Recent evidence has shown that enteric bacteria adapt to incubation at low temperature by inducing a multigenic stress response. This involves a new family of DNA binding proteins, the CspA family. We have identified several of these and have shown that, in part, regulation occurs through altered RNA stability at different temperatures. Such information may lead to improved methods of food processing which significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning for the consumer.
Several avenues are under exploration.
Craig, J.E. et al.