Oral Fusobacterium nucleatum resists the acidic pH of the stomach due to membrane erucic acid synthesized via enoyl-CoA hydratase-related protein FnFabM.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

Oral bacteria can translocate to the intestine, and their colonization efficiency is influenced by the gastrointestinal tract pH. Understanding how oral bacteria resist acidic environments is crucial for elucidating their role in gut health and disease.

Methods

To investigate the mechanisms of acid resistance in oral bacteria, an in vitro gastrointestinal tract Dynamic pH Model was established. This model was used to simulate the acidic conditions encountered by bacteria during their translocation from the mouth to the intestine.

Results

Fusobacterium nucleatum exhibited the highest survival rate in an acidified fluid mimicking the stomach pH (pH 1.5). The survival was significantly increased in the presence of erucic acid C22:1(n9) in cell me

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11753016 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature