scholarly journals A thermal fuse in methionine biosynthesis arrests growth and protects Escherichia coli at elevated temperatures

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Severin Josef Schink ◽  
Zara Helen Gough ◽  
Elena Biselli ◽  
Mariel Garcia Huiman ◽  
Yu-Fang Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Growth Arrest ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Methionine Biosynthesis ◽  
Direct Benefit ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Stress Response Genes ◽  
Degradation Rates ◽  
Shock Proteins ◽  
Methionine Synthesis

Microorganisms sense hazardous conditions and respond appropriately to maximize their survival. Adaptive stress resistance in microbes is mostly attributed to the expression of stress response genes, such as heat shock proteins, which prevent deterioration of cellular material. Here, we report a novel response of E. coli to heat stress: induction of a growth-arrested state, caused by degradation of an enzyme in the methionine biosynthesis pathway (MetA). We show that growth arrest has a direct benefit for survival at high temperatures; it protects cells when temperatures rise beyond 50 C, increasing the survival chances by over 1000-fold. Using a combination of experiments and mathematical modelling, we show that degradation of MetA leads to the coexistence of growing and non-growing cells, allowing microbes to bet-hedge between continued growth if conditions remain bearable and survival if conditions worsen. We test our model experimentally and verify quantitatively how protein expression, degradation rates and environmental stresses affect the partitioning between growing and non-growing cells. Because growth arrest can be abolished with simple mutations, such as point mutations of MetA and knock-outs of proteases, we interpret the breakdown of methionine synthesis as a system that has evolved to disintegrate at high temperature and shut off growth, analogous to thermal fuses used in engineering to shut off electricity when the device could be damaged by overheating.

In Vitro Holdase Activity of E. coli Small Heat-Shock Proteins IbpA, IbpB and IbpAB: A Biophysical Study with Some Unconventional Techniques

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 564-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sourav Roy ◽  
Monobesh Patra ◽  
Suman Nandy ◽  
Milon Banik ◽  
Rakhi Dasgupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Shock ◽  
Heat Shock Proteins ◽  
Small Heat Shock Proteins ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Biophysical Study ◽  
Shock Proteins

The Small Heat-shock Proteins IbpA and IbpB in E. coli: The Small Ones With a Big Role

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-96
Author(s):  
Sanchari Bhattacharjee ◽  
Rakhi Dasgupta ◽  
Angshuman Bagchi
Keyword(s):  
Heat Shock ◽  
Heat Shock Proteins ◽  
Small Heat Shock Proteins ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Shock Proteins

scholarly journals MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE REGION SURROUNDING THE 93D HEAT SHOCK LOCUS OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Genetics ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-265
Author(s):  
Jym Mohler ◽  
Mary Lou Pardue
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Γ Irradiation ◽  
Lethal Mutations ◽  
Complementation Groups ◽  
In Trans ◽  
Shock Locus ◽  
Shock Proteins

ABSTRACT The region containing subdivisions 93C, 93D and 93E on chromosome 3 of Drosophila melanogaster has been screened for visible and lethal mutations. Treatment with three mutagens, γ irradiation, ethyl methanesulfonate and diepoxybutane, has produced mutations that fall into 20 complementation groups, including the previously identified ebony locus. No point mutations affecting the heat shock locus in 93D were detected; however, a pair of deficiencies that overlap in the region of this locus was isolated. Flies heterozygous in trans for this pair of deficiencies are capable of producing all of the major heat shock puffs (except 93D) and the major heat shock proteins. In addition, these flies show recovery of normal protein synthesis following a heat shock.

scholarly journals L-Alanine Prototrophic Suppressors Emerge from L-Alanine Auxotroph through Stress-Induced Mutagenesis in Escherichia coli

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 472
Author(s):  
Harutaka Mishima ◽  
Hirokazu Watanabe ◽  
Kei Uchigasaki ◽  
So Shimoda ◽  
Shota Seki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex ◽  
Spontaneous Mutation ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Whole Genome Analysis ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Clone Pair ◽  
Induced Mutagenesis ◽  
Isogenic Mutants

In Escherichia coli, L-alanine is synthesized by three isozymes: YfbQ, YfdZ, and AvtA. When an E. coli L-alanine auxotrophic isogenic mutant lacking the three isozymes was grown on L-alanine-deficient minimal agar medium, L-alanine prototrophic mutants emerged considerably more frequently than by spontaneous mutation; the emergence frequency increased over time, and, in an L-alanine-supplemented minimal medium, correlated inversely with L-alanine concentration, indicating that the mutants were derived through stress-induced mutagenesis. Whole-genome analysis of 40 independent L-alanine prototrophic mutants identified 16 and 18 clones harboring point mutation(s) in pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and phosphotransacetylase-acetate kinase pathway, which respectively produce acetyl coenzyme A and acetate from pyruvate. When two point mutations identified in L-alanine prototrophic mutants, in pta (D656A) and aceE (G147D), were individually introduced into the original L-alanine auxotroph, the isogenic mutants exhibited almost identical growth recovery as the respective cognate mutants. Each original- and isogenic-clone pair carrying the pta or aceE mutation showed extremely low phosphotransacetylase or pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, respectively. Lastly, extracellularly-added pyruvate, which dose-dependently supported L-alanine auxotroph growth, relieved the L-alanine starvation stress, preventing the emergence of L-alanine prototrophic mutants. Thus, L-alanine starvation-provoked stress-induced mutagenesis in the L-alanine auxotroph could lead to intracellular pyruvate increase, which eventually induces L-alanine prototrophy.

scholarly journals Phenotypic and Genotypic Properties of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant, qnr-Carrying Escherichia coli Isolated from the German Food Chain in 2017

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1308
Author(s):  
Katharina Juraschek ◽  
Carlus Deneke ◽  
Silvia Schmoger ◽  
Mirjam Grobbel ◽  
Burkhard Malorny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Beta Lactamase ◽  
Resistance Development ◽  
Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase ◽  
E Coli ◽  
German Food ◽  
Sequence Types ◽  
Ammonium Compounds ◽  
Additional Point

Fluoroquinolones are the highest priority, critically important antimicrobial agents. Resistance development can occur via different mechanisms, with plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) being prevalent in the livestock and food area. Especially, qnr genes, commonly located on mobile genetic elements, are major drivers for the spread of resistance determinants against fluoroquinolones. We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of qnr-positive Escherichia (E.) coli obtained from different monitoring programs in Germany in 2017. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate commonalities of qnr-carrying plasmids in E. coli. We found qnr to be broadly spread over different livestock and food matrices, and to be present in various sequence types. The qnr-positive isolates were predominantly detected within selectively isolated ESBL (extended spectrum beta-lactamase)-producing E. coli, leading to a frequent association with other resistance genes, especially cephalosporin determinants. Furthermore, we found that qnr correlates with the presence of genes involved in resistance development against quaternary ammonium compounds (qac). The detection of additional point mutations in many isolates within the chromosomal QRDR region led to even higher MIC values against fluoroquinolones for the investigated E. coli. All of these attributes should be carefully taken into account in the risk assessment of qnr-carrying E. coli from livestock and food.

scholarly journals Functional Analysis of Genes Comprising the Locus of Heat Resistance in Escherichia coli

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Mercer ◽  
Oanh Nguyen ◽  
Qixing Ou ◽  
Lynn McMullen ◽  
Michael G. Gänzle
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Heat Shock Proteins ◽  
Heat Resistance ◽  
Growth Phase ◽  
Genomic Island ◽  
Enteric Bacteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Shock Proteins

ABSTRACT The locus of heat resistance (LHR) is a 15- to 19-kb genomic island conferring exceptional heat resistance to organisms in the family Enterobacteriaceae, including pathogenic strains of Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli. The complement of LHR-comprising genes that is necessary for heat resistance and the stress-induced or growth-phase-induced expression of LHR-comprising genes are unknown. This study determined the contribution of the seven LHR-comprising genes yfdX1 GI, yfdX2, hdeD GI, orf11, trx GI, kefB, and psiE GI by comparing the heat resistances of E. coli strains harboring plasmid-encoded derivatives of the different LHRs in these genes. (Genes carry a subscript “GI” [genomic island] if an ortholog of the same gene is present in genomes of E. coli.) LHR-encoded heat shock proteins sHSP20, ClpKGI, and sHSPGI are not sufficient for the heat resistance phenotype; YfdX1, YfdX2, and HdeD are necessary to complement the LHR heat shock proteins and to impart a high level of resistance. Deletion of trx GI, kefB, and psiE GI from plasmid-encoded copies of the LHR did not significantly affect heat resistance. The effect of the growth phase and the NaCl concentration on expression from the putative LHR promoter p2 was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and by a plasmid-encoded p2:GFP promoter fusion. The expression levels of exponential- and stationary-phase E. coli cells were not significantly different, but the addition of 1% NaCl significantly increased LHR expression. Remarkably, LHR expression in E. coli was dependent on a chromosomal copy of evgA. In conclusion, this study improved our understanding of the genes required for exceptional heat resistance in E. coli and factors that increase their expression in food. IMPORTANCE The locus of heat resistance (LHR) is a genomic island conferring exceptional heat resistance to several foodborne pathogens. The exceptional level of heat resistance provided by the LHR questions the control of pathogens by current food processing and preparation techniques. The function of LHR-comprising genes and their regulation, however, remain largely unknown. This study defines a core complement of LHR-encoded proteins that are necessary for heat resistance and demonstrates that regulation of the LHR in E. coli requires a chromosomal copy of the gene encoding EvgA. This study provides insight into the function of a transmissible genomic island that allows otherwise heat-sensitive enteric bacteria, including pathogens, to lead a thermoduric lifestyle and thus contributes to the detection and control of heat-resistant enteric bacteria in food.

scholarly journals The Escherichia coli cysG promoter belongs to the ‘extended −10’ class of bacterial promoters

1993 ◽  
Vol 296 (3) ◽  
pp. 851-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Belyaeva ◽  
L Griffiths ◽  
S Minchin ◽  
J Cole ◽  
S Busby
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Upstream Region ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Run Off ◽  
A Site ◽  
Specific Sequences

The Escherichia coli cysG promoter has been subcloned and shown to function constitutively in a range of different growth conditions. Point mutations identify the -10 hexamer and an important 5′-TGN-3′ motif immediately upstream. The effects of different deletions suggest that specific sequences in the -35 region are not essential for the activity of this promoter in vivo. This conclusion was confirmed by in vitro run-off transcription assays. The DNAase I footprint of RNA polymerase at the cysG promoter reveals extended protection upstream of the transcript start, and studies with potassium permanganate as a probe suggest that the upstream region is distorted in open complexes. Taken together, the results show that the cysG promoter belongs to the ‘extended -10’ class of promoters, and the base sequence is similar to that of the P1 promoter of the E. coli galactose operon, another promoter in this class. In vivo, messenger initiated at the cysG promoter appears to be processed by cleavage at a site 41 bases downstream from the transcript start point.

Characterization of Thermophilic Bacteria Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

2008 ◽  
Vol 62 (11) ◽  
pp. 1226-1232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Çulha ◽  
Ahmet Adigüzel ◽  
M. MÜGE Yazici ◽  
Mehmet Kahraman ◽  
Fikrettin Slahin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Raman Scattering ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Thermophilic Bacteria ◽  
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Surface Enhanced ◽  
Surface Enhanced Raman ◽  
Enhanced Raman Scattering

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can provide molecular-level information about the molecules and molecular structures in the vicinity of nanostructured noble metal surfaces such as gold and silver. The three thermophilic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, and Geobacillus pallidus, a Gram-negative bacterium E. coli, and a Gram-positive bacterium B. megaterium are comparatively characterized using SERS. The SERS spectra of thermophilic bacteria are similar, while they show significant differences compared to E. coli and B. megaterium. The findings indicate that a higher number of thiol residues and possible S–S bridges are present in the cell wall structure of thermophilic bacteria, providing their stability at elevated temperatures. Incubating the thermophilic bacteria with colloidal silver suspension at longer times improved the bacteria–silver nanoparticle interaction kinetics, while increased temperature does not have a pronounced effect on spectral features. A tentative assignment of the SERS bands was attempted for thermophilic bacteria. The results indicate that SERS can be a useful tool to study bacterial cell wall molecular differences.

scholarly journals Mutational Analysis of Quinolone-Resistant Determining Region gyrA and parC Genes in Quinolone-Resistant ESBL-Producing E. Coli

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hairul Aini Hamzah ◽  
Rahmatullah Sirat ◽  
Mohammed Imad A. Mustafa Mahmud ◽  
Roesnita Baharudin
Keyword(s):  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Quinolone Resistance ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Single Point Mutation ◽  
Phenotypic Resistance ◽  
Drug Effectiveness ◽  
E Coli

 Introduction: Co-resistance to quinolones among extended spectrum β[1]lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli commonly occurs in clinical settings. Quinolones act on DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase enzymes, which are coded by gyrA and parC genes, thus any mutation to the genes may affect the drug effectiveness. The objective of the study was to characterize gyrA and parC genes in quinolone-resistant E. coli isolates and correlated the mutations with their phenotypic resistance. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two quinolone-resistant (QR) and six quinolone-sensitive (QS) ESBL-E. coli isolates were identified by antibiotic susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentration tests. Bioinformatics analysis were conducted to study any mutations occurred in the genes and generate their codon compositions. Results: All the QR ESBL-E. coli isolates were identified as multidrug-resistant bacteria. A single point mutation in the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA, at codon 83, caused the substitution amino acid Ser83Leu. It is associated with a high level of resistance to nalidixic acid. However, double mutations Ser83Leu and Asp87Asn in the same region were significantly linked to higher levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin. Cumulative point mutations in gyrA and/or in parC were also correlated significantly (p<0.05) to increased resistance to ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Together, the findings showed that the mutations in gyrA and parC genes handled the institution of intrinsic quinolone resistance in the ESBL-E. coli isolates. Thus, vigilant monitoring for emergence of new mutation in resistance genes may give an insight into dissemination of QR ESBL-E. coli in a particular region.

scholarly journals Sex overrides mutation in Escherichia coli colonizing the gut

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Frazão ◽  
A. Sousa ◽  
M. Lässig ◽  
I. Gordo
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Experimental Evolution ◽  
Temporal Pattern ◽  
Driving Force ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Accelerate Evolution

AbstractBacteria evolve by mutation accumulation in laboratory experiments, but the tempo and mode of evolution in natural environments are largely unknown. Here we show, by experimental evolution of E. coli in the mouse gut, that the ecology of the gut controls bacterial evolution. If a resident E. coli strain is present in the gut, an invading strain evolves by rapid horizontal gene transfer; this mode precedes and outweighs evolution by point mutations. An epidemic infection by two phages drives gene uptake and produces multiple co-existing lineages of phage-carrying (lysogenic) bacteria. A minimal dynamical model explains the temporal pattern of phage epidemics and their complex evolutionary outcome as generic effects of phage-mediated selection. We conclude that phages are an important eco-evolutionary driving force – they accelerate evolution and promote genetic diversity of bacteria.One Sentence SummaryBacteriophages drive rapid evolution in the gut.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document