Microarray expression profiling of Yersinia pestis in response to chloramphenicol

Plague is a deadly disease caused by Yersinia pestis. Human plague can be effectively controlled by timely antibiotic administration, chloramphenicol being a drug of choice. In this study, a DNA microarray was used to investigate the gene expression profile of Y. pestis in response to chloramphenicol. Seven hundred and fifty-five genes were differentially expressed on chloramphenicol treatment: 364 genes were up-regulated and 391 were down-regulated. In addition to a large number of genes encoding unknown or unassigned functions, genes encoding the components of the translation apparatus, cell envelope and transport/binding functions were strongly represented amongst the induced genes. Genes encoding proteins involved in energy metabolism and synthesis and modification of macromolecules were strongly represented amongst the down-regulated genes. A number of heat-shock genes were also repressed. These global transcriptional changes provide an insight into the mechanisms of action of chloramphenicol against Y. pestis.