Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli utilizes host- and microbiota-derived L-malate as a signaling molecule for intestinal colonization.

ABSTRACT: The mammalian gastrointestinal tract is a complex environment that hosts a diverse microbial community. To establish infection, bacterial pathogens must be able to compete with the indigenous microbiota for nutrients, as well as sense the host environment and modulate the expression of genes essential for colonization and virulence. Here, we found that enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 imports host- and microbiota-derived L-malate using the DcuABC transporters and converts these substrates into fumarate to fuel anaerobic fumarate respiration during infection, thereby promoting its colonization of the host intestine. Moreover, L-malate is important not only for nutrient metabolism but also as a signaling molecule that activates virulence gene expression in EHEC O157:H7. The

SUBMITTER: Liu B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10636207 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature