The use of hipO, encoding benzoylglycine amidohydrolase (hippuricase), as a reporter of gene expression in Campylobacter coli

A novel integrative promoter probe vector which utilizes the Campylobacter jejuni hip0 gene as a reporter of gene expression was developed as a geneti c tool in Campylobacter coli. The utility of the system was demonstrated by coupling expression of the hip0 reporter to the promoters of flaA, flaB an d katA. Subsequently, expression of these genes could be monitored accurate ly from chromosomally-borne transcriptional fusions using a simple non-dest ructive colorimetric assay. The system should serve as a useful tool for st udying the response of Camp. coli to environmental stresses.