Y.Enterocolitica (O:9) YopM

Yersinia enterocolitica is a Gram-negative bacterium that is the causative agent of yersiniosis, a zoonotic disease with significant public health implications . This pathogen is known for its ability to cause gastrointestinal infections, which can sometimes lead to more severe conditions such as reactive arthritis. Yersinia enterocolitica is classified into six biotypes (1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4, 5) and over 70 serotypes .

Yersinia species, including Yersinia enterocolitica, produce a set of virulence factors known as Yersinia outer proteins (Yops). These proteins are crucial for the bacterium’s ability to evade the host immune system and establish infection. Among these proteins, YopM plays a significant role.

YopM is one of the effector proteins secreted by the type III secretion system (T3SS) of Yersinia enterocolitica. This protein is involved in modulating the host’s immune response by interfering with the signaling pathways that lead to inflammation. YopM achieves this by binding to and inhibiting specific host proteins, thereby preventing the activation of immune cells that would otherwise target the bacterium.

The recombinant form of YopM, specifically from the O:9 serotype of Yersinia enterocolitica, is produced using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the expression system . This recombinant protein is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain with a calculated molecular mass of approximately 42,703 Daltons . It is expressed with a 10xHis tag at the N-terminus, which facilitates its purification through chromatographic techniques .

Recombinant YopM has several applications in research and diagnostics:

1. Immunological Studies: It can be used to study the interaction between YopM and the host immune system, providing insights into the mechanisms of immune evasion by Yersinia enterocolitica.
2. Diagnostic Tests: Recombinant YopM can be used in immunodot tests to detect the presence of antibodies against Yersinia enterocolitica in human sera .
3. Vaccine Development: Understanding the role of YopM in pathogenesis can aid in the development of vaccines against yersiniosis.

Recombinant YopM is supplied in a sterile filtered clear solution and is formulated in 20mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.6), 250mM NaCl, and 20% glycerol . For optimal stability, it should be stored at -20°C and should avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles .