Work

Heterogeneous Distribution of Proton Motive Force in Nonheritable Antibiotic Resistance

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Bacterial cells with low PMF may survive antibiotic stress due to dormancy, which favors nonheritable resistance without genetic mutations or acquisitions. On the other hand, cells with high PMF are less tolerant, as PMF helps in the uptake of certain antibiotics. Here, we quantified flagellar motility as an indirect measure of the PMF in cells of Escherichia coli that had adapted to ampicillin. Despite the disadvantage of maintaining a high PMF in the presence of antibiotics, we observed high PMF in ~30% of the cells, as evidenced by their ability to swim rapidly for several hours. These and other results were consistent with the idea that antibiotic tolerance can arise via different mechanisms in a clonal population.

Source: mBio

DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02384-22

Authors: Annie H. Lee, Rachit Gupta, Hong Nhi Nguyen, Isabella R. Schmitz, Deborah A. Siegele, Pushkar P. Lele

Institutions: Texas A&M University, University of Michigan

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,900

Funders: National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases