Proteome Analysis of Escherichia coli after High-dose Radiation

Since proteomics can be employed to compare changes in the expression levels of many proteins under particular genetic and environmental conditions, using mass spectrometry to establish radiation stimulon, we performed two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identified E. coli proteins whose expressions are affected by high dose of ionizing radiation. After exposure to 3 kGy, it was found that 6 proteins involved in carbon and energy metabolism were reduced. Although 4 of 7 protein spots showing a significant increase in expression level were neither identified nor classified, uridine phosphorylase (Udp), superoxide dismutase (SodB), and thioredoxin-dependent thiol peroxidase (Bcp) were proven to be up-regulated after irradiation. This suggests that E. coli subjected to high doses of radiation (3 kGy) may operate a defense system that is able to detoxify reactive oxygen species and stimulate the salvage pathway of nucleotide synthesis to replenish damaged DNA.