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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Biochemical and Structural Characterization of the Carbohydrate Transport Substrate-binding-protein SP0092
Published on: October 2, 2017
Proteomic analysis of growth phase-dependent proteins of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Kwang-Jun Lee1, Song-Mee Bae, Myoung-Ro Lee
1Division of Bacterial Respiratory Infections, Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Health, Korea Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Eunpyung-Ku, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important human pathogen that causes a variety of diseases, such as pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, otitis media, and sinusitis, in both adults and children. The global pattern of growth phase-dependent protein expression of S. pneumoniae during in vitro culture was analyzed using 2-DE combined with MALDI-TOF MS and LC/ESI-MS/MS. Several protein production patterns were observed at four time points throughout the growth stage, although some protein levels did not change significantly. We focused on the switch in protein expression at the transition from log growth phase to stationary phase. Proteins that were significantly induced or repressed at this point are likely to be involved in central intermediary metabolism, amino acid synthesis, nucleotide, and fatty acid metabolism, cell wall synthesis, protein degradation, and stress responses. This global expression profiling approach has revealed previously unrecognized relationships between proteins in the life of this pathogen.
Insights
This study analyzed Streptococcus pneumoniae protein expression during growth. Key proteins involved in metabolism, cell wall synthesis, and stress responses change significantly between growth phases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Proteomics
- Pathogen Biology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major human pathogen causing diverse infections.
- Understanding its growth-dependent protein expression is crucial for developing new treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To globally analyze Streptococcus pneumoniae protein expression patterns throughout its growth phases.
- To identify proteins differentially expressed during the transition from logarithmic to stationary growth.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE)
- Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)
- Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS)
Main Results:
- Observed distinct protein production patterns at four growth time points.
- Identified significant induction or repression of proteins during the log to stationary phase transition.
- Proteins involved in metabolism, cell wall synthesis, and stress responses were notably affected.
Conclusions:
- Global protein expression profiling reveals previously unknown relationships between proteins in S. pneumoniae.
- The identified growth phase-dependent proteins are critical for pathogen survival and virulence.
- This data provides a foundation for understanding pneumococcal pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting.
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