Motility of Lactobacillus curvatus NRIC 0822: first confirmation of motility in a species outside the Lactobacillus salivarius clade. Latilactobacillus curvatus strain:NRIC0822

This study describes the first strong evidence of flagellar-mediated motilty in Lactobacillus outside of the Lactobacillus salivarius clade. Both genotypic and phenotypic evidence is provided and it is shown that the acquisition of motility in NRIC0822 is due to a relatively recent horizontal gene transfer event. Motility can confer a selective advantage to bacteria in certain environments by allowing them easier access to nutrients and sub-niches. Flagella are also known to interact with the mammalian immune system, often provoking a stronger response when compared to bacteria that lack flagella. This study sought to describe the genetics of flageller-mediated motility in lactobacilli along with the surrounding environmental conditions in which this motility can take place. The evolution and acquisition of motility in terms of the motility operon in Lactobacillus is also emphasized.