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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification
Published on: May 6, 2018
Biofilm-associated proteins.
Cristina Latasa1, Cristina Solano, José R Penadés
1Laboratory of Microbial Biofilms, Instituto de Agrobiotecnología & Departamento de Producción Agraria, Universidad Pública de Navarra-CSIC, 31006 Pamplona, Spain.
Surface proteins like biofilm-associated protein (Bap) are crucial for microbial biofilm development, challenging the traditional view of exopolysaccharides as the primary matrix component. This review details Bap, Esp, and BapA proteins.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Exopolysaccharides are key biofilm matrix components.
- Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of surface proteins in microbial community development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on a specific group of surface proteins involved in biofilm formation.
- To focus on three prominent members: Bap from Staphylococcus aureus, Esp from Enterococcus faecalis, and BapA from Salmonella enterica.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on bacterial biofilm-associated proteins.
- Comparative analysis of homologous surface proteins across different bacterial species.
Main Results:
- Biofilm-associated protein (Bap) in S. aureus was the first identified protein in this class.
- Homologous surface proteins involved in biofilm development have been found in numerous Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- The review specifically examines Bap (S. aureus), Esp (E. faecalis), and BapA (Salmonella enterica).
Conclusions:
- Surface proteins, exemplified by Bap, Esp, and BapA, play a critical role in bacterial biofilm development.
- These proteins represent a significant area of study in understanding microbial community architecture and pathogenesis.
- Further research into these proteins could offer novel therapeutic targets.
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