A proteome optimal allocation model for elucidating effects of temperature on bacterial growth

Although considerable research has been conducted on how bacteria respond to temperature, there are still few studies that use simple protein allocation models to characterize these responses. To bridge this gap, we utilize a protein allocation framework to delineate quantitative correlations among temperature, growth rate, and the fraction of functional protein sectors. By calibrating the model with experimental temperature-dependent growth curves of Escherichia coli, we predict how proteomic resources are reallocated across various temperatures. This approach enables us to elucidate, from a proteomic perspective, the temperature dependency of constitutive β-galactosidase expression and the variations in E. coli cell size. Our research deepens the understanding of bacterial physiological adaptation to temperature changes.