Helicobacter pylori toxin VacA is transferred to host cells via a novel contact-dependent mechanism.

Summary Helicobacter pylori is the causative agent of peptic ulcer disease. A major virulence factor of H. pylori is VacA, a toxin that causes massive vacuolization of epithelial cell lines in vitro and gastric epithelial erosion in vivo. Although VacA is exported over the outer membrane and is released from the bacteria, a portion of the toxin remains associated with the bacterial surface. We have found surface-associated toxin to be biologically active and spatially organized into distinct toxin-rich domains on the bacterial surface. Upon bacterial contact with host cells, toxin clusters are transferred directly from the bacterial surface to the host cell surface at the bacteria–cell interface, followed by uptake and intoxication. This contact-dependent transfer of VacA represents a cost-efficient route for delivery of VacA and potentially other bacterial effector molecules to target cells

Helicobacter pylori Adapts to Chronic Infection and Gastric Disease via pH-Responsive BabA-Mediated Adherence

International audienceThe BabA adhesin mediates high-affinity binding of Helicobacter pylori to the ABO blood group antigen-glycosylated gastric mucosa. Here we show that BabA is acid responsive-binding is reduced at low pH and restored by acid neutralization. Acid responsiveness differs among strains; often correlates with different intragastric regions and evolves during chronic infection and disease progression; and depends on pH sensor sequences in BabA and on pH reversible formation of high-affinity binding BabA multimers. We propose that BabA's extraordinary reversible acid responsiveness enables tight mucosal bacterial adherence while also allowing an effective escape from epithelial cells and mucus that are shed into the acidic bactericidal lumen and that bio-selection and changes in BabA binding properties through mutation and recombination with babA-related genes are selected by differences among individuals and by changes in gastric acidity over time. These processes generate diverse H. pylori subpopulations, in which BabA's adaptive evolution contributes to H. pylori persistence and overt gastric disease

Preparation and characterisation of a sensing system for wireless pH measurements in vivo, in a rumen of a cow

We describe a sensing system that is able to measure pH in-vivo, in the rumen of a cow, in real time. The sensing principle is based on gravimetric transduction using a magnetoelastic ribbon functionalized by pH-sensitive nanobeads that is placed in the rumen where it is actuated and read-out wirelessly. We describe a generic procedure that enables one to deposit monolayers or multilayers of nano- and micro beads onto virtually any substrate. The topography of the resulting layers as well as interlayer coverages were characterised using optical microscopy and scanning profilometry. First we determined performance of the system in-vitro, in phosphate-buffered saline, in McDougall's buffer and in a rumen fluid. Thereafter we also performed in-vivo measurements. Using buffers we determined pH response in the liquids both at the fundamental frequency of the functionalised foils, and at the 1st overtone. We argue that observed frequency changes vs pH are mainly due to changes of trapped liquid when the bead layers shrink or expand as a response to changed pH. The data obtained from the pH response of magnetoelastic foils at different bead coverages was modelled by a simple two-parameter model that corroborates this assumption

Development of a Sensitive Induction-Based Magnetic Nanoparticle Biodetection Method.

We developed a novel biodetection method for influenza virus based on AC magnetic susceptibility measurement techniques (the DynoMag induction technique) together with functionalized multi-core magnetic nanoparticles. The sample consisting of an incubated mixture of magnetic nanoparticles and rolling circle amplified DNA coils is injected into a tube by a peristaltic pump. The sample is moved as a plug to the two well-balanced detection coils and the dynamic magnetic moment in each position is read over a range of excitation frequencies. The time for making a complete frequency sweep over the relaxation peak is about 5 minutes (10 Hz⁻10 kHz with 20 data points). The obtained standard deviation of the magnetic signal at the relaxation frequency (around 100 Hz) is equal to about 10-5 (volume susceptibility SI units), which is in the same range obtained with the DynoMag system. The limit of detection with this method is found to be in the range of 1 pM

Development of a Sensitive Induction-Based Magnetic Nanoparticle Biodetection Method.

We developed a novel biodetection method for influenza virus based on AC magnetic susceptibility measurement techniques (the DynoMag induction technique) together with functionalized multi-core magnetic nanoparticles. The sample consisting of an incubated mixture of magnetic nanoparticles and rolling circle amplified DNA coils is injected into a tube by a peristaltic pump. The sample is moved as a plug to the two well-balanced detection coils and the dynamic magnetic moment in each position is read over a range of excitation frequencies. The time for making a complete frequency sweep over the relaxation peak is about 5 minutes (10 Hz⁻10 kHz with 20 data points). The obtained standard deviation of the magnetic signal at the relaxation frequency (around 100 Hz) is equal to about 10-5 (volume susceptibility SI units), which is in the same range obtained with the DynoMag system. The limit of detection with this method is found to be in the range of 1 pM

Non-destructive phenotypic analysis of early stage tree seedling growth using an automated stereovision imaging method

A plant phenotyping approach was applied to evaluate growth rate of containerized tree seedlings during the precultivation phase following seed germination. A simple and affordable stereo optical system was used to collect stereoscopic red-green-blue (RGB) images of seedlings at regular intervals of time. Comparative analysis of these images by means of a newly developed software enabled us to calculate (a) the increments of seedlings height and (b) the percentage greenness of seedling leaves. Comparison of these parameters with destructive biomass measurements showed that the height traits can be used to estimate seedling growth for needle-leaved plant species whereas the greenness trait can be used for broad-leaved plant species. Despite the need to adjust for plant type, growth stage and light conditions this new, cheap, rapid, and sustainable phenotyping approach can be used to study large-scale phenome variations due to genome variability and interaction with environmental factors

SAFEWATER – Innovative Tools for the Detection and Mitigation of CBRN Related Contamination Events of Drinking Water

International audienceThe safety and/or security of drinking water can be threatened by natural disasters, accidents or malevolent attacks. The European FP7 project SAFEWATER aims at developing a comprehensive event detection and event management solution for drinking water security management and mitigation against major deliberate, accidental or natural CBRN related contaminations. New cost-effective C, B, and RN sensors will be developed. An innovative concept with a broad network of low-cost sensors-"domestic sensors" (complementary to a set of sensors in strategic locations) will be developed. A technology platform will be provide which is able to capture and analyze the data collected by the sensors and from other information systems and give a full overview of the crisis to the responders by means of online look-ahead simulations to efficiently manage potential crises. For testing the SAFEWATER solution it will be integrated with on utility-partners' information systems

The Helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin inhibits T-cell activation by two independent mechanisms

Helicobacter pylori toxin, VacA, damages the gastric epithelium by erosion and loosening of tight junctions. Here we report that VacA also interferes with T cell activation by two different mechanisms. Formation of anion-specific channels by VacA prevents calcium influx from the extracellular milieu. The transcription factor NF-AT thus fails to translocate to the nucleus and activate key cytokine genes. A second, channel-independent mechanism involves activation of intracellular signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinases MKK3/6 and p38 and the Rac-specific nucleotide exchange factor, Vav. As a consequence of aberrant Rac activation, disordered actin polymerization is stimulated. The resulting defects in T cell activation may help H. pylori to prevent an effective immune response leading to chronic colonization of its gastric niche. Key words: MAP kinase signaling cascades • immunosuppression • host–pathogen interactions • calcium signalin