Exploring Fatty Acid β-Oxidation Pathways in Bacteria: From General Mechanisms to DSF Signaling and Pathogenicity in Xanthomonas

Fatty acids (FAs) participate in extensive physiological activities such as energy metabolism, transcriptional control, and cell signaling. In bacteria, FAs are degraded and utilized through various metabolic pathways, including beta-oxidation. Over the past ten years, significant progress has been made in studying FA oxidation in bacteria, particularly in E. coli, where the processes and roles of FA beta-oxidation have been comprehensively elucidated. Here, we provide an update on the new research achievements in FAs beta-oxidation in bacteria. Using Xanthomonas as an example, we introduce the oxidation process and regulation mechanism of the DSF-family quorum sensing signal. Based on current findings, we propose the specific enzymes required for beta-oxidation of several specific FAs. Finally, we discuss the future outlook on scientific issues that remain to be addressed. This paper supplies theoretical guidance for further study of the FA beta-oxidation pathway with particular emphasis on its connection to the pathogenicity mechanisms of bacteria.