Abstract: In this study, a recombinant strain expressing the tuf gene of Lactobacillus plantarum LR-1 was constructed by electrotransformation. The growth status, stress resistance, adhesion capacity and biofilm formation of the recombinant strain were evaluated, and the impact of tuf overexpression on the expression of other genes was examined. The results indicated that overexpression of tuf could improve the heat resistance, adhesion capacity and biofilm formation but did not significantly influence the growth of L. plantarum LR-1. Transcriptional analysis suggested that overexpression of tuf could upregulate the expression of genes involved in glycolysis pathway (fba, pgm, and gap), type II quorum sensing system (luxS), and ribose metabolism (rib). Collectively, this study provides useful information for the exploration of gene functions of Lactobacillus and offers a theoretical basis for the application of genetically engineered strains as probiotics or starter cultures.

Key words: Lactobacillus plantarum, tuf overexpression, stress resistance, adhesion, biofilm