Pel is a cationic exopolysaccharide that cross-links extracellular DNA in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm matrix
Laura K. Jennings,Kelly M. Storek,Hannah E. Ledvina,Charlène Coulon,Lindsey S. Marmont,Irina Sadovskaya,Patrick R. Secor,Boo Shan Tseng,Michele Scian,Alain Filloux,Daniel J. Wozniak,P. Lynne Howell,Matthew R. Parsek +12 more
TLDR
A tool for the direct visualization of Pel in biofilms is developed by combining Pel-specific Wisteria floribunda lectin staining with confocal microscopy and the results indicate that Pel cross-links eDNA in the biofilm stalk via ionic interactions.Abstract:
Biofilm formation is a complex, ordered process. In the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Psl and Pel exopolysaccharides and extracellular DNA (eDNA) serve as structural components of the biofilm matrix. Despite intensive study, Pel’s chemical structure and spatial localization within mature biofilms remain unknown. Using specialized carbohydrate chemical analyses, we unexpectedly found that Pel is a positively charged exopolysaccharide composed of partially acetylated 1→4 glycosidic linkages of N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine. Guided by the knowledge of Pel’s sugar composition, we developed a tool for the direct visualization of Pel in biofilms by combining Pel-specific Wisteria floribunda lectin staining with confocal microscopy. The results indicate that Pel cross-links eDNA in the biofilm stalk via ionic interactions. Our data demonstrate that the cationic charge of Pel is distinct from that of other known P. aeruginosa exopolysaccharides and is instrumental in its ability to interact with other key biofilm matrix components.read more
Citations
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Biofilms: an emergent form of bacterial life.
Hans-Curt Flemming,Jost Wingender,Ulrich Szewzyk,Peter D. Steinberg,Scott A. Rice,Staffan Kjelleberg +5 more
TL;DR: The fundamental role of the biofilm matrix is considered, describing how the characteristic features of biofilms — such as social cooperation, resource capture and enhanced survival of exposure to antimicrobials — all rely on the structural and functional properties of the matrix.
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Molecular mechanisms of biofilm-based antibiotic resistance and tolerance in pathogenic bacteria
Clayton W. Hall,Thien-Fah Mah +1 more
TL;DR: This review summarises both historical and recent scientific data in support of the known biofilm resistance and tolerance mechanisms and suggestions for future work in the field are provided.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lifestyle: A Paradigm for Adaptation, Survival, and Persistence.
TL;DR: The central regulatory role of quorum sensing and signaling systems by nucleotide-based second messengers resulting in different lifestyles of P. aeruginosa is reviewed and various regulatory proteins will be discussed which form a plethora of controlling systems acting at transcriptional level for timely expression of genes enabling rapid responses to external stimuli and unfavorable conditions.
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Strategies for combating bacterial biofilms: A focus on anti-biofilm agents and their mechanisms of action
TL;DR: The molecules considered here might be used to treat biofilm-associated infections after significant structural modifications, thereby investigating its effective delivery in the host and minimum effective concentration must be capable of eradicating biofilm infections with maximum potency without posing any adverse side effects on the host.
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Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPSs) in Ocean Systems.
Alan W. Decho,Tony Gutierrez +1 more
TL;DR: An overview of the roles of exopolymer in oceans suggests that EPS contribute to efficient trophic-transfer of environmental contaminants, and may provide a protective refugia for pathogenic cells within marine systems; one that enhances their survival/persistence.
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