Novel strategy for biofilm inhibition by using small molecules targeting molecular chaperone DnaK.

ABSTRACT: Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Since these cells acquire increased tolerance against antimicrobial agents and host immune systems, biofilm-associated infectious diseases tend to become chronic. We show here that the molecular chaperone DnaK is important for biofilm formation and that chemical inhibition of DnaK cellular functions is effective in preventing biofilm development. Genetic, microbial, and microscopic analyses revealed that deletion of the dnaK gene markedly reduced the production of the extracellular functional amyloid curli, which contributes to the robustness of Escherichia coli biofilms. We tested the ability of DnaK inhibitors myricetin (Myr), telmisartan, pancuronium bromi

SUBMITTER: Arita-Morioka K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4291377 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature