The growth of
Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 and of its
螖ccpA ery mutant, WCFS1-2, was compared in batch fermentations in a complex medium at controlled pH (6.5) and temperature (30 掳C) with or without aeration, in order to evaluate the effect of
ccpA inactivation and aeration on growth, metabolism and stress resistance. Inactivation of
ccpA and, to a lesser extent, aeration, significantly affected growth, expression of proteins related to pyruvate metabolism and stress, and tolerance to heat, oxidative and cold/starvation stresses. The specific growth rate of the mutant was ca. 60%of that of the wild type strain. Inactivation of
ccpA and aerobic growth significantly affected yield and production of lactic and acetic acid. Stationary phase cells were more stress tolerant than exponential phase cells with little or no effect of inactivation of
ccpA or aeration. On the other hand, for exponential phase cells inactivation of
ccpA impaired both heat stress and cold/starvation stress, but increased oxidative stress tolerance. For both strains, aerobically grown cells were more tolerant of stresses. Evidence for entry in a viable but non-culturable status upon prolonged exposure to cold and starvation was found. Preliminary results of a differential proteomic study further confirmed the role of
ccpA in the regulation of carbohydrate catabolism and class I stress response genes and allow to gain further insight on the role of this pleiotropic regulator in metabolism and stress.
This is the first study in which the impact of aerobic growth on stress tolerance of L. plantarum is evaluated. Although aerobic cultivation in batch fermentations does not improve growth it does improve stress tolerance, and may have significant technological relevance for the preservation of starter and probiotic cultures.