Fatty acids regulate stress resistance and virulence factor production for Listeria monocytogenes.

ABSTRACT: Fatty acids (FAs) are the major structural component of cellular membranes, which provide a physical and chemical barrier that insulates intracellular reactions from environmental fluctuations. The native composition of membrane FAs establishes the topological and chemical parameters for membrane-associated functions and is therefore modulated diligently by microorganisms especially in response to environmental stresses. However, the consequences of altered FA composition during host-pathogen interactions are poorly understood. The food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes contains mostly saturated branched-chain FAs (BCFAs), which support growth at low pH and low temperature. In this study, we show that anteiso-BCFAs enhance bacterial resistance against phagosomal killing in macrophages.

SUBMITTER: Sun Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3457240 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature