Protein over-expression in Escherichia coli triggers adaptation analogous to antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

Abstract Background The E. coli pET system is the most widely used protein over-expression system worldwide. It relies on the assumption that all cells produce target protein and it is generally believed that integral membrane protein (IMP) over-expression is more toxic than their soluble counterparts. Results Using GFP-tagged proteins, high level over-expression of either soluble or IMP targets results in > 99.9% cell loss with survival rate of only 99.9% cell death. These results redefine our understanding of protein over-production and link it to the adaptive survival response seen in the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Keywords

• Escherichia coli
• Antimicrobial resistance
• BL21(DE3)
• Protein over-expression