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 hipO gene as a reporter of gene expression was developed as a genetic tool in Campylobacter coli. The utility of the system was demonstrated by coupling expression of the hipO reporter to the promoters of flaA, flaB and katA. Subsequently, expression of these genes could be monitored accurately from chromosomally-borne transcriptional fusions using a simple non-destructive colorimetric assay. The system should serve as a useful tool for studying the response of Camp. coli to environmental stresses.