L-arabinose: a strategic modulator of pathogen virulence for food system safety
Zheng Li1,2,3, Shiju Jing1,2,3, Huimin Chen1,2,3,4
1Laboratory of Functional Microbiology and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
L-arabinose is a natural pentose sugar widely present in plant cell walls and agricultural residues. It functions both as a carbon source and a signaling molecule, endowing it with significant potential for applications. This article reviews the sources, microbial metabolism, and signal transduction pathways of L-arabinose, with a focus on its regulatory roles and mechanisms in the gut ecosystem and the plant rhizosphere microenvironment. In the gut, L-arabinose modulates microbiota composition, repairs the intestinal barrier, maintains water and salt balance, and influences gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters, thereby inhibiting foodborne pathogens and alleviating constipation. In the plant rhizosphere, L-arabinose activates defense pathways, enhances crop resistance against pathogens, and improves the disease-suppression ability of biocontrol agents. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for developing L-arabinose-based functional food ingredients and sustainable crop protection strategies, offering innovative approaches to improve the safety and resilience of food systems.
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