Thiol Starvation Induces Redox-Mediated Dysregulation of Escherichia coli Biofilm Components.

ABSTRACT: A hallmark of bacterial biofilms is the production of an extracellular matrix (ECM) that encases and protects the community from environmental stressors. Biofilm formation is an integral portion of the uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) life cycle. Approximately 2% of UPEC isolates are cysteine auxotrophs. Here, we investigated how cysteine homeostasis impacted UPEC UTI89 strain biofilm formation and, specifically, the production of the ECM components curli and cellulose. Cysteine auxotrophs produced less cellulose and slightly more curli compared to wild-type (WT) strains, and cysteine auxotrophs formed smooth, nonrugose colonies. Cellulose production was restored in cysteine auxotrophs when YfiR was inactivated. YfiR is a redox-sensitive regulator of the diguanylate cyclase, YfiN. The

SUBMITTER: Hufnagel DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5717159 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature