Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen that can cope with stress by entering a
hibernation-like state called viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. VBNC cells escape routine detection
methods posing a risk for human and animal health. We recently discovered that during the transition to
the VBNC state in an aquatic environment, Listeria paradoxically sheds its cell wall to generate cell wall-
deficient forms. The role of these atypical variants in pathogen dissemination and pathogenesis remains
obscure. The aim of the DormaList project is to integrate genome-wide forward genetic screens with omics
approaches and in vivo infection models to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind VBNC state entry
and reversal, and to understand how these dormant forms contribute to Listeria survival and virulence. By
deepening our understanding of bacterial dormancy, this project will promote new strategies to detect and
eradicate persistent pathogens. It will also reveal novel transmission mechanisms of a major foodborne
zoonotic agent, thus fostering human and animal health surveillance.