Interspecies interactions that result in Bacillus subtilis forming biofilms are mediated mainly by members of its own genus.

ABSTRACT: Many different systems of bacterial interactions have been described. However, relatively few studies have explored how interactions between different microorganisms might influence bacterial development. To explore such interspecies interactions, we focused on Bacillus subtilis, which characteristically develops into matrix-producing cannibals before entering sporulation. We investigated whether organisms from the natural environment of B. subtilis--the soil--were able to alter the development of B. subtilis. To test this possibility, we developed a coculture microcolony screen in which we used fluorescent reporters to identify soil bacteria able to induce matrix production in B. subtilis. Most of the bacteria that influence matrix production in B. subtilis are members of the genus Bacill

SUBMITTER: Shank EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3228442 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature