Multi-omics analysis revealed the anti-quorum sensing mechanism of theaflavin-3,3´-digallate on Hafnia alvei H4

Theaflavin-3,3´-digallate (TF3) exhibits anti-quorum sensing (QS) properties against Hafnia alvei H4, a bacterium commonly found in spoiled aquatic products, by interacting with LuxI and reducing AHL concentration. This study investigated the extensive changes in the transcriptional and metabolic profiles of H. alvei H4 induced by TF3 as a QS inhibitor (QSI). The results demonstrated that a subminimal inhibitory concentration of TF3 (31.25 µM) disrupted the QS system of H. alvei H4 by down-regulating the expression of genes involved in QS and decreasing AHL concentrations. The dysfunction of the QS system in H. alvei H4 exacerbated oxidative stress, which in turn altered membrane composition, increased membrane permeability, and disrupted energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism, ultimately contributing to the anti-QS effect. Subsequent validation through real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and enzyme assays corroborated the sequencing results. These findings enhance our understanding of the comprehensive anti-QS effects induced by TF3, which may facilitate its future development and application in ensuring food safety. To study the broad changes in the transcription and metabolic profile of Hafnia alvei H4 induced by TF3 as a QS inhibitor, we treated H. alvei H4 with a subminimal inhibitory concentration of TF3 (31.25 µM), cultured and pretreated together with the control group without TF3 treatment, perform RNA-Seq sequencing.