Effect of iron on the expression of sirR and sitABC in biofilm-associated Staphylococcus epidermidis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Different gene expression patterns correlate with the altered phenotype in biofilm-associated bacteria. Iron and iron-linked genes are thought to play a key-role in biofilm formation. The expression of Fe-linked genes (sirR, sitABC operon) in Staphylococcus epidermidis, was compared in planktonic versus sessile bacteria in vitro and in vivo in a subcutaneous foreign body rat model.

Results

In vitro in a Fe-limited environment, the planktonic form of S. epidermidis produces siderophores and grows slower than in Fe-rich environment. The expression of sirR in planktonic bacteria, in vitro, was not different in medium without Fe or with 1 microM FeCl3. High Fe concentrations (25 microM FeCl3) increased expression of sirR transiently during the early phase of incubatio

SUBMITTER: Massonet C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1764749 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature