Cold Shock Induces qnrA Expression in Shewanella algae

Plasmid-carried quinolone resistance genes, like qnrA, are widespread in Enterobacteriaceae. To gain insight into its little-understood native functions, we studied the effect of environmental conditions on chromosomal qnrA expression in Shewanella algae. Among conditions of DNA damage, oxidative and osmotic stress, starvation, heat, and cold, only cold shock increased gene expression, as measured by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Induction was graded and occurred during growth arrest, suggesting that qnrA may contribute to the adaptation of Shewanella to low temperatures.