Transcriptomic study on persistence and survival of Listeria monocytogenes following lethal treatment with nisin

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine gene expression associated with the persistence of a Listeria monocytogenes stationary-phase population when facing lethal nisin treatment.

Methods: RNA-Seq analysis was used for gene expression profiling of persister cells in nutrient-rich medium (persister TN) compared with untreated cells (non-persister). The results were confirmed using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).

Results: Functional genes associated with the persister population were identified in multiple systems, such as heat-shock-related stress response, cell wall synthesis, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport system, phosphotransferase system (PTS) and SOS/DNA repair.

Conclusions: This study pointed to genetic regulation of persister cells exposed to lethal nisin concentrations and provides some insight into possible mechanisms of impeding bacterial persistence.

Keywords: ATP-binding cassette; Bacteriocin treatment; Cell wall synthesis; Foodborne pathogen; Heat-shock stress response.