Role of branched-chain fatty acids in pH stress tolerance in Listeria monocytogenes.
In alkaline conditions, Listeria monocytogenes cells develop higher proportions of branched-chain fatty acids (FAs), including more anteiso forms. In acid conditions, the opposite occurs. Reduced growth of pH-sensitive mutants at adverse pH (5.0/9.0) was alleviated by the addition of 2-methylbutyrate (an anteiso-FA precursor), suggesting that anteiso-FAs are important in adaptation to adverse pH. The balance between anteiso- and iso-FAs may be more important than changes in the amounts and/or degrees of saturation of FAs in pH adaptation.
Giotis
Efstathios S
ES
Food Microbiology Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Shore Road, Whiteabbey, Northern Ireland BT37 0QB, United Kingdom.
McDowell
David A
DA
Blair
Ian S
IS
Wilkinson
Brian J
BJ
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D002087:Butyrates / Q000378:metabolism*; D003470:Culture Media; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D018869:Heat-Shock Response; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009154:Mutation
D002087:Butyrates; D003470:Culture Media; D005227:Fatty Acids; C019475:2-methylbutanoic acid