Visualizing high error levels during gene expression in living bacterial cells.

ABSTRACT: To monitor inaccuracy in gene expression in living cells, we designed an experimental system in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis whereby spontaneous errors can be visualized and quantified at a single-cell level. Our strategy was to introduce mutations into a chromosomally encoded gfp allele, such that errors in protein production are reported in real time by the formation of fluorescent GFP molecules. The data reveal that the amount of errors can greatly exceed previous estimates, and that the error rate increases dramatically at lower temperatures and during stationary phase. Furthermore, we demonstrate that when facing an antibiotic threat, an increase in error level is sufficient to allow survival of bacteria carrying a mutated antibiotic-resistance gene. We propose that bacterial gene

SUBMITTER: Meyerovich M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2895060 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature