The Genetic Determinants of Listeria monocytogenes Resistance to Bacteriocins Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This review examined the mechanisms by which Listeria monocytogenes develops resistance to bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). It explored the genetic determinants of resistance, focusing on factors such as receptor modifications, changes in the cell wall and membrane, and the development of cross-resistance to various bacteriocins.
Who was reviewed?
The review primarily focused on Listeria monocytogenes and its interactions with bacteriocins produced by LAB, such as nisin, pediocin, and other class IIa bacteriocins. It reviewed how Listeria strains resist these antimicrobial peptides and the genetic factors that contribute to such resistance.
What were the most important findings?
The review found that Listeria monocytogenes exhibits resistance to bacteriocins through various mechanisms, including modifications to receptors that bacteriocins need to bind to, such as changes in the Man-PTS system and lipid II. Genetic determinants linked to these resistance mechanisms include operons like mptACD, genes responsible for altering cell wall components (dlt operon), and modifications in membrane fatty acid composition. It also identified the role of regulatory networks, including the σB system and two-component systems like VirRS, which influence Listeria‘s resistance to bacteriocins. Cross-resistance between different classes of bacteriocins was also highlighted, with mutations in the Man-PTS receptor leading to resistance to multiple bacteriocins. Notably, the review emphasized the potential for resistance to spread through the food industry, where bacteriocins are used as biopreservatives to control Listeria.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The review’s findings have important implications for food safety and public health. The emergence of resistance to bacteriocins in Listeria monocytogenes could reduce the effectiveness of biocontrol strategies that rely on these antimicrobial peptides in food production. This resistance poses a challenge for controlling Listeria in food products, especially in ready-to-eat foods. Additionally, the identification of key genetic determinants of resistance suggests that genetic surveillance of Listeria strains is crucial to prevent the spread of resistant variants. To combat this, the review proposes using multiple bacteriocins with different mechanisms of action or combining bacteriocins with other preservation methods to reduce the risk of resistance development.
Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen capable of surviving in diverse environments, including soil, water, and decaying vegetation. L. monocytogenes has the unique ability to evade the immune system by moving directly from cell to cell within the host. This intracellular lifestyle allows the bacterium to avoid extracellular immune detection, contributing to its ability to cause invasive diseases like meningitis and septicemia, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised.