Self-induced mechanical stress can trigger biofilm formation in uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT: Bacterial biofilms represent an important medical problem; however, the mechanisms of the onset of biofilm formation are poorly understood. Here, using new controlled methods allowing high-throughput and reproducible biofilm growth, we show that biofilm formation is linked to self-imposed mechanical stress. In growing uropathogenic Escherichia coli colonies, we report that mechanical stress can initially emerge from the physical stress accompanying colony confinement within micro-cavities or hydrogel environments reminiscent of the cytosol of host cells. Biofilm formation can then be enhanced by a nutrient access-modulated feedback loop, in which biofilm matrix deposition can be particularly high in areas of increased mechanical and biological stress, with the deposited matrix further enha

SUBMITTER: Chu EK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6173693 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature