Differential expression of the Escherichia coli autoaggregation factor antigen 43

Antigen 43 (Ag43) is a self-recognizing surface adhesin found in most Escherichia coli strains. Due to its excellent cell-to-cell aggregation characteristics, Ag43 expression confers clumping and fluffing of cells and promotes biofilm formation. Ag43 expression is repressed by the cellular redox sensor OxyR. Here we used mutant versions of OxyR that are locked in either the reduced or the oxidized form as well as the addition of a simple redox-changing chemical to show that the redox state of OxyR influences Ag43 expression. Furthermore, the redox state of OxyR influences the biofilm-forming potential of E. coli. Finally, we demonstrated that Ag43-mediated cell aggregation confers significant protection against hydrogen peroxide killing.