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Published on: October 31, 2017
THE BINDING OF FATTY ACIDS BY SERUM ALBUMIN, A PROTECTIVE GROWTH FACTOR IN BACTERIOLOGICAL MEDIA
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Serum albumin binds oleic acid, promoting growth of tubercle bacilli by preventing bacteriostasis. Purified Tween 80 also supports bacterial growth, highlighting the role of fatty acid binding in microbial proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serum albumin acts as a growth factor for bacteria.
- Fatty acid binding by proteins influences microbial growth initiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of serum albumin in binding fatty acids.
- To understand the mechanism behind Tween 80's effect on tubercle bacilli growth.
Main Methods:
- Protein binding assays with oleic acid.
- Growth studies of tubercle bacilli with varying protein and fatty acid concentrations.
- Analysis of commercial and purified Tween 80.
Main Results:
- Serum albumin binds significant amounts of oleic acid, preventing bacteriostasis.
- Undenatured albumin is required for oleic acid binding.
- Unesterified oleic acid in commercial Tween 80 inhibits growth; purified Tween 80 does not.
Conclusions:
- Serum albumin's fatty acid binding capacity is crucial for initiating growth of small bacterial inocula.
- The inhibitory effect of Tween 80 is due to contaminating oleic acid.
- Albumin's binding properties may have physiological significance in vivo.
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