E. coli response to apoptotic epithelial cells [Doxo]

The goal was to determine the chemotherapy-induced, mammalian cell death-dependent transcriptional response in a human commensal strain of E. coli. Murine intestinal epithelial cells were used to induce chemotherapy-driven cell death, and a human commensal strain of E. coli was used as the 'recipient' bacteria. Mammalian epithelial cells were induced to die via apoptosis using the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin. Following death, cell free supernatants were used as growth medium for E. coli. Transcriptional profiles were compared to media controls and cell free supernatants where mammalian cell death had been inhibited using the pan caspase inhibitor QVD.