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Mucin biopolymers prevent bacterial aggregation by retaining cells in the free-swimming state

Marina Caldara1, Ronn S Friedlander, Nicole L Kavanaugh

  • 1Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.

Current Biology : CB
|November 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Mucus prevents bacterial adhesion and promotes motility, but motile bacteria can form antibiotic-resistant biofilms. This suggests new strategies for targeting bacterial virulence and preventing biofilm formation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biophysics
  • Host-Microbe Interactions

Background:

  • Biofilms are bacterial communities that are difficult to eradicate, causing medical and industrial problems.
  • Mucus, a hydrogel covering wet epithelia, typically prevents harmful bacterial colonization by limiting contact with tissues.
  • The digestive tract has distinct mucus layers: a firm, bacteria-devoid layer and a loose, bacteria-rich layer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of mucus in host-microbe interactions.
  • To understand how mucin biopolymers affect bacterial behavior and adhesion.
  • To explore the mechanisms by which bacteria overcome mucus defenses.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assays using mucin biopolymers.
  • Analysis of bacterial motility and adhesion.
  • Genetic manipulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including deletion of motility genes.

Main Results:

  • Mucin biopolymers promote planktonic bacterial motility and inhibit adhesion to surfaces.
  • Immotile Pseudomonas aeruginosa can overcome mucus's dispersive effects, forming antibiotic-resistant flocs.
  • These flocs resemble the morphology of immotile bacteria found in cystic fibrosis lung mucus.

Conclusions:

  • Mucus plays a dual role in host-microbe interactions, influencing bacterial motility and adhesion.
  • Bacterial motility is crucial for preventing mucus-mediated dispersal and biofilm formation.
  • Mucus properties may inspire novel antibiofilm strategies, such as coatings for medical implants.

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