Molecular mechanisms underlying the probiotic effects of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 involve ZO‐2 and PKCζ redistribution resulting in tight junction and epithelial barrier repair

The probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) has been used for decades in human medicine in Central Europe for the treatment and prevention of intestinal disorders and diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects are only partially understood. To identify molecular responses induced by EcN that might contribute to its probiotic properties polarized T84 cells were investigated employing DNA microarrays, quantitative RT‐PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors. Polarized T84 epithelial cell monolayers were used as a model to monitor barrier disruption by infection with the enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strain E2348/69. Co‐incubation of EPEC with EcN or addition of EcN following EPEC infection abolished barrier disruption and, moreover, restored barrier integrity as monitored by transepithelial resistance. DNA‐microarray analysis of T84 cells incubated with EcN identified 300+ genes exhibiting altered expression. EcN altered the expression, distribution of zonula occludens‐2 (ZO‐2) protein and of distinct PKC isotypes. ZO‐2 expression was enhanced in parallel to its redistribution towards the cell boundaries. This study provides evidence that EcN induces an overriding signalling effect leading to restoration of a disrupted epithelial barrier. This is transmitted via silencing of PKCζ and the redistribution of ZO‐2. We suggest that these properties contribute to the reported efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases and in part rationalize the probiotic nature of EcN.