Lipopolysaccharide O-chain core region required for cellular cohesion and compaction of in vitro and root biofilms developed by Rhizobium leguminosarum.

ABSTRACT: The formation of biofilms is an important survival strategy allowing rhizobia to live on soil particles and plant roots. Within the microcolonies of the biofilm developed by Rhizobium leguminosarum, rhizobial cells interact tightly through lateral and polar connections, forming organized and compact cell aggregates. These microcolonies are embedded in a biofilm matrix, whose main component is the acidic exopolysaccharide (EPS). Our work shows that the O-chain core region of the R. leguminosarum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (which stretches out of the cell surface) strongly influences bacterial adhesive properties and cell-cell cohesion. Mutants defective in the O chain or O-chain core moiety developed premature microcolonies in which lateral bacterial contacts were greatly reduced. Furthermore

SUBMITTER: Russo DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4292486 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature