Proteomic interrogation of antibiotic resistance and persistence inEscherichia coli –progress and potential for medical research

Introduction Escherichia coli strains possess two survival strategies to endure lethal antibiotic exposure including antibiotic resistance and persistence, in which persistence can contribute to the emergence of antibiotic resistance and increasing the risk of multidrug resistance. Using high-throughput proteomics for the comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and persistence is an effective strategy for development of target-based anti-bacterial therapies.Areas covered In this review, we summarize a comprehensive proteomic perspective of antibiotic resistance and persistence in E.coli, and overview of anti-antibiotic resistance and anti-persister molecules and strategies for the development of potential therapies.Expert opinion Proteomics allows us to globally identify the critical proteins and pathways involved in antibiotic resistance and persistence. Advancements in methodologies of proteomics and multi-omic strategies are required to overcome the limitations of proteomics and better understand mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and persistence in E.coli, and to open the possibility for identification of new targets for alternative strategies in therapeutics.