TolC Requirement for Acid Adaptation in E. coli
Author Information
Author(s): Deininger Kari N. W., Horikawa Akina, Kitko Ryan D., Tatsumi Ryoko, Rosner Judah L., Wachi Masaaki, Slonczewski Joan L.
Primary Institution: Kenyon College
Hypothesis
The role of TolC in growth at low pH and extreme-acid survival is unknown.
Conclusion
TolC and proton-driven MDR efflux pump components EmrB and MdtB contribute to E. coli survival in extreme acid.
Supporting Evidence
- TolC was required for extreme-acid survival (pH 2) of strain W3110 grown aerobically to stationary phase.
- A tolC deletion decreased extreme-acid survival of aerated pH 7.0-grown cells by 105-fold.
- The requirement was specific for acid resistance since a tolC defect had no effect on aerobic survival in extreme base (pH 10).
- TolC was required for expression of glutamate decarboxylase (GadA, GadB), a key component of glutamate-dependent acid resistance.
Takeaway
E. coli needs a special protein called TolC to survive in very acidic environments, like when it passes through the stomach.
Methodology
The study involved testing the survival of E. coli strains with and without the TolC protein in extreme acid conditions.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on specific strains of E. coli and may not generalize to all bacteria.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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