Description
Human Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins (PGRPs) kill bacteria, likely by over-activating stress responses in bacteria. To gain insight into the mechanism of PGRP killing of Escherichia coli and bacterial defense against PGRP killing, gene expression in E. coli treated with a control protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA), human recombinant PGRP (PGLYRP4), gentamicin (aminoglycoside antibiotic), and CCCP (membrane potential decoupler) were compared. Each treatment induced unique and somewhat overlapping pattern of gene expression. PGRP highly increased expression of genes for oxidative and disulfide stress, detoxification and efflux of Cu, As, and Zn, repair of damaged proteins and DNA, methionine and histidine synthesis, energy generation, and Fe-S clusters repair. PGRP also caused marked decrease in the expression of genes for Fe uptake and motility.