Functional genomics of Enterococcus faecalis: multiple novel genetic determinants for biofilm formation in the core genome.

ABSTRACT: The ability of Enterococcus faecalis to form robust biofilms on host tissues and on abiotic surfaces such as catheters likely plays a major role in the pathogenesis of opportunistic antibiotic-resistant E. faecalis infections and in the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. We have carried out a comprehensive analysis of genetic determinants of biofilm formation in the core genome of E. faecalis. Here we describe 68 genetic loci predicted to be involved in biofilm formation that were identified by recombinase in vivo expression technology (RIVET); most of these genes have not been studied previously. Differential expression of a number of these determinants during biofilm growth was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and genetic complementation studies verified a role

SUBMITTER: Ballering KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2668403 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature