[Adaptive stress response mechanisms of Oenococcus oeni--a review]

Three main mechanisms for stress tolerance response of O. oeni were addressed in the review. Activation of MLF and membrane-bound H(+)-F0F1-ATPases activity were utilized to maintain the intracellular environment and to control the energetic status of Oenococcus oeni; Cell membrane compositions and fluidity were adjusted to compensate for the various stresses environmental effects; In addition to a small heat shock protein Lo18, many other stress proteins and corresponding genes were also found to be involved in the Oenococcal adaptive stress responses. CtsR-dependent gene regulation systems were demonstrated in Oenococcus oeni. A better understanding of Oenococcus oeni stress adaptive response mechanisms should play an important role in screening of highly tolerant strains, mastering the characterization of malolactic starters and rationalizing industrial processes of preparing wine malolactic starter. Furthermore, Oenococcus oeni stress genes also could be used for constructing engineer strains with new properties.