Application of the Split GFP system to Listeria monocytogenes to visualize the virulence factor InlC

摘要

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is an opportunistic pathogen that is able to survive in a range of environments and cell types, and therefore serves as an important model system for host-pathogen studies. Lm can enter mammalian cells and survive within these host cells by secreting a number of virulence proteins during these steps. In the literature, there are inconsistencies in the localizations of one of these effector proteins, InlC. In order to better understand the localizations of the Lm effector protein InlC in the live cell during infections, a split GFP approach is taken to fluorescently label the protein. This system has been previously used in the Gram-negative pathogen Salmonella, and the goal of this thesis project is to create the tool to establish this method in Listeria monocytogenes. To provide more clear contrast in the fluorescence assays of the localizations of protein, an Lm strain producing a red fluorescent protein was created.