Abstract
The influence of preservatives on the expression of the virulence genes in Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is significant in assessing their functions and effectiveness against pathogens. In this study, the transcriptional response of the virulence genes (inlA, prfA, plcA, and hlyA) in L. monocytogenes during inactivation by nisin was investigated at 37 °C and 4 °C. The expression of these virulence genes decreased rapidly and remained at a constant level when nisin was added both at 37 °C and 4 °C. The decrease in the expression of the virulence genes caused by nisin at 37 °C was higher than that at 4 °C; thus, the ability of nisin to inhibit virulence genes expression at 37 °C is more effective than that at 4 °C. Regarding the effect of the nisin concentration on transcriptional inhibition, 500 IU/mL nisin caused significantly lower expression of the virulence genes than 100 IU/mL nisin at both temperatures. With the cell count increasing after the early bactericidal activity of nisin, the expression of the virulence genes also began to increase. Interestingly, the expression of these virulence genes all responded uniformly to nisin of different concentrations at different temperatures. A comprehensive understanding of the transcriptional response of the virulence genes in L. monocytogenes during inactivation by nisin could contribute to the effective application of nisin in the food industry.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
