Long-chain fatty acid homeostasis contributes to survival of uropathogenic E. coli during copper toxicity

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the leading causative agent of urinary tract infection (UTI). Copper (Cu) is a host effector mobilized to the bladder during the innate immune response activated by acute UTI. E. coli precisely regulates Cu homeostasis via efflux systems because excess Cu is toxic. Long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) homeostasis is critical for the survival of E. coli during envelope stress. However, the interaction between LCFA metabolism and survival durin