ABSTRACT
Proteomics has been implemented to determine not only the differences among bacteria exposed to different environments, but to determine the substrates for specific proteases within a cell as well. This chapter shows that proteomic technologies can be used to detail the effects of extracellular stimuli. During the life cycle of the B. burgdorferi environmental cues including pH changes can have a profound effect on gene expression and the resulting protein profile. Using proteomics to identify changes in protein synthesis patterns under one condition versus another is ideally employed in prokaryotic systems. The chapter discusses some observation experiences in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Validation of proteomic approaches in prokaryotic systems has provided and will continue to provide a basis for detailing protein changes in response to environmental stimuli. Prokaryotes, although having a simpler genetic makeup compared to eukaryotes, have evolved various complex mechanisms to sense and adapt to their ever-changing environments.
