Characterization of galactose catabolic pathways in <i>Streptococcus agalactiae</i> and identification of a major galactose: phosphotransferase importer

We identified and characterized genomic regions of <i>Streptococcus agalactiae</i> that are involved in the Leloir and the tagatose-6-phosphate pathways for D-galactose catabolism. The accumulation of mutations in genes coding the Leloir pathway and the absence of these genes in a significant proportion of the strains suggest that this pathway may no longer be necessary for <i>S. agalactiae</i> and is heading toward extinction. In contrast, a genomic region containing genes coding for intermediates of the tagatose-6-phosphate pathway, a Gat family PTS transporter, and a DeoR/GlpR family regulator is present in the vast majority of strains. By deleting genes that code for intermediates of each of these two pathways in three selected strains, we demonstrated that the tagatose-6-phosphate pathway is their sole route for galactose catabolism. Furthermore, we showed that the Gat family PTS transporter acts as the primary importer of galactose in <i>S. agalactiae</i>. Finally, we proved that the DeoR/GlpR family regulator is a repressor of the tagatose-6-phosphate pathway and that galactose triggers the induction of this biochemical mechanism.IMPORTANCE<i>S. agalactiae</i>, a significant pathogen for both humans and animals, encounters galactose and galactosylated components within its various ecological niches. We highlighted the capability of this bacterium to metabolize D-galactose and showed the role of the tagatose-6-phosphate pathway and of a PTS importer in this biochemical process. Since <i>S. agalactiae</i> relies on carbohydrate fermentation for energy production, its ability to uptake and metabolize D-galactose could enhance its persistence and its competitiveness within the microbiome.