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The Rcs two-component system regulates expression of lysozyme inhibitors and is induced by exposure to lysozyme

Lien Callewaert1, Kristof G A Vanoirbeek, Ine Lurquin

  • 1Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Center, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 22, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.

Journal of Bacteriology
|January 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Lysozyme activates the Escherichia coli Rcs regulon, which normally protects against bacterial cell wall damage. Blocking this pathway increases lysozyme sensitivity, but adding lysozyme inhibitors Ivy and MliC restores resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Physiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The Escherichia coli Rcs regulon is a stress response pathway.
  • This pathway is typically induced by peptidoglycan stress, such as from antibiotics.
  • The Rcs regulon encodes two known lysozyme inhibitors: Ivy and MliC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of lysozyme in activating the Rcs regulon.
  • To determine the effect of blocking Rcs induction on bacterial sensitivity to lysozyme.
  • To assess the protective function of Ivy and MliC against lysozyme.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic manipulation of Escherichia coli to block Rcs induction.
  • Treatment of bacterial cultures with lysozyme.
  • Assessment of bacterial viability and sensitivity to lysozyme.
  • Complementation experiments with Ivy and MliC.

Main Results:

  • Lysozyme was found to activate the Rcs regulon pathway.
  • Blocking Rcs induction led to increased sensitivity of Escherichia coli to lysozyme.
  • The increased lysozyme sensitivity was reduced when the lysozyme inhibitors Ivy and MliC were provided.

Conclusions:

  • Lysozyme acts as an inducer of the Escherichia coli Rcs regulon.
  • The Rcs pathway, through Ivy and MliC, confers resistance to lysozyme.
  • Lysozyme plays a role in bacterial cell wall homeostasis and stress response.

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