Distinct patterns of mutational sensitivity for λ resistance and maltodextrin transport in Escherichia coli LamB

Abstract

Bacteria can evade cohabiting phages through mutations in phage receptors, but these mutations may come at a cost if they disrupt the receptor's native cellular function. To investigate the relationship between these two conflicting activities, we generated sequence-function maps of <i>Escherichia coli</i> LamB with respect to sensitivity to phage <i>λ</i> and transport of maltodextrin. By comparing 413 missense mutations whose effect on both traits could be analysed, we find that these two phenotypes were correlated, implying that most mutations affect these phenotypes through a common mechanism such as loss of protein stability. However, individual mutations could be found that specifically disrupt <i>λ</i>-sensitivity without affecting maltodextrin transport. We identify and individually assay nine such mutations, whose spatial positions implicate loop L6 of LamB in <i>λ</i> binding. Although missense mutations that lead to <i>λ</i>-resistance are rare, they were approximately as likely to be maltodextrin-utilizing (Mal⁺) as not (Mal^-), implying that <i>E. coli</i> can adapt to <i>λ</i> while conserving the receptor's native function. We propose that in order for <i>E. coli</i> and <i>λ</i> to stably cohabitate, selection for <i>λ</i>-resistance and maltose transport must be spatially or temporally separated.