Synthesis of the compatible solute ectoine in Virgibacillus pantothenticus is triggered by high salinity and low growth temperature

The quantification of the intracellular concentration of ectoine in Virgibacillus pantothenticus revealed that the production of this compatible solute is triggered either by an increase in the external salinity or by a reduction in the growth temperature. This finding reflects increased transcription of the ectoine biosynthetic operon (ectABC) under both environmental conditions.