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Abstract

Bacteria constantly experience changes to their external milieu and need
to adapt accordingly to ensure their survival. Certain bacteria adapt by
means of cellular differentiation, resulting in the development of a
specific cell type that is specialized for life in a distinct
environment. Furthermore, to understand how bacteria adapt, it is
essential to appreciate the significant changes that occur at the
proteomic level. By analysing the proteome of our model organism Vibrio
parahaemolyticus from distinct environmental conditions and cellular
differential states, we demonstrate that the proteomic expression
profile is highly flexible, which likely allows it to adapt to life in
different environmental conditions and habitats. We show that, even
within the same swarm colony, there are specific zones of cells with
distinct expression profiles. Furthermore, our data indicate that cell
surface attachment and swarmer cell differentiation are distinct
programmes that require specific proteomic expression profiles. This
likely allows V. parahaemolyticus to adapt to life in different
environmental conditions and habitats. Finally, our analyses reveal that
the expression profile of the essential protein pool is highly fluid,
with significant fluctuations that dependent on the specific life-style,
environment and differentiation state of the bacterium.