Glycogen and Maltose Utilization by Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the Mouse Intestine

• DOI: 10.1128/iai.00096-08
• Publication Date: 2008-03-18T00:48:32Z
• Authors: Shari A. Jones; Mathias Jorgensen; Fatema Z. Chowdhury; Rosalie Rodgers; James Hartline; Mary P. Leatham; Carsten Struve; Karen A. Krogfelt; Paul S. Cohen; Tyrrell Conway
• Keywords: Male; 2. Zero hunger; 570; 0303 health sciences; Time Factors; Escherichia coli O157; Gluconates; 3. Good health; Intestines; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Phenotype; Polysaccharides; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Mutation; Streptomycin; Animals; Maltose; Escherichia coli Infections; Glycogen

Mutant screens and transcriptome studies led us to consider whether the metabolism of glucose polymers, i.e., maltose, maltodextrin, glycogen, is important for Escherichia coli colonization intestine. By using streptomycin-treated mouse model, we found that catabolism disaccharide maltose provides a competitive advantage in vivo pathogenic E. O157:H7 commensal K-12, whereas degradation exogenous forms more complex polymer, does not. The endogenous appears play an role colonization, since mutants are unable synthesize or degrade glycogen have significant defects. In support hypothesis relies on internal carbon stores maintain during periods famine, by providing constant supply readily metabolized sugar, gluconate, animal's drinking water, disadvantage rescued. results suggest storage may be widespread enteric bacteria because it necessary maintaining rapid growth intestine, where there intense competition resources occasional famine. An implication this study sugars used present limited quantities making valuable. Thus, merit combating infections probiotics prebiotics manipulate intestinal microbiota such way as limit availability preferred perhaps other pathogens.