Disruption of the EmrAB-TolC efflux pump of Escherichia coli induces global metabolic changes in multiple growth conditions.

Abstract

Multidrug efflux pumps are transporters that are important for the removal of exogenous toxic molecules in bacteria. Recently, efflux pumps have been implicated in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis in Escherichia coli . Here, we investigated the contribution of EmrAB-TolC to metabolism in various conditions. Deletion of EmrB led to changes in several metabolic pathways, both in standard growth conditions and during nutrient stress. The pathways impacted include the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Our findings suggest that EmrAB-TolC contributes to maintaining metabolic homeostasis and adapts metabolism based on cellular needs.