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Polyunsaturated fatty acids cause physiological and behavioral changes in Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio fischeri
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  • David S. Smith,
  • Carina Houck,
  • Allycia Lee,
  • Timothy B. Simmons,
  • Olivia N. Chester,
  • Ayanna Esdaile,
  • David Giles,
  • Steven Symes
David S. Smith
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Corresponding Author:qmz496@mocs.utc.edu

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Carina Houck
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
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Allycia Lee
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
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Timothy B. Simmons
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
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Olivia N. Chester
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
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Ayanna Esdaile
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
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David Giles
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
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Steven Symes
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
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Abstract

Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio (Aliivibrio) fischeri are Gram-negative bacteria found globally in marine environments. During the past decade, studies have shown that certain Gram-negative bacteria, including Vibrio species (cholerae, parahaemolyticus, and vulnificus) 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 whether V. alginolyticus and V. fischeri are capable of responding to exogenous PUFAs by remodeling their membrane phospholipids and/or altering behaviors associated with virulence. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analyses and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-MS) confirmed incorporation of all PUFAs into membrane phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Several growth phenotypes were identified when individual fatty acids were supplied in minimal media and as sole carbon sources. Interestingly, several PUFAs acids inhibited growth of V. fischeri. Significant alterations to membrane permeability were observed depending on fatty acid supplemented. Strikingly, arachidonic acid (20:4) reduced membrane permeability by approximately 35% in both V. alginolyticus and V. fischeri. Biofilm assays indicated that fatty acid influence was dependent on media composition and temperature. All fatty acids caused decreased swimming motility in V. alginolyticus, while only linoleic acid (18:2) significantly increased swimming motility in V. fischeri. In summary, exogenous fatty acids cause a variety of changes in V. alginolyticus and V. fischeri, thus adding these bacteria to a growing list of Gram-negatives that exhibit versatility in fatty acid utilization and highlighting the potential for environmental PUFAs to influence phenotypes associated with planktonic, beneficial, and pathogenic associations.
18 May 2021Submitted to MicrobiologyOpen
22 May 2021Submission Checks Completed
22 May 2021Assigned to Editor
27 May 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
23 Jun 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Jun 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
25 Jul 20211st Revision Received
26 Jul 2021Assigned to Editor
26 Jul 2021Submission Checks Completed
26 Jul 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Jul 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 Aug 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
07 Sep 20212nd Revision Received
08 Sep 2021Assigned to Editor
08 Sep 2021Submission Checks Completed
08 Sep 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Accept