[Bacterial cold shock response at the level of DNA transcription, translation and chromosome dynamics]

Abstract

The review is an attempt to analyze the data available in the literature concerning the response of mesophilic bacteria to cold shock at the level of DNA transcription, translation, and chromosome dynamics, i.e., in terms of cell biology. The review considers relevant molecular mechanisms and particular regulatory systems within the framework of a general cell response to cold shock. It is suggested that a short-term response to cold shock is necessary for bacteria to transit to a viable but nonculturable state and/or for their physiological and genetic adaptation to psychrotrophic life. It is emphasized that cell responses to cold and heat shocks are different and that DNA dynamics (i.e., its supercoiling, multiple bending, and condensation) and the rearrangement of the protein-synthesizing apparatus of cells (including the induction of alternative translational mechanisms) may play a central role in cell response to cold shock. The role of molecular chaperones in cold shock response is presumably of less importance than it is in the case of heat shock.