GlnR positively affects the acid resistance of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum from wine by regulating glutamate metabolism
Open Access
- 22 January 2026
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Frontiers Media SA in Frontiers in Microbiology
- Vol. 16, 1757806
Abstract
Introduction: Owing to its remarkable capacity to modify the aroma profile of wine, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ( L. plantarum ) derived from wine has emerged as a potential starter for malolactic fermentation. However, the inadequate acid resistance of this bacterium severely restricts its application. In some bacterial species, GlnR is considered a universal transcriptional regulator in response to acid stress. Methods: In this study, we determined the function of GlnR in the acid resistance of L. plantarum for the first time. RT-qPCR and yeast one-hybrid assays revealed a direct regulatory correlation between GlnR and genes associated with the glutamate metabolic pathway. Metabolomics analysis via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and fermentation studies confirmed that GlnR affected γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production. Results: The growth and survival rate of the knockout strain XJ25-Δ glnR were significantly lower than those of the wild-type strain XJ25. GlnR can directly bind to the promotor regions of the genes glnA , gadB , and glms1 , thereby upregulating gadB transcription while downregulating glnA and glms1 transcription, directing the increased metabolic flux toward GABA synthesis. Discussion: We present evidence that GlnR plays a vital role in the glutamate metabolic pathway and is a positive transcriptional regulator that can control the acid resistance of L. plantarum XJ25. Although GlnR interacts with glnA , gadB , and glms1 , additional studies are warranted to determine how this interaction affects its acid resistance.Keywords
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