Function of a Nematode Intestine Localization Protein in Nematode Colonizing Xenorhabdus nematophila

Abstract

The bacterium Xenorhabdlus nematophila forms a mutualistic relationship with a nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. This association is species specific; S. carpocapsae can only be colonized by X. nematophila, and not by other Xenorhabdus species. A protein called NilB (nematode intestine localization protein B) is essential for X. nematophila to colonize nematode epithelial cells. NilB function is as yet unknown, but several experiments have raised the possibility that it functions as a metal transporter, with an increase in its expression being observed upon addition of manganese. Furthermore, our data suggest NilB confers resistance to manganese toxicity. Identification of nematode factors that interact with NilB using crosslinking and co-precipitation is also in progress.