A genetic screen identifies a role for oprF in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm stimulation by subinhibitory antibiotics.

ABSTRACT: Biofilms are surface-associated communities of bacteria that grow in a self-produced matrix of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA). Sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) of antibiotics induce biofilm formation, potentially as a defensive response to antibiotic stress. However, the mechanisms behind sub-MIC antibiotic-induced biofilm formation are unclear. We show that treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with multiple classes of sub-MIC antibiotics with distinct targets induces biofilm formation. Further, addition of exogenous eDNA or cell lysate failed to increase biofilm formation to the same extent as antibiotics, suggesting that the release of cellular contents by antibiotic-driven bacteriolysis is insufficient. Using a genetic screen for stimulation-defici

SUBMITTER: Yaeger LN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10960818 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature