Temperature-dependent proteolysis as a control element in Escherichia coli metabolism

• Published in: Research in microbiology Vol. 160; no. 9; pp. 684 - 686
• Main Authors: Katz, Chen, Rasouly, Aviram, Gur, Eyal, Shenhar, Yotam, Biran, Dvora, Ron, Eliora Z.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier SAS 01-11-2009
• Subjects: ATP-Dependent Proteases - metabolism; Biocatalysis; Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli - genetics; Escherichia coli - growth & development; Escherichia coli - metabolism; Escherichia coli Proteins - metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Heat shock response; Heat-Shock Proteins - metabolism; Heat-Shock Response - genetics; Methionine - biosynthesis; Protein degradation; Sigma Factor - metabolism; Stress, Physiological; Temperature; Heat shock response; Methionine biosynthesis; Protein degradation
• ISSN: 0923-2508; 1769-7123
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2009.08.015

Escherichia coli can grow at a broad temperature range, from less than 20
°C up to 45
°C. An increase in temperature results in a major physiological change, as enzymes work faster but, on the other hand, proteins tend to unfold. Therefore, a shift-up in temperature results in the induction of several regulatory response mechanisms aimed at restoring balanced growth at the new temperature. One important mechanism involves temperature-dependent proteolysis, which constitutes a fast response to temperature shift-ups. Here we discuss the effect of proteolysis on protein synthesis, and the heat shock response.