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Super-resolution Imaging of Proteus mirabilis Biofilm by Expansion Microscopy
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Merging mythology and morphology: the multifaceted lifestyle of Proteus mirabilis

Chelsie E Armbruster1, Harry L T Mobley

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, 5641 Medical Science Building II, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.

Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|October 9, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Proteus mirabilis, a bacterium known for swarming and urease, utilizes a type VI secretion system for interbacterial killing. Its metabolism, motility, and virulence are intricately linked, impacting urinary tract infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative bacterium recognized for its complex swarming behavior and urease production.
  • Its unique characteristics, including Dienes line formation, have been a subject of study for over a century.
  • Recent advancements in genomic and transcriptomic analyses have provided new insights into its biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent discoveries in Proteus mirabilis biology and pathogenesis.
  • To highlight the bacterium's unique attributes such as swarming motility and urease activity.
  • To emphasize the role of P. mirabilis in both single-species and polymicrobial urinary tract infections.

Main Methods:

  • Transcriptome profiling during host infection and swarming.
  • Whole-genome sequencing of P. mirabilis.
  • Literature review of recent studies on P. mirabilis.

Main Results:

  • Identification of a type VI secretion system involved in interbacterial competition and killing.
  • Elucidation of the reciprocal regulation between adhesion and motility.
  • Demonstration of strong links between metabolism, swarming, and virulence.
  • Insights into the bacterium's role in urinary tract infections.

Conclusions:

  • Proteus mirabilis exhibits complex interbacterial interactions and virulence mechanisms.
  • The interplay between metabolism, motility, and virulence is crucial for P. mirabilis pathogenesis.
  • P. mirabilis is a significant contributor to urinary tract infections, necessitating further research.

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