Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered that bacterial populations exchange proteins under antibiotic pressure to help dormant cells survive. The study shows that antibiotics strongly promote the transfer of proteins via membrane vesicles. This partially explains why certain infections are difficult to combat.
Baylor researchers identify mechanism of protein transfer
Scientists led by Christophe Herman from Baylor College of Medicine have demonstrated in experiments with Escherichia coli that bacteria exchange proteins via membrane vesicles at low antibiotic concentrations. The transfer increases by several thousandfold. Recipient cells enter a dormant-like state and use the absorbed proteins to survive stress.
The cells differentiate into donor cells, which release vesicles with proteins, and recipient cells, which take them up. The mechanism functions without direct cell contact.
Background
Bacteria can share antibiotic resistance genes. The new study examines the direct exchange of proteins in detail for the first time. Previous indications of protein transfer were not clearly experimentally proven. The researchers developed a sensitive system with Cre enzyme as a marker to detect the transfer.
Significance for persistent infections
Many surviving bacteria are not genetically resistant but temporarily enter a dormant state. Through vesicle-mediated protein exchange, these cells can compensate for their limited own protein production and grow again later. This contributes to the persistence of infections.
Voices from the project
"Antibiotics are supposed to kill bacteria or stop their growth. Nevertheless, small groups of survivors often remain," said Christophe Herman, professor of molecular and human genetics and molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine.
"Our study shows that antibiotics differentiate a genetically identical bacterial population into two groups: donor cells, which release protein-containing vesicles, and recipient cells, which become dormant but take up proteins and thus survive," Herman added.
Next steps
The researchers want to identify the specific proteins in the vesicles that contribute to persistence. Further investigations aim to deepen the understanding of interactions between donor and recipient cells to develop approaches for improved antibiotic efficacy. The study was published on June 25, 2026, in the journal Science.
FAQ
What is the study about?
The study describes how bacteria exchange proteins via membrane vesicles under antibiotic pressure to support dormant cells.
Why is the finding relevant?
It explains a mechanism that contributes to the formation of persistent bacteria, which can sustain infections despite treatment.
What type of bacteria was studied?
Experiments were conducted with Escherichia coli.
Who is involved?
The team led by Christophe Herman at Baylor College of Medicine was in charge; the first author is Alice X. Wen.
What are the next steps?
Identification of the relevant proteins in the vesicles and further elucidation of donor-recipient interactions.
