Resuscitation from the viable but nonculturable state of Escherichia coli: the importance of a pyruvate sensing network

Viable but nonculturable (VBNC) organisms have been underestimated and neglected when studying dormant phenotypes. In clinical settings, VBNC cells may contribute to non-apparent infections capable of being reactivated after months or even years, as for the case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The lack of specific and reliable methodology prevents the proper characterization of the VBNC state. Ultimately, these organisms pose a public health risk with potential implications in several industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to food industry. Research regarding their induction and resuscitation is of major importance. Bacteria are able to respond to several environmental and physiological oscillations in part via two-component systems (TCSs). BtsS/BtsR and YpdA/YpdB are two TCSs of Escherichia coli that form a pyruvate sensing network. Their role in the VBNC state is explored in this study.