Cell lysis directed by σ E in early stationary phase and effect of induction of the rpoE gene on global gene expression in Escherichia coli

Abstract

It has been shown thatEscherichia colicells with increased expression of therpoEgene encodingσEexhibit enhanced cell lysis in early stationary phase. Further analysis of the lysis phenomenon was performed using a transient expression system of therpoEgene and by DNA microarray. The former analysis revealed aσE-directed cell lysis, specific for early stationary phase but not for the exponential phase. The microarray analysis with RNAs from exponential and early stationary phase cells revealed that a large number of genes were up- or down-regulated when therpoEgene was induced, and that several genes were induced in a phase-specific manner. The upregulated genes include many previously identifiedσEregulon genes, suggesting that a large number of genes are under the control ofσEin this organism. These genes are involved in various cellular activities, including the cell envelope, cellular processes, regulatory functions, transport and translation. Genes that are presumably related to phase-specific cell lysis inE. coliare discussed.