Shigella reroutes host cell central metabolism to obtain high-flux nutrient supply for vigorous intracellular growth.

ABSTRACT: Shigella flexneri proliferate in infected human epithelial cells at exceptionally high rates. This vigorous growth has important consequences for rapid progression to life-threatening bloody diarrhea, but the underlying metabolic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we used metabolomics, proteomics, and genetic experiments to determine host and Shigella metabolism during infection in a cell culture model. The data suggest that infected host cells maintain largely normal fluxes through glycolytic pathways, but the entire output of these pathways is captured by Shigella, most likely in the form of pyruvate. This striking strategy provides Shigella with an abundant favorable energy source, while preserving host cell ATP generation, energy charge maintenance, and survival, despite ongoin

SUBMITTER: Kentner D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4103312 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature