C 4 -Dicarboxylates as Growth Substrates and Signaling Molecules for Commensal and Pathogenic Enteric Bacteria in Mammalian Intestine

Abstract

The C4-dicarboxylates (C4-DC) l -aspartate and l -malate have been identified as playing an important role in the colonization of mammalian intestine by enteric bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium, and succinate as a signaling molecule for host–enteric bacteria interaction. Thus, endogenous and exogenous fumarate respiration and related functions are required for efficient initial growth of the bacteria.