Identification of a novel matrix protein that promotes biofilm maturation in Vibrio fischeri Journal Article


Authors: Ray, V. A.; Driks, A; Visick, K. L.
Article Title: Identification of a novel matrix protein that promotes biofilm maturation in Vibrio fischeri
Abstract: Bacteria form communities termed biofilms in which cells adhere to each other within a matrix, typically comprised of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA. Biofilm formation by the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri requires the Syp polysaccharide, but the involvement of matrix proteins is as-yet unknown. Here, we identified three genes, termed bmp (A, B, C) for biofilm maturation protein, with overlapping functions in biofilm maturation. A triple bmpABC mutant, but not single or double mutants, was defective for producing wrinkled colonies, a form of biofilm. Surprisingly, the triple mutant was competent to form pellicles, another biofilm phenotype, but they generally lacked 3D architecture. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the extracellular matrix of the bmp mutant contained electron-dense thread-like structures that were also present in the wild-type but lacking in syp mutant strains. We hypothesized that the bmp mutant produces the Syp polysaccharide, but fails to produce/export a distinct matrix component. Indeed, a mixture of the bmp and syp mutants produced a wrinkled colony. Finally, BmpA could be detected in cell-free supernatants from disrupted pellicles. Thus, this work identifies a new matrix protein necessary for biofilm maturation by V. fischeri and, based on the conservation of Bmp, potentially other microbes.
Journal Title: Journal of Bacteriology
Volume: 197
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1098-5530; 0021-9193
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved  
Date Published: 2015
Start Page: 518
End Page: 528
Language: ENG
DOI/URL:
Notes: LR: 20150801; CI: Copyright (c) 2015; GR: R01 GM059690/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States; GR: R01 GM59690/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States; JID: 2985120R; 0 (Bacterial Proteins); 0 (Macromolecular Substances); OID: NLM: PMC4285995; 2014/11/17 [aheadofprint]; ppublish