in the expression of the DnaK will be further analyzed for its role in E. coli virulence.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): We would like to acknowledge Oakwood University, Department of Biological Sciences, Chemistry Department, ALSAMP, and the UNCF Henry C. McBay Fellowship awarded to Dr. Elaine Vanterpool.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elaine Vanterpool, PhD, evanterpool@oakwood.edu

Role: For this research, I made agar plates and streaked E.coli on them to grow the bacteria. I was able to use gram staining to confirm the proper growth for my bacteria. The bacteria was then treated with silver nanoparticles and other natural compounds. An optical density reading was then perform the gage the growth of the bacteria. ELISA was used to analyze the protein expression of the E.coli. I harvested the cells and lysed them and analysis the expression of the Bacteria.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.

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