Variations in the degree of D-Alanylation of teichoic acids in Lactococcus lactis alter resistance to cationic antimicrobials but have no effect on bacterial surface hydrophobicity and charge.
An increase of the degree of d-alanylation of teichoic acids in Lactococcus lactis resulted in a significant increase of bacterial resistance toward the cationic antimicrobials nisin and lysozyme, whereas the absence of D-alanylation led to a decreased resistance toward the same compounds. In contrast, the same variations of the D-alanylation degree did not modify bacterial cell surface charge and hydrophobicity. Bacterial adhesion to polystyrene and glass surfaces was not modified either.
INRA, UR477 Biochimie Bactérienne, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Efstathios
E
Giaouris
Romain
R
Briandet
Mickael
M
Meyrand
Pascal
P
Courtin
Marie-Pierre
MP
Chapot-Chartier
D000409:Alanine / Q000378:metabolism*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D017931:DNA Primers; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D014644:Genetic Variation; D013294:Lactococcus lactis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D009876:Operon; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013682:Teichoic Acids / Q000235:genetics*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017931:DNA Primers; D013682:Teichoic Acids; D000409:Alanine