Polyunsaturated fatty acids cause physiological and behavioral changes in Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio fischeri

Bacterial utilization of fatty acids continues to evolve as a practical strategy for environmental adaptation, providing energy currency, ingredients for membrane construction, and cues for behavioral modification. Here, we add two members of the familyVibrionaceae,Vibrio alginolyticus andAliivibrio fischeri, that scavenge a variety of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as evidenced by incorporation into membrane phospholipids and orchestration of phenotypic responses associated with growth, motility, and biofilm formation. Our findings highlight the differential exploitation of PUFAs by two related genera occupying distinct ecological niches, suggesting species-specific responses to exogenous fatty acids for survival in planktonic, symbiotic, and pathogenic habitats. AbstractVibrio alginolyticus andVibrio (Aliivibrio) fischeri are Gram-negative bacteria found globally in marine environments. During the past decade, studies have shown that certain Gram-negative bacteria, includingVibrio species (cholerae,parahaemolyticus, andvulnificus) are capable of using exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to modify the phospholipids of their membrane. Moreover, exposure to exogenous PUFAs has been shown to affect certain phenotypes that are important factors of virulence. The purpose of this study was to investigate whetherV.alginolyticus andV.fischeri are capable of responding to exogenous PUFAs by remodeling their membrane phospholipids and/or altering behaviors associated w...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research