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.