Virulence of the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori (Hp) appears to be directly linked to the bacteria's ability to glycosylate proteins. Although Hp synthesizes a vast array of glycoproteins, it is not clear which of these species are involved in host-pathogen interactions, what machinery is responsible for their synthesis, and how glycans can be harnessed to treat chronic Hp infection. My lab has employed a chemical technique, metabolic glycan labeling, to study Hp glycoproteins and to covalently deliver therapeutic probes to surface glycans on Hp. Here we will present our most-recent findings, including the targeted identification of 125 glycosylated proteins in Hp and recruitment of the host's immune system to target Hp based on its surface glycans. Broadly, this work validates metabolic labeling as an effective and efficient approach to discover and target bacterial glycoproteins.

Chemical tools to discover and target Helicobacter pylori's glycoproteins

247th National Meeting (2014)

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