Modification of the biophysical characteristics of membranes in commensal Escherichia colistrains from breast cancer patients

Abstract

Escherichia coli G35 N49 strain, from the gut of breast cancer patients, in comparison with the E. coli G35 N61 strain, from the gut of healthy people, shows in vitro reduction in growth rates and maximal growth yield. The changes in certain membrane characteristics, such as low membrane potential and disturbance in intramembrane interaction of H+-ATPase F 0F1 with the TrkA system, indicate a dysfunction in ion transport and enzymatic activity. These changes can be detected during fermentation and in anaerobic conditions (in the gut, for example) and may be influenced by unfavorable conditions in the gut of cancer patients. © 2005 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.