Survival during exposure to the electrophilic reagent N-ethylmaleimide in Escherichia coli: role of KefB and KefC potassium channels

• DOI: 10.1128/jb.179.4.1007-1012.1997
• Publication Date: 2016-11-10T16:34:34Z
• Authors: G P Ferguson; Y Nikolaev; D McLaggan; M Maclean; I R Booth
• Keywords: N-Ethylmaleimide

The role of the KefB and KefC potassium efflux systems in protecting Escherichia coli cells against toxic effects electrophile N-ethylmaleimide has been investigated. Activation aids survival exposed to high concentrations (> 100 microM) NEM. High reduce protection afforded by activation KefC, but possession these is still important under conditions. Kdp system, which confers sensitivity methylglyoxal, did not affect Survival correlated with reduction cytoplasmic pH upon channels. In particular, kinetics intracellular (pHi) change are crucial retention viability NEM; slow acidification does protect as effectively rapid lowering pHi. Cells treated low levels NEM (10 recover faster if they activate this correlates changes pHi significantly alter rate metabolism. possible mechanisms mediated discussed.