Fructose-asparagine

Fructose-asparagine (F-Asn) is a metabolite that is utilized by Salmonella bacteria during infection in the gut. It is the first identified nutrient that Salmonella seeks out after it has passed through the stomach acid barrier.

Overview

Fructose-asparagine is composed of a sugar (fructose) and an amino acid (asparagine). It is produced by the body and is found in the gastrointestinal tract. The compound is unique to Salmonella and a few other bacteria, which use it as a source of carbon and nitrogen.

Role in Salmonella Infection

During a Salmonella infection, the bacteria invade the intestinal epithelium and induce inflammation. This inflammation leads to the production of fructose-asparagine, which the bacteria can then use as a nutrient source. The ability to use fructose-asparagine as a nutrient gives Salmonella a competitive advantage over other bacteria in the gut.

The utilization of fructose-asparagine by Salmonella is so important that if you remove it, the bacteria cannot establish an infection. This discovery has led to the development of new strategies for preventing Salmonella infections, such as the creation of drugs that block the bacteria's ability to use fructose-asparagine.

Fructose-asparagine Utilization Pathway

The fructose-asparagine utilization pathway in Salmonella involves several steps. First, the bacteria take up fructose-asparagine from the environment. Then, an enzyme called F-Asn deamidase breaks down fructose-asparagine into fructose and asparagine. These two components are then further metabolized by the bacteria.

The genes involved in the fructose-asparagine utilization pathway are organized in a single operon, called the fructose-asparagine utilization (fru) operon. This operon is regulated by a transcriptional activator, FruR, which is activated by fructose-asparagine.

See Also

• Salmonella
• Metabolite
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Intestinal epithelium