Exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) promote changes in growth, phospholipid composition, membrane permeability and virulence phenotypes in Escherichia coli

BMC Microbiology

Rachel E. Peters¹  David K. Giles¹  Timothy B. Simmons¹  Joshua L. Herndon¹  Steven J. Symes²  Rachel N. Hofer² 

[1] Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA;Department of Chemistry and Physics, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA;

关键词: Escherichia coli;    Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs);    Phospholipids;    Antimicrobial peptides;    Biofilm;    Motility;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12866-020-01988-0

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe utilization of exogenous fatty acids by Gram-negative bacteria has been linked to many cellular processes, including fatty acid oxidation for metabolic gain, assimilation into membrane phospholipids, and control of phenotypes associated with virulence. The expanded fatty acid handling capabilities have been demonstrated in several bacteria of medical importance; however, a survey of the polyunsaturated fatty acid responses in the model organism Escherichia coli has not been performed. The current study examined the impacts of exogenous fatty acids on E. coli.ResultsAll PUFAs elicited higher overall growth, with several fatty acids supporting growth as sole carbon sources. Most PUFAs were incorporated into membrane phospholipids as determined by Ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, whereas membrane permeability was variably affected as measured by two separate dye uptake assays. Biofilm formation, swimming motility and antimicrobial peptide resistance were altered in the presence of PUFAs, with arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids eliciting strong alteration to these phenotypes.ConclusionsThe findings herein add E. coli to the growing list of Gram-negative bacteria with broader capabilities for utilizing and responding to exogenous fatty acids. Understanding bacterial responses to PUFAs may lead to microbial behavioral control regimens for disease prevention.

【 授权许可】

CC BY