Restricting fermentative potential by proteome remodeling: an adaptive strategy evidenced in Bacillus cereus

Mol Cell Proteomics. 2012 Jun;11(6):M111.013102. doi: 10.1074/mcp.M111.013102. Epub 2012 Jan 9.

Abstract

Pathogenesis hinges on successful colonization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by pathogenic facultative anaerobes. The GI tract is a carbohydrate-limited environment with varying oxygen availability and oxidoreduction potential (ORP). How pathogenic bacteria are able to adapt and grow in these varying conditions remains a key fundamental question. Here, we designed a system biology-inspired approach to pinpoint the key regulators allowing Bacillus cereus to survive and grow efficiently under low ORP anoxic conditions mimicking those encountered in the intestinal lumen. We assessed the proteome components using high throughput nanoLC-MS/MS techniques, reconstituted the main metabolic circuits, constructed ΔohrA and ΔohrR mutants, and analyzed the impacts of ohrA and ohrR disruptions by a novel round of shotgun proteomics. Our study revealed that OhrR and OhrA are crucial to the successful adaptation of B. cereus to the GI tract environment. Specifically, we showed that B. cereus restricts its fermentative growth under low ORP anaerobiosis and sustains efficient aerobic respiratory metabolism, motility, and stress response via OhrRA-dependent proteome remodeling. Finally, our results introduced a new adaptive strategy where facultative anaerobes prefer to restrict their fermentative potential for a long term benefit.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Bacillus cereus / genetics
  • Bacillus cereus / growth & development
  • Bacillus cereus / metabolism*
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Fermentation*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Genetic Loci
  • Microbial Viability
  • Operon
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Proteome / genetics
  • Proteome / metabolism*
  • Stress, Physiological
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Proteome